So I didn't think this thread belonged in the CC topic so I am posting it here. A friend of mine just got accepted to the University of Oklahoma. Normally I guess it wouldn't be such a big deal, but having to pay for college on his own the whole way and stuff, he went to the community college here and then transfered to a junior college, and finally got admitted to OU. I guess its kind of like the story of Rudy in a way. He worked very hard to get scholarships and get to the college of his dreams.

I was wanting to share some of my "Top Shelf" with him. I have about 5 CC's, but 2 of them are Montecristo # 3's(Thanks Appa69). I would liked to have done some Montecristo # 2's or Cohiba Siglo V's(his favorite brand) or something, since those cigars are a little bit more esteemed, but I will make due with what I have. I was wanting to sit down and smoke them with him and show show him how proud I am of him. I had his back the whole way, and I since I can't take cigars with me whenever I die, I want to share the love. So what drink should I pair these cigars with? I do not know much about scotch and whiskey so whatever you think will pair well with these cigars, please let me know. Thats really what I guess this thread was about. I just want to be a good friend and be a good BOTL to a good friend.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

You're best bet is to pair it with something you like. If aren't into scoth, don't force it.
I know for me, it will ruin the cigar.

If you and your friend have never had that particular cigar before then you might want to pair it with water so you can enjoy the taste of the cigar by itself and really appreciate the cigars flavors.

True, True Gimpy. However, we both like to have a little drink with our cigars. Maybe we can smoke those, with water and drink some later. Hell we will be on his back porch all night playing 13, chess and risk. Any suggestions though?

If you're both not into scotch, consider Mojitos made with good rum and fresh mint, or a Gin & Tonic. Basically - go with what you like, as opposed to attempting to find that elusive Perfect Pairing.

Or - just plain ice water to clear the palette and let you focus on the smoke.

Oh what the heck, go with the Bowmore Black!

If you must, there are some good Scotch recommendation threads. Glenlivet, Balvenie DoubleWood, Famous Grouse for beginners just off the top of my head, but you never lose with cold water or Coke.

I like the Mojitos idea. I have been wanting to make those for quite some time. Well we have talked, and we are going to smoke the Montecristo # 3's after lunch, and then after dinner we are going to smoke some Partagas 160's, with something to drink. I must agree, having never smoked a CC before, we should take in the whole cigar without anything added. We have been smoking for a couple years so I am sure the long awaited CC will be fantastic. Thanks all whom have commented so far. Please keep more suggestions coming.

Yeah. . . Something tells me you won't be lighting up that Partagas 160 after you try the Montecristo No.3, and if you do, it's going to be a really short smoke.

Woodford Reserve is a nice whiskey...

How about some quality Belgian beer? Chimay Blue or White label would be excellent. I also love Rochefort 10 and Delirium Nocturnum.

When I get together with friends, this is what we drink. If you like port, a bottle of Fonseca Bin 27 or Graham's Six Grapes would also work well. Lots of good options, and none of these will break the bank.

I LOVE Belgian beer. I LOVE good quality beer for that matter. Rochefort Tappistries is really good. I actually brew my own beer with a friend. Its not too bad, but we get to make beer the way we want to make it, which is how I like it anyway. Also after the third batch, you have pretty much have made it pay for itself. It costs something like $22, to make 45+ beers. Ahh I love it!

Congrats to your friend for starters! It's pretty good of you to share one of your few CC's with him. Sometimes a cigar is just better when you're smoking with good friends.

I would vote for the mojitos. They are a little time consuming to make but rewarding. My second choice would be a beer you like. Scotch, if you're not used to it, might overpower the taste of your cigars. Have fun!

Crime, I like the way you think, sir. Enjoy the moment with your friend. I'm not a drinker at all. But I enjoy a nice glass of Ice Tea with my cigars.

P.S...Congrats to your friend. Hard work always deserves a good reward.

Thats really what I am thinking about in the end. I just want to be a good friend and a good BOTL.

Congrats to your buddy. Hopefully, his hard work will pay off and the two of you can enjoy premium cigars together anytime you want to.

Trying to pair an alcoholic beverage with a cigar is hard to do. Just as each cigar has a different taste to each of us, so does an alcoholic beverage. I may like a certain pairing but you might not. I'd just go with some drink you like and try it. If the drink seems to detract from the enjoyment of the cigar, don't force it. Just use water. If you want something perhaps more "classy" than water, pick up a bottle of San Pellegrino bottled water. IMHO, it's flavor and carbonation tends to cleanse the palatte and makes the cigar even better.

Yeah we have been smoking for a long time, and know how to enjoy a good cigar. However, we dont ever drink much, and I always read on here that guys pair their cigars with whiskey and scotch all the time, so we thought we would do the same. Just trying something a little different.