The Second Third: Balance with Añejo Tequila Halfway through, the cigar evolves.
The First Third: Freshness with Blanco Tequila At the start, the cigar is smooth, elegant, and slightly floral. Each draw enhanced the nuances and characteristics of each expression. Aged in whisky barrels, the tequila develops notes of pear, apple, and plum, perfect for accompanying a cigar sip by sip. The bubbles elevate the aromas, and the tequila embraces the profile of the Habano.
The Second Third: Intensity with Reposado Tequila The middle is a bridge between freshness and complexity. A well-structured Paloma works as a bridge between freshness and complexity, while the reposado adds a subtle barrel note that accompanies the evolution of the smoke.
The Third Third: Intensity with Añejo Tequila The end is deep, intense, and sophisticated. Here the cigar reaches its maximum expression, releasing essential oils and a rich, enveloping aroma. To accompany it, a classic Margarita with a clean profile becomes the ideal starting point, where the acidity and agave illuminate the first notes of the tobacco.
The result is a long, elegant finish, perfectly synchronized with the final third of the Habano.
Cocktails to Enjoy It 1. Margarita Ingredients: - 45 ml Centinela Blanco Tequila - 15 ml Orange Liqueur - 30 ml Fresh Lemon Juice - 15 ml Agave Syrup Preparation: Pour all ingredients into a shaker. Shake for 15 seconds with plenty of ice and serve in a frosted glass.
- Paloma Here, balance is key. A well-structured Paloma functions as a bridge between freshness and complexity, while the reposado provides a subtle barrel note that accompanies the evolution of the smoke. Ingredients:
- 45 ml Centinela Reposado Tequila
- 15 ml Lemon Juice
- 45 ml Natural Grapefruit Juice
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45 ml Grapefruit Soda Preparation: Build in a tall glass with ice.
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Tequila Old Fashioned For this finale, the ideal accompaniment is a short, robust cocktail: a Tequila Old Fashioned, where the complexity of the añejo takes center stage. Ingredients:
- 60 ml Centinela Añejo Tequila
- 20 ml Agave Syrup
- 5 ml Angostura Bitters Garnish: an orange half-moon and a cherry Preparation: Gently stir in a Double Old Fashioned glass with one large ice cube.
Without a doubt, the favorite of the night was the Centinela Añejo, which offers unparalleled depth thanks to its three-year aging process.
The Cigar Experience The sensory journey began with the lighting of a Cohiba Siglo VI, a hand-rolled vitola with tobaccos from all over Cuba that, once lit, offers medium strength and fills the palate with a creamy smoke that is enjoyed more with each draw. Its composition evolves in three acts—depending on the amount of cigar smoked—which allowed us to appreciate each sip of tequila differently. The first third is ideal for recognizing the notes of the pure distillate; we tried blanco, reposado, and añejo. The freshness cleanses the palate and prepares each draw. It gains body, depth, and character. The notes become spicier, more enveloping. It is time to awaken the palate, to open the senses without overwhelming them.
Although whisky is one of its best-known partners, on this occasion we want to present its pairing with tequila. Hand in hand with Habanos S.A. —who will celebrate their 100th anniversary in 2026— and Tequila Centinela, we were able to explore how to enjoy this combination through iconic cocktails and straight drinks. Each piece carries ancestral tradition, is 100% natural, and possesses a complexity that unfolds with every draw. No wonder it is the star of unique and deeply personal celebrations like a reunion of friends after years, a newlywed marriage, the birth of a child, and many other memorable occasions. As the protagonist of these moments, it needs a companion that helps it unleash its full potential.
The evening was enhanced by the sophisticated and warm ambiance of Spirit Rooms, a unique speakeasy located in the Condesa neighborhood.
