Drink pairing = Artificial flavor?

[stearns]

i've been told by people far more experienced than me that drinking peligrino is their favorite way to fully taste a cigar, somewhat of a palate cleanser in every sip. personally, i like thinking of cigars and their accompaniment as one smoking experience, hence why i always mention the drink of choice in reviews. if i want the pure cigar flavor (like if im doing a blind taste test), i stick to good old agua, but there are certain sticks i know go well with certain beverages, and i know full well that the drink changes my experience with the cigar. sometimes i want a PAM with a coffee, other times with a fine rum. enjoy both, but get a different taste out of the two situations. of course, this is just my worthless opinion

stearns