Shotgun Willies in Denver at first glance doesn’t seem like the ideal location for a cigar pairing dinner. But after you arrive, you see a private humidor and liquor storage area for members, and you know you are in the right place.

The Cigar Pairing Dinner is the invention of Padre Ruiz, who is also the Cigar & Bar Manager. Being at Shotgun’s for 13 years, and seeing the increasing interest in cigars and pairings, both personally and professionally, Padre put the plan into action.

The cigar pairing dinners occur every two months, and combines food, cigars and beverages. You don’t have to be a SW locker/humidor member to attend. Each dinner features a premium cigar manufacturer with their latest cigars and on-the-spot specials. Food is carefully crafted by Dirt $quad Kitchen with four to five courses, depending upon the evening. The food theme matches the beverage theme.

For this event, the French courses were paired with Hennessy Cognac, progressing from Hennessy Black to XO and finishing with Paradis Imperial.  The empanada with orange-cranberry relish was carefully matched with Hennessy VSOP, while the steak au poivre was accented by Hennessy XO.  All events combine food selections and the best beverage companions for the ultimate experience.

Cigars were in prominent focus with the attendance of Hamlet Parades, master craftsman and roller for Rocky Patel. Hamlet cigars were featured as the latest creation from Hamlet himself. His expertise was started by being born and raised in Havana, and spending 23 years in cigars before joining Rocky Patel four years ago. The Hamlet 25th Year, crafted in Nicaragua, is medium-bodied cigar combining a Ecuadoran Habano wrapper with a cedary note, a Pennsylvania Broadleaf binder, and Nicaraguan & Honduran fillers.Quite a testament to the expertise of Hamlet and his passion for cigar perfection. For additional questions and insight into specific cigars, local rep Crystal LaTour also aided in spreading the word on new Rocky Patel products.

This is a limited seated event, right inside the show club. Tickets are $150 per person for the event, and with only 30 seats, tend to fill quickly upon announcement of the line up. Email for more information and your ticket to this special event if you are in the Denver area.