In the world of cigars, pairing the right cigar with the right beverage is a step up from just a good stick. In the Caribbean, there might be one cigar shop on each island.

On Nevis, Mark Theron has established a well-curated cigar shop and pioneered a unique spiced rum. If you can stop at L & L Rum Shop, you get a pairing you will simply find nowhere else, period.

The rum side operation has the most extensive selection in the Caribbean. The star of the beverage show is their own Clifton Estate Rum

Often, spiced rums just have too much spice and a tang that you are not accustomed to, so the palate gives a big NAY. Their spiced rum has an incredible balance and even appeals to those generally not fans of spiced rum. This has a bit of orange rather than vanilla, a welcomed change from the standard spice addition. You can purchase there duty-free, and shipments have started in select areas to the United States.

On the cigar side, the shop has an outstanding selection of cigars from many countries. When traveling, difficult to bring enough, and this is an excellent establishment to stock up during your trip. And since Mark makes the award-winning rum, he has stocked his humidor with smokes that go well with the drink. Medium to just above medium body seems to be the best for pairing with the rum. This would include the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990, and The Edge, also by RP. If a Cuban cigar is of interest, the Hoyo de Monterrey Robusto Petit Coronas are a good match.