Choice of drink can overwhelm cigar's flavor...

Ran into something yesterday that I've not experienced before. Went into a favorite little Irish pub and had the usual Guinness with a nice cigar-Cusano 18 Paired Maduro. First time for this combination, thought the rich stout would go well with the similar favors of the maduro. Usually have something like a brown ale with that stogie. Actually, since the Cusano is on the milder side, the stout tended to overshadow the cigar. Now, it wasn't bad at all - just did not get all the usual subtle favors that I really enjoy from that cigar. With a Guinness, I'd normally have an Undercrown, Oliva V, or one of the dark wrapper Aroma De Cubas. No issues with those cigars holding their own against any beer or ale! Interestingly, a fine bourbon or scotch, neat, has a positive effect on the flavor of even the mildest cigars - IMHO.
Who else has noticed this?
RR