For centuries, people have wheeled out fine cigars for celebratory occasions. There’s something about the rich complexity, superior construction, and pleasurable experience of an artisanal cigar that fits special occasions like a glove. Plus, the communal aspect of cigar smoking lends itself perfectly to an array of celebrations—from weddings to milestones, promotions and parties.
But where does one begin navigating the wide world of premium cigars? How do you tailor the product to the particular celebration? And how can you put a personal spin on it?
This guide helps you traverse the process of choosing, buying, and protecting your special occasion cigars. Before you head to the local tobacconist, read the resources below.
What Makes a Cigar “Special” for an Occasion?
What’s the difference between a “special” cigar and a run-of-the-mill gas station special? The two could not be more different. When shopping for a premium cigar for a noteworthy occasion, consider some key characteristics:
- Flavor complexity: Premium cigars from highly reputed brands feature smoothness, richness, and diverse tasting notes you don’t get from bargain barrel cigars. It’s like the difference between boxed wines and grand crus.
- High-quality construction: Premium brands from famous cigar-making countries pay great attention to construction, creating products that burn better, draw better, and deliver more satisfying smoke.
- Visual appeal: They say you smoke a cigar first with your eyes. That said, special occasion cigars should feature warmly colored wrappers, compelling branding, and beautiful boxes.
Keep these criteria in mind as you attempt to pick a good cigar. A suitably special cigar ought to reflect the significance of the event, so choosing flavorful, well-constructed, visually appealing options is a must. A reputable tobacconist can help steer you toward cigars that satisfy these criteria; when in doubt, price is often an indicator of quality.
Other Factors to Consider
Aside from the fundamental characteristics of a fine cigar, a few other factors may steer your decision-making.
For instance, the type of occasion can dictate what cigar you choose. In general, milder and smoother cigars that appeal to a wider audience will suit large gatherings like weddings or big parties. Meanwhile, if you’re attending a milestone birthday for a noted cigar lover, it’s better to bring a bolder flavor suited to an experienced palate. And if you’re not sure which extreme to choose, opt for a lovely middle ground: medium-bodied cigars.
The next factor to consider is the time available for smoking. Shorter events like work celebrations or toasts can’t sustain a long cigar with a wide ring gauge; instead, opt for smaller sticks like coronas. Meanwhile, longer events like wedding receptions and late-night parties—or solo celebrations that don’t have a clock ticking—allow for larger, thicker cigars like Churchills or toros.
Choosing the Best Cigars for Special Occasions
With your criteria in place, you can visit a local tobacconist for recommendations. If you’d prefer to arrive at the tobacconist with specific examples, consider the following suggestions:
- For large gatherings like weddings: Mild, creamy cigars with universal appeal. Examples include the Montecristo White Series and Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real
- For experienced cigar events like milestone birthdays: Bolder, richer flavors. Examples include the Arturo Fuente Opus X and Padron 1964 Anniversary Series.
- For a middle ground between the two: Medium-bodied cigars that offer a balance of flavor and smoothness. Examples include the Cohiba Red Dot and Ashton Classic.
- For events with limited time: Well-reviewed coronas. Examples include the Ashton VSG Illusion and Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva.
A well-stocked local tobacconist should carry most or all of these. However, if they do not have what you’re looking for, you can either ask for comparable substitutions or track down your preferred cigar online.
How to Personalize Cigars for Special Occasions
Whether the celebratory cigar is for you or intended as a gift, consider personalizing the purchase to make it extra special. You can put your singular stamp on the item in a few ways:
- Custom Bands: Some brands offer personalized cigar bands with names, dates, or messages for celebrations like weddings and birthdays.
- Cigar Boxes: When buying multiple premium cigars for an honoree (or yourself), consider a stylish box to house the purchase. In many cases, the branded box is impressive enough. However, you can supplement your gift with a bespoke cigar box for added emphasis.
- Drink Pairings: Fine cigars and fine liquors form a formidable pair. Personalize your purchase by combining it with a fine spirit like whisky or cognac, or a quality red wine. This bottle can be as part of a gift package; it can also be another opportunity to indulgently treat yourself.
For more information on pairing cigars with various drinks, check out this resource from Cigar World.
How to Store Your Special Smoke Before the Big Day
Finally, before you leave the tobacconist, purchase a few items to protect your investment. If you already own a humidor, go ahead and use that. If not, buy (at the very least) a sturdy, tight-sealing cigar bag or leather travel case.
Next, purchase a Boveda 2-way humidity control pack to place in the bag. This pack will maintain an ideal relative humidity in the bag to keep the cigar from drying out. This is especially important if you don’t plan to smoke the cigar immediately. Left to fluctuating humidity, a cigar can lose its signature complexity and depth, which would be a shame for celebratory occasions.
To recap, research cigars that are complex, well-constructed, and aesthetically pleasing. Tailor your purchase to the event type, ensuring that your selection fits a) the palates of everyone partaking and b) the reasonable time allotted for smoking the cigar. Personalize your purchase to add meaning with custom bands, boxes, and fine spirits. And store your cigar in an air-tight container with a 2-way humidity control pack to keep it at its peak. If all goes well, you will enjoy the perfect cigar for your next special occasion. Whatever you’re celebrating, there’s a premium cigar out there for you – just waiting to be enjoyed.
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