I know virtually nothing about cigars, but my brother-in-law enjoys them and I’d like to get him one as a gift. I searched thecigarstore.com, but I realized that aside from the price point, I have no way of differentiating the cigars because I don’t know what a “cigar smoker” consideres a good cigar.
I don’t know his preference . . . is there a universally recognized “good cigar” that would make a good gift? I’m looking to spend $50 to $70.
Thank you!
Cigars come in all kinds of sizes and strengths – if you know the preference of your brother-in-law for either category (or both), it’d help a lot. If this gift is intended to be a surprise, then here are some suggestions:
Macanudos are the #1 selling handmade cigar in this country; they’re very mild, but that’s not a bad thing for some preferences. Macanudo has a line called Robust that’s a bit more flavorful.
I prefer somewhat stronger cigars, including:
Punch (esp. Rothschild Double Maduro)
Sancho Panza
Padron
El Rey Del Mundo
Any of these brands should be readily available at a local tobacconist’s shop or online. Your budget will go a lot further online, but I try to support brick and mortar stores as well. You can get a box of 20 great cigars for around $50 online (such as the Maria Mancini Magic Mountain); expect to pay about $5 for a single MMMM in a tobacconist’s shop.
You can certainly spend much more on a single cigar or a box of them, but I’ve not found that the increased price is directly correlated to a better cigar (a $50 cigar is not, in my experience, 10 times better than a $5 cigar).
I’d stay away from flavored cigars (unless you know that he likes them) and also avoid machine-made cigars (e.g., King Edward, Dutch Masters, Swisher).
Dude, unless your BiL is into seriously high-end cigars, you can get him a lot more than one for $50-70.
I prefer milder cigars, specifically CAO Golds. I personally smoke the double coronas, but that’s a pretty good size cigar, and some people don’t like having to spend an hour smoking one cigar. But anything from the CAO Gold line is a nice mild smoke.
Also, Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real is another great cigar. A box of those are probably above the $70 dollar mark though.
Back when Ivylad used to smoke, Blondies by Acid Cigars were his favorite.
Not necessarily. The OP, like me, lives in CA where tobacco taxes are sky high. I always order my cigars from JRCigars on the internet and if you pay about $5 more for shipping, you can get them in 2-3 days. Order them on Sunday, and they’ll almost certainly be on your doostep Wednesday.
Macanudo is good choice, as is Upman, and Romeo and Julieta. Ask your BiL what size cigars he likes, because that can make a big difference. If someone gave me some Londsdales, I’d probably toss them-- I hate skinny cigars… Find out the length (in inches) and the ring gauge (measures the circumference). When in doubt, a robusto will probably do.
Good suggestions all, but I would recommend a visit to a brick-and-mortar tobacconist with your questions. A good tobacconist–and by that I mean somebody who sells nothing except cigars, pipes, and such (i.e. no cigarettes, no newspapers, no candy) can be a valuable resource for this kind of question. You also get to see what it is you’re buying, and you can get opinions from others in the store at the time (cigar smokers tend to be quite convivial and happy to discuss their hobby).
While I know many experienced cigar smokers who do buy smokes online, few of them recommend it for inexperienced cigar smokers or those without knowledge but still looking to give cigars as gifts. It’s not as easy to ask questions as it is in person, and you don’t get to really examine the cigar you’re going to buy before you buy it. Anyway, in the end, where you shop is your decision.
That being said, I seem to recall once getting a five-pack (or was it a four-pack?) of Avo XO Intermezzos that I enjoyed very much: lots of flavour but not overpowering. I don’t recall the cost being prohibitive, and it would probably be in or below your range.
I also have to add a word here for Henry Clays, in the H2000 line. The Senators are quite reasonably priced, look beautiful, are well-made, and are tasty also. Very nice with dark lagers, and dark ales.
I would like to add another vote for Macanudo cigars. I worked with a guy who loved cigar, and I like them as well. He would stop at the tobacco shop in Cincinatti every week or so when he was driving back to work and would always buy me three or four Macanudo Robust cigars. Even if they weren’t my favorite, they aren’t bad at all.
Brendon
Acids look like they should taste like crap based on the name and logos, but the ones I’ve had are wonderful. Different than usual tastes, nice draw, plus I’m not one for the huge long cigars either, so the smaller size is good for me too.
A second recommendation for Padron’s. Cigar Afficianado has consistently ranked them highly and they are pretty cost comptetitive (at least they used to be).
About 5-6 years ago or so, I meant old man Padron. I was at my local shop and he stopped by! The shop was the only one in the area that carried Padron’s and the old man wanted to stop in and say thanks to the owner. I was actually ordering a box of Padron’s so I got thanked too. Old guy had some fascinating stories to tell about Castro’s takeover. He really doesn’t like Castro.
My personal favorite is the La Gloria Cubana Serie R, either a #4 or #5, preferably maduro.
A 5-pack of them would be right in your price range.
Thank you all so much for your replies! It was great to have some insider info. I ended up getting him a box of 25 Bolivar Fuerte Palmitas. The recipient of my gift is not a cigar aficionado, so this sounded like the perfect cigar for him. The box was $55, plus another $17 tax in CA! After shipping, the whole thing was $85. I would have prefered to go to a store and speak with an expert, but his birthday was today I didn’t want the hassle of shipping it myself.
For those interested, here is the description of the cigars I bought:
"The Bolivar Cofradia is a bold, robust smoke with heavy flavors of earth and spice. Created in the famed Villazon factory under the stewardship of master cigar maker Estelo Padrón, this is a rich blend of the finest hearty tobaccos in the world today, and proves to be his strongest blend to date. This full-bodied cigar is intoxicating with its decadent flavors, heady aroma, and intense finish. Packed in heavy Spanish Cedar cabinets, it is a cigar crafted for the most experienced of connoisseurs.
Manufacturer: Bolivar
Filler: Honduras
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Conn. Broadleaf
Package: Box of 25
Size: 5 " x 38"
After doing this little bit of research . . . I’m dying to smoke a cigar!
I assume you mean ring gauge of 38, not 38". I think of it as a measurement of the circumference (“ring”), although it’s actually a measurement of the diameter (in 64ths of an inch). 38 ring guage = 38/64" diameter-- a little more than 1/2 inch.
You’re right . . . didn’t mean 38 inches . . . meant “38 end quote from website.”
Came home and found a Carrera sixty one cigar that someone left in my apartment for whatever reason. I have no idea the quality, although I imagine not hight end . . . I’m waiting until I’m 2 beers deep and then I’m lighting up!!
Super-premium: Good for very special occasions.
Graycliff cigars (various): Boutique and pretentious, for sure, but I always enjoy them when my wife brings some home from her Bahamian business trips.
Cuban Cohiba Esplendidos: Beware of counterfeits. Need a very trusted source to get authentic ones in the US (it’s even difficult to get the real deal in cuba!). If they come with a glass top, don’t buy them.
Premium: Good for somewhat special occasions (like it being Saturday evening, for instance). 
Avo: various. Smoooth. I really like these.
Everyday smoke: Good and priced to sell.
Cigar King Brand
Gispert
Dog Rockets, but OK in a pinch:
Roly
Old Fashioned Bundles
I like a variety of brands, strengths and wrapper shades – so long as it’s a fat cigar (~50ring). You can find good deals if you aren’t too specific in your tastes.