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How to Buy Good Cigars as a Gift
Why should we choose cigar as a gift?
Don't know what gift to give the man that seems to have everything? Try thinking both inside and outside the box, and choose a gift that will be appreciated for weeks, months, and even years to come Cigars may not seem like the ultimate holiday gift but, in this age of overblown commercialism, their lack of reputation should work in their favor. Instead of representing brand name hand bags or a clothing line overseen by a professional rapper, the cigars represent what the holidays are really all about: friendship, celebration, and happiness. Giving a cigar as a gift conveys that some actual thought, and not just your paycheck, went into the gift giving process. Cigars, possessing a meaningful stigmatism, are often exchanged in the same manner friends exchange a knowing glance, or a comforting pat on the shoulder: they are exchanged in a way that makes them about something more that meets the eye.
Choosing the right cigar
Wondering how to choose an appropriate cigar for a friend or loved one? Even if you know nothing about cigars or choosing a good cigar, just learning a few basics can help you sniff out a good cigar to give to a friend. Fortunately, cigars have now entered the mainstream. Once the symbol of the rich and powerful, it's easier than ever for just about anyone to purchase a good cigar. Of course, you probably won't be able to buy your friend a box of top-tier Cuban cigars, but you can definitely buy them a good quality cigar that will put a smile on their face
Step by step
First, visit your local tobacconist or specialty smoke shop for the best quality and widest selection. Avoid 'drugstore' cigars. Although they may be inexpensive and convenient to purchase, drugstore cigars are usually filled with preservatives and generally of poorer quality. They may contain, at minimum, saltpeter, paper, glycerin, and other preservatives and irritants. Make sure that the cigars you purchase are made of 100% tobacco. If you have any questions regarding the cigars ingredients, ask the salesperson. An experienced and knowledgeable sales clerk will be able to tell you extensive information about the ingredients.
Your local tobacco shop is a good place to shop because you will generally be allowed to smell and touch the cigars. Squeeze the cigar gently. A good quality cigar will give a little when squeezed. The cigar should be firm, with no excessively soft or hard spots. Never buy a lumpy cigar. Look at the wrapper. If you notice any drying or discoloration, best not to buy it. Ideally, the wrapper should be tight and smooth. Inspect the color of the tobacco to make sure it is even. Do this by inspecting the end of the cigar. Some color variation is normal, but if the color changes abruptly, chances are the cigar was not rolled properly. A cigar that is not rolled properly may result in an uneven burning and unpleasant odors.
If you're not sure how much your friend smokes, choose a longer cigar. Longer cigars tend to have a 'cooler' taste—an excellent choice for beginners. If you know your friend is an experienced and regular smoker, choose a cigar that is greater in diameter. These cigars tend to have a richer flavor that experienced smokers will appreciate. For a new cigar smoker, search for a mild to medium cigar in a light brown wrapper (dark wrappers tend to be stronger). Also, choose a cigar that is at least 5 inches long and 46 ring. The taste will be more mellow and the burn not too hot. Good sizes to start with are Corona, Robusto (Rothschild), or Churchill. You can create a personalized sampler using our interactive sampler maker.
Names and brands for Example
For a cigar novice, cigar samplers make excellent gifts, giving the novice the ability to sample a variety of cigars, finding one he or she truly enjoys. If you don’t purchase a sampler, then a box of mild cigars – such as the Macanudo from the Dominican Republic or the Casa Toraסo from Honduras - usually works best for beginners. For the cigar connoisseur, purchasing a box of their favorite brand – or a brand you know they are dying to try – is an excellent way to go. And, for novices and connoisseurs alike, enrolling them in a cigar of the month club will almost always be met with enthusiasm: it’s the gift that never gets extinguished, at least not while the membership is valid.
Cigar Gift Accessories
Every aspiring and seasoned cigar connoisseur needs a humidor, cigar cutter, and windproof butane torch lighter. A book about cigars would also make a fine gift for the newer cigar smoker. Gifts for seasoned cigar smokers who already have many of these items could include cigar tubes, travel cases, and portable travel humidors. A personalized Colibri lighter engraved with the initials of the recipient would also make both a memorable and lasting gift. Other accessories may also be appropriate as gifts, depending on the recipient. These include ashtrays, special cigar breath cleansers, humidification devices, digital hygrometers, and even cigar apparel. |
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