Cigars—What Your Guy Really Wants for Valentine’s Day!

Are you trying to think of an unusual and special gift for Valentine’s Day this year? If your sweetheart is a cigar aficionado, then you will score big points with him for your Valentine’s Day gift of cigars or cigar accessories.

Women can easily learn to make good cigar gift selections

Don’t shy away from this gift idea because you think you don’t know enough about cigars to make a smart purchase. The experts can help you select just the right cigar sampler or cigar accessory for your gentleman. “Cigars are similar to fine wines,” says Chris Szeglowski from Thompson Cigar, the nation’s oldest mail order cigar company. Chris also hosts the cigar blog on the Thompson Cigar website at http://cigarblog101.blogspot.com/ so he’s a knowledgeable cigar guy. He says that women can more easily relate to cigars if they think about the process of aging and selecting wines. Wines are aged for better flavor—so are cigars. Cigars are aged at least two years. Who knew? There are dark and light cigars, similar to red and white wines.

How about a romantic Romeo y Julieta cigar to share with him?

There is a mystique surrounding the cigar lifestyle that few women break into, but more women are smoking cigars all the time. If you want to be adventurous, you can really surprise your guy by giving him a gift of cigars and sharing a smoke with him—out on the patio, perhaps? There’s an especially romantic brand that might fit the bill: Romeo y Julieta cigars.

Show you care by knowing a little about cigar history and production

You could also impress him with some of the interesting history of cigars and cigar production. What man doesn’t appreciate his lady taking an interest in something near and dear to his heart? For example, who would have guessed that cigars have been smoked as early as the 10th century? Ancient Mayan ruins contained a ceramic vessel decorated with a picture of a man smoking a cigar.

In the old Cuban cigar factories, a lector or reader entertained the workers as they labored. Portable music players eventually displaced most lectors, but some remain in Cuban factories. The name for the Montecristo cigar brand may be attributed to this practice.

Cigars are made with several different layers of tobacco leaves called the wrapper and the binder. Preserving the quality of these beauties is an utmost concern to the cigar lover. Some experts claim that cigars can be "laid down" and aged for decades if kept as close to 70 ºF (21 ºC) and 70% relative humidity as possible. So, if your sweetheart doesn’t already have a cigar humidor or special storage unit for his cigars, or if he could use a more portable case to take to the golf course or ball game, you might consider one as a gift.

Some gift suggestions from the experts

If your guy is savvy, he may already be dropping hints about the cigars or accessories he wants. However, if you need ideas, the experts at Thompson Cigar have put together a list of suggestions in various price ranges to help you with your Valentine’s Day cigar gift selections:


Romeo y Julieta Cigar Gift Set—When Altadis, the world’s largest cigar maker, puts on the dog by packaging this extraordinary tubed cigar in its own individual anniversary jar, it’s even more special. Each cigar is separately tubed and encased in a beautiful glass jar that makes its own statement of quality. Romeo y Julieta 1875 distinctive designer series is a cigar you’ll be proud to give and to display. View it online at: http://www.thompsoncigar.com/tl.asp?id=25128&page=product&uid=1510

Ultimate Dominican Cigar Sampler—Toro, Belicoso, Robusto – you name his favorite size cigar, and we’re supplying the sampler. What’s more, these greats make up the world-class Dominican hand-made cigars. Comprised of the most respected long filler tobaccos grown in the best Dominican areas, each of these cigars has its own distinctive blend. With wrappers chosen from around the globe, each brand produces its own remarkable taste and body. Here he will find the full spectrum of cigar enjoyment from light to medium to full-bodied. The aromas and taste subtleties provide an array of cigar enjoyment rarely found in any collection.View it online at: http://www.thompsoncigar.com/tl.asp?id=25129&page=product&uid=1145

Colibri Cigar Smoker Gift Set—Colibri is one of the leading cigar lighter companies. The set features the signature Colibri wind resistant Quantum SST flame and folding honed stainless steel 8 mm punch, and includes a free guillotine cutter with surgically honed stainless steel blades. There is also the “two finger” black leather cigar case, just right for carrying his cigars in protected style. View it online at: http://www.thompsoncigar.com/tl.asp?id=25130&page=product&uid=1148

Cherrywood Cigar Humidor Gift Set—This set has all the essentials to make cigar smoking the enjoyable pastime that it is. First, there’s the two-finger slipcase that makes it easy to carry cigars in a shirt or trousers pocket. When smoking time arrives, there’s the guillotine cutter that assures a clean cut every time. And the black ashtray provides an elegance that’s always appreciated. The pièce de résistance of this set is the Cherrywood Cigar Humidor. Perhaps our most popular repository, this box has it all. View it online: http://www.thompsoncigar.com/tl.asp?id=25131&page=product&uid=1601

High Roller Dominican Cigar Sampler—These are the prestigious cigar brands that connoisseurs the world over admire. Each one is a brilliant example of the cigar maker’s art. Cohiba, Macanudo, Macanudo Robust, La Gloria Cubana, La Gloria Series “R”, Partagas Black Label, Diablo, Partagas Spanish Rosado – these are the cigars that have earned accolades that rank them among the world’s most recognized cigar brands—and cost hundreds of dollars per box. View it online at: http://www.thompsoncigar.com/tl.asp?id=25132&page=product&uid=1364

Alec Bradley Cigar Sampler—Few brand owners have enjoyed as many successful boutique introductions as Allen Rubin, owner of Alec Bradley cigars. Working side-by-side with the industry’s blending geniuses, Rubin has succeeded in producing boutique cigars that are the envy of every manufacturer. They know that boutique cigars are unique in that most of them are single-run products, ones that take advantage of relatively small quantities of fillers, binders, and wrappers that most manufacturers find too small to be profitable. Yet it is these tobaccos that produce cigars a cut above. This sampler includes 12 cigars—each is a standout cigar from Rubin’s brands. View it online at: http://www.thompsoncigar.com/tl.asp?id=25133&page=product&uid=1939

12 Cigar Selection Sampler—Altadis, the Spanish cigar conglomerate, now owns the world rights to these great Dominican cigars, manufactured in Cuba for generations. There is no doubt that the Dominican versions of these cigars are every bit as good as their Cuban namesakes—and many connoisseurs prefer them to their Cuban counterparts. Take advantage of this remarkable twelve-cigar sampler so he can taste the world-renowned flavors of these great Dominicans. View it online at: http://www.thompsoncigar.com/tl.asp?id=25134&page=product&uid=682

Powerhouse Dozen Cigar Sampler—Cigars don’t get much better than C.A.O., La Gloria, Hoyo de Monterrey and Macanudo. Let him try our taste test with nationally distributed brands and Thompson custom-made brands. The Powerhouse Dozen Sampler contains twelve hand-made cigars featuring brands chosen from among the most popular in our humidor. Each sampler comes with an elegant aluminum travel case and our own Thompson Cigar ball cap that announces his membership in an elite cadre of cigar smokers. View it online at: http://www.thompsoncigar.com/tl.asp?id=25135&page=product&uid=1287

Look Out Cigar Humidor—With its see-through glass top, the Lookout provides the ultimate in convenience. Just a glance reveals not only how many cigars are nestled safely in his repository, but he can also rest assured that they enjoy the utmost in protection from the elements. That’s why every connoisseur insists upon the safety provided by a well-made humidor. In addition to the handsome and functional glass top, this box has quality Spanish cedar lining throughout. The divided cedar tray removes for additional functionality, and the brass fitments, including a sturdy lock, assure years of trouble-free service. Included are a state-of-the-art hygrometer and a humidification system that assures an ideal 70% humidity, perfect for the preservation of his cigars. View it online at: http://www.thompsoncigar.com/tl.asp?id=25136&page=product&uid=1743

Showcase Cigar Humidor—This commodious cherrywood finished box with its glass top is large enough to accommodate 125 cigars. The humidor is 100% Spanish cedar-lined and features five compartments so that he can divide his cigars virtually any way he wishes. The two large humidifiers and hygrometer assure the contents will always remain fresh. Additional appurtenances include a protective felt-lined bottom and solid brass hinges and handles. View it online at: http://www.thompsoncigar.com/tl.asp?id=25137&page=product&uid=1292

Rosewood Deluxe 100 Cigar Humidor—Leads a double life. As with all our Thompson humidors, this deluxe humidor has the features that make it a top-notch repository for holding 100 of his cigars in elegant safety. But like Clark Kent, this humidor has another side to its personality. Just slip in the accompanying jewelry box insert and what was once a fully functional cigar humidor now converts to a jewelry case. This is definitely a gift you can both enjoy! View it online at: http://www.thompsoncigar.com/tl.asp?id=25138&page=product&uid=1545

Xikar Cutter and Lighter Combo—Cigar Aficionado Magazine rates Xikar cutters with “the best cigar cut.” They bring the same quality and attention to detail to their lighters. “Functional beauty” is their watchword, and these lighters bear it out. If you’re looking for a sporty model, then the Genesis is right up your alley. In either red or blue, this lighter has a single flame that he can always count on. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lighter that’s a bit more on the classy side, go for the Element. It’s a double-flame model, and it comes in either black or gunmetal—definitely eye-catching. View it online at: http://www.thompsoncigar.com/tl.asp?id=25139&page=product&uid=1818

And you can make it easy on yourself with fast, convenient, secure online shopping. Now that’s a wrap to a happy Valentine’s Day!

By guest blogger: Sally Anne Dishong, Web Content Editor/Writer for the LinkShare Corporation

A Mega “Blog Special”: $29.95

Back by popular demand is our latest “Blog Special” for the holidays. I hope I have secured enough inventory for our Cigar Blog 101 readers to take advantage of our Mega Sampler for themselves or for gifts. I will warn you now; this sampler could sell out in 1 day or last until Christmas. When you have a sampler that could easily retail for $100.00, it doesn’t take long for everyone to realize that this is the best offer going. This Mega Sampler includes 16 premium cigars from the following manufacturers: Rocky Patel, Puros Indios, C.A.O., Cusano, Carlos Torano, Felipe Gregorio, Macanudo, La Gloria Cubana, and Gurkha. I can’t believe our readers have the opportunity to receive 16 amazing blends for only $1.87 a stick. Order today and save 70% before they are gone!


Click Here To Order The Mega Sampler.


Product Review by Corona Chris, Thompson Cigar product specialist

3 Regular Guys Review: Macanudo Vintage 2000 VIII

So, if there were to be a Coca-Cola of cigars and it not to be Cohiba –madly popular because of the acclaimed reputation of its Cuban cousin being Fidel’s personal blend- what would it be? My vote goes for none other than Macanudo. You can buy them almost anywhere; you can ask anyone if they’ve heard of Macanudo and they’ll likely think it synonymous with the word “cigar” itself. Not only for its consistency and approachable mildness but also because its name is out there do 9 out of 10 cigar connoisseur newbies reference it when answering the venerable opening question of tobacconists “so, what do you smoke?”

There we have it…a mass market cigar known essentially the world over. Don’t get me wrong though. This is still a hand made creation and worthy of the myriad accolades that Mac has received over time –including the due praise from its corporate parent by gracing the name of General Cigar’s “Club Macanudo” cigar bars. It’s a good safe stick. Consistent in quality, at a fair value and it’s readily available. Let me give you one great reason to go back and smoke a Macanudo you veteran discerning cigar appreciator you- the Macanudo Vintage 2000.

What’s the Macanudo Vintage 2000? It’s a blend of tobacco rolled into a very limited supply cigar that is acclaimed for the virtues which it exemplifies- most notably a crop of wrapper leaf that cigar wizard Daniel Nunez proclaims as being beyond exceptional. That’s what makes it eligible to be dubbed Vintage for the 2000 crop and find its way surrounding the Vintage 2000 sticks.

Rather like how it works with Champagne –the real stuff from the valley of the same name- in that certain years are declared vintages due to exceptional growing conditions and the highest promise of the grapes, Macanudo has done this with tobacco only six times (1979 being the first). This Connecticut shade wrapper, combined with a San Andrean Mexican binder and filled with Dominican Piloto Cubano and Mexican San Andrean tobaccos yield the Macanudo Vintage 2000 (the year being certified as that of when the wrapper leaf was grown).

We 3 Regular Guys have of course smoked quite an assortment of the Macanudo line in our time and we really don’t mind them. They’re not a mainstay smoke for any of us though as we tend to branch out to whichever more obscure locales and tobaccos we can find. But, dutiful as we are, when Corona Chris bestowed upon each of us a No. VIII in a crystal tube we set about our work. Since we know Mac personally as a very balanced and even smoke we thought we knew what we’d be in for: something pleasant, likely not too noteworthy, and possibly less eventful than our palates aim for these days.

Unanimously we 3 Regular Guys enjoyed this stick. Colm, in almost standard form, settled in to smoking his and nearly forgot to scribble any useful notes. He did find it to be rather balanced and a gentle smoke. Dave conjured up a very vague initial taste of lemongrass and found the smoke to be slightly creamy. Scott touched on a subtle toastiness to the aroma, thought the taste was a little bitter initially and then mellowed after 1” becoming creamy but not too well developed. The finish had a white pepper note just before it falls off your palate.

This was a slow smoke with an even burn that converted itself into a dark brown layered ash that easily held to 2”. The risk of over-smoking it is present however and it can edge toward harsh. This wrapper leaf is still pretty lazy and has no interest in being rushed. To prevent over-smoking it and ensure you get the most from this Macanudo take your time –and you’ll need a while at the ring gauge we smoked. Delve around and try to pick apart the nuances of this cigar. They’re in there if you look.

If you’re a dedicated Macanudo smoker, then here’s your crème de la crème. If you used to be a Mac smoker, you still are. He or she is still in there, I promise, and this is a darn good stick to go back and catch up with an old friend. The Vintage 2000 is eternally approachable, worth a closer inspection, and more subtle than you realize. This is a humble cigar…a really good stick but it doesn’t feel the need to brag about itself.

And now for something completely different- the 2nd Regular Guy of the 3 Regular Guys has moved from the ranks of the purveyor of cigars to consumer of cigars camp. Dave has returned to the world of banking from which he originally hailed. We wish him tremendous professional fortune; good luck in compelling his new senior management to accept his lengthy afternoon cigar breaks; and are sure that some of our best discoveries of new favorite sticks will still be coming to us remaining 2 Regular Guys from Dave’s personal humidor. Best of luck Dave!

Click Here To Order The Macanudo Vintage 2000!