Choosing the perfect gift for your dad on Father’s Day can be tricky. You want it to have a “wow” factor, but sometimes it’s hard to tell which gifts will impress, and which ones will fall flat.
If your dad enjoys a good cigar, that can make things a little easier – sort of. You know that a box of cigars will automatically be appreciated, but then you have to make sure you aren’t accidentally picking up sub-par cigars for someone who can tell the difference in quality. Then there’s the matter of budget, which can be stretched pretty thin if you’re looking to buy a whole box of premium cigars.
If this sounds like the scenario you’re facing, you’re in the right place. The recommendations below run the gamut in intensity, flavors, and price, but they all have one thing in common – they all have excellent reviews, and come from respected brands. If you can’t find them locally, you should be able to get them from online cigar stores like Renegade Cigars. Whether you’re looking for a casual everyday cigar, or something like Davidoff cigars that offer a complex sensory experience with every puff, you’re sure to find what you’re after below.
#1: Davidoff Winston Churchill The Late Hour
Almost any aficionado will appreciate this cigar, and it’s great for new smokers too. It’s robust, complex, and has flavors that will please any palate. The tobaccos are from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, while the wrapper is an Ecuadorian Habano that was aged in a single-malt scotch cask. The result? A medium-strength cigar that can be smoked on its own, or accompanied by a top-shelf whiskey. It offers notes of dark coffee, pepper, and wood, with flavors that evolve and intertwine with each other. This premium cigar isn’t as cheap as some, but if you’re working with a generous budget, you pretty much can’t go wrong with this choice.
#2: AVO Syncro South America Ritmo Special Toro
As one of Davidoff’s cigar lines, you can be sure of the quality of this product. However, it’s priced to be a great entry-level luxury cigar for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life, but who doesn’t necessarily want to spend hundred of dollars on them. Their box of 5 x 50 box-pressed Special Toros is made of tobaccos from seven countries, and reviews speak positively of the smoking experience. This cigar includes notes of sweet coffee, charred oak, roasted nuts, and chocolate for a light, accessible cigar. It’s said to be creamy and mild, with a smokey kick towards the end. It’s a great choice for social occasions, especially when paired with a cocktail.
#3: Arturo Fuente Hemingway Best Seller
Even after the cigars are long gone, your dad will want to hang onto the beautifully crafted wooden box. These cigars are routinely described as rich and mellow, with notes of dry white wine, cedar, oak, roasted almonds, and a hint of honey. A medium-bodied smoke, this is another approachable cigar that can elevate any occasion, or simply be enjoyed on its own.
#4: San Cristobal Elegancia Robusto
If you’re looking for a “yard work cigar” – the kind of cigar that your dad can smoke while he’s raking up leaves – this could be the one. It’s the cigar for people who don’t regularly smoke, made with Nicaraguan tobaccos that have a surprisingly smooth profile. This is definitely an easy smoke, with notes of bright herbs, oak, coffee, and cream.
#5: La Aroma de Cuba Rothschild
For those who prefer milder smokes with low or medium strength, these cigars are a great option. They may not be from Cuba, but they were made to mimic those classic cigars. La Aroma de Cuba cigars are made with rich, spicy Nicaraguan tobaccos; even though their affordable price says otherwise, they smoke like premium cigars. Pair them with a special cocktail (such as a Manhattan), with a cup of coffee, or with a late-night conversation after an awesome Father’s Day celebration.
#6: Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial Petit Robusto
These cigars may be petite, but their flavor is anything but. Each cigar can be finished in under half an hour, which is perfect for those who prefer shorter smoke times. It has notes of coffee, cocoa, chocolate, and earth, with a complex and robust flavor profile that belies the size of the cigar. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is oily and flawless, bringing a feeling of luxury to this affordably priced cigar.
#7: Flor de Las Antillas Robusto
Here’s another cigar that’s modeled after its Cuban counterparts. The Robusto is made from Cuban seed tobaccos that were grown in Nicaragua, giving it the typical pepper and spice flavors that you’d expect. To top it all off – or rather, to wrap it all up – it’s enclosed in a sun-grown Nicaraguan wrapper. The package may be unassuming, but the smoke is a pretty powerful one. You’ll get sweetness, cedar, and a bit of pepper that will pair well with the typical BBQ smoke of a Father’s Day feast. For a drink pairing, try a strong, hoppy IPA to match the bold flavors of this cigar.
#8: Occidental Reserve Connecticut Robusto
This is one of the most budget-friendly cigars on the list, and it’s the only one that comes in a bundle rather than a box. There’s still plenty to appreciate about the presentation, though; the golden-hued Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper is inviting, and speaks to the approachability of its overall flavor profile. It’s a silky-smooth smoke, with a buttery profile that contains notes of cedar, pepper, spice, and nuts. If your dad is the kind of guy who prefers substance over style, he’d probably enjoy these “everyday smokes” over a highbrow cigar.
The takeaway
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate everything our dads do for us – and what better way to do that than to gift them something that they love, but may not regularly buy for themselves. From everyday smokes to premium cigars, there are all kinds of great options to choose from.
