Native American cigars consisted of dried tobacco leaves rolled in maize or palm.  Today, cigars are slightly more extravagant, but the tradition of new dads handing out cigars to their “tribe” mates carries on.  There’s a wide range of cigars to choose from now too, and most cigar companies will let you order custom bands/boxes for the big day.

Picking the right cigar to hand out to your buddies (generic term to include gal friends) can be a daunting task, especially for someone who is not a connoisseur, so I enlisted the help of a couple of dad bloggers to make a recommendation of their favorite cigar:

Derek from The Man Page and Jim from The Busy Dad Blog both recommend: Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1 Maduro

What Derek likes about this cigar: Ever since my days working in a cigar shop, the Hoyo Excalibur has been one of my favorites. With the large size, it was a perfect smoke that would last through much of my shift working in the store. Now the size, as well as the full-bodied and somewhat spicy flavor, make a perfect match with a nice glass of scotch while enjoying the peacefulness of my back yard. The Excalibur is a Honduran cigar made with a filler of Honduran, Nicaraguan, Dominican tobaccos and is a must smoke for anyone that enjoys a cigar that starts smooth and can bring it home with a spicy finish.

What Jim likes about this cigar: If I had to pick a nice “daily smoker” it would be the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur. Spicier than other favorites like Macanudo from Jamaica (which is the best starter cigar in my opinion), and more full-bodied than the ever-popular Fuente, which is currently made in the Dominican Republic, the Hoyo de Monterrey is a great cigar that has the best balance of rich flavors and just enough spiciness to give it a kick but not overpower you.

Eric from SportsDaddy recommends:  La Gloria Cubana Serie R No. 5

What Eric likes about this cigar:  This is a full-bodied cigar that also has a smooth finish to it.  It has a well-balanced, spicy flavor but it’s not so intense that you taste it for hours later.  If you’re looking for a good smoke to give to friends who know cigars, then this is definitely one to bring along.

Jared from Dadthing recommends: Good, old Swisher Sweets

What Jared likes about this cigar: My favorite cigars were the ones that we bought when our son was born that said “It’s A Boy!”  I’m not a cigar buff, but I thought they were pretty good.

Jeremy (me) recommends: Perdomo Reserve Champagne

What I like about this cigar:  The thing I like most about the Perdomo Reserve Champagne is how smooth it is to smoke.  It’s a great cigar to give out to friends who may not enjoy cigars very often. It’s mild and not too expensive (runs about $5 – $7 a pop), yet it has a rich flavor and light body.  The smell is not overpowering either.  This is a great celebratory cigar because just about anyone could smoke it and enjoy the experience.

New dads have been handing out cigars for generations, mostly as a way to connect and celebrate with friends after the birth of their new baby boy or girl.  These are just a few recommendations of cigars you may want to try for a celebration, but there are literally hundreds of brands, flavors and variations to choose from.

Did you hand out cigars at the birth of your new baby?  If so, what kind?  Even if you’re not a dad, feel free to leave a comment with your favorite cigar recommendation.

Note: Husbands & Dads is a place “where it’s cool to be a family man,” and it’s not “cool” to smoke cigars around kids.  Enjoy your favorite cigar(s) responsibly.

©2012 Husbands and Dads. All Rights Reserved.

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One such person is Dana Glazer, Director of the documentary film project The Evolution of Dad. Dana is making a film about the changing role of fathers in American society. I had a chance to talk with Dana about the film, where it’s currently at in production and what he’s gleaned from the project thus far.

How did The Evolution of Dad film originate?

I was seeking a documentary subject to focus on and an old NYU classmate suggested I make a film about At-Home Dads. However, after doing some research, it dawned on me that there has never been a documentary that explores the larger role of fatherhood and that the film should be more inclusive of all types of dads.

How far along in the project are you?

I’m still shooting and will continue to be shooting for some time. There’s a lot to cover.

What are your objectives in creating the film?

To inspire dads to get more involved with their kids. To educate people about how de-emphasized the role of fatherhood is in our culture.

How many interviews have you done? Which ones surprised you the most?

I’ve done several dozen already. What is always a great surprise is when listening to a subject I become completely immersed in what they are saying to the extent that I lose any sense of time. This has happened a few times and is always a great joy. It’s also a thrill when dads are willing to open up on a very deep, emotional level – something I know will be very cathartic for viewers watching when the film is done. An example is Ralph Benitez, a Bronx dad I’m currently following. To see what I mean, you can check out a clip here.

How has making the film impacted you as a Dad?

Well, first off it makes me appreciate being a dad more. It inspires me to try and be a better dad and live up to some of the subjects I’m covering. It’s also a challenge sometimes of trying to balance taking care of the kids and making the film.

Based on your experience, are dads “evolving”? How are things different now compared to 20 or 30 years ago?

Yes, there’s definitely some ‘evolution’ going on, but, honestly, I think too many dads of today are still a throwback to that 50′s idea of what a dad should be and don’t step out of the box when it comes to rethinking family/work balance. I believe thirty years from now they’re going to be looking at us present dads like we were cavemen.

What do you want people to learn from this film?

To question their situations when it comes to work/family balance and strive to find more creative ways of creating a balance. I hope it changes mindsets about how possible (or impossible) these things are.

How have you been able to finance the project?

Honestly, it’s been a struggle. I have some seed money from a generous friend, but it’s been a challenge to raise funds. Sometimes I think that the subject of fatherhood is so de-emphasized that people just fail to see how important it is and how much the world would truly change if more dads were genuinely involved in their kid’s lives.

When and how will the film be released?

TBD. Stay tuned.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Just that I really appreciate your support of my project, Jeremy, and all that you are doing to get the word out there about how important being a dad truly is. Keep it up!

Here’s the trailer for the documentary:

Dana Glazer is an award winning filmmaker and father of two young boys. He is currently making the documentary about the changing role of fatherhood, titled The Evolution of Dad. For more information please visit The Evolution of Dad.

If you would like to help support the film by making a donation, please click here.

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Do you consider yourself a role model? If you’re a husband, dad, manager, leader or a person of influence, then you are a role model. How often do you think about the way others perceive you? It’s not usually the first thing on my mind.

Most of us get wrapped-up in the moment and focus on ourselves. It’s hard to filter our thoughts and words. Being a role model, though, means setting a good example for those who admire you or your position. It doesn’t mean that you should filter everything, or never display emotions, but it does mean that you should demonstrate respect for others (and yourself) at all times.

So, who are your role models? Who do you admire in your life right now?

I have three role models that I try to emulate and learn from on a consistent basis:

My dad. My father is a selfless leader both at work and at home. I’ve never met a person who is more willing to go out of his way to help a friend or loved one. Not only would he give you the shirt off his back, but also the shoes off his feet. He is honest, loving, caring, supportive, forgiving and fun to be around. He teaches me what it means to be a good husband, father and man of integrity.

My wife. My wife is one of the most intelligent, creative and hard-working people I know. She is a relationship guru, who knows how to inspire people to give their best. She makes every person around her feel valued and respected, and her friends and co-workers know that she will always go to bat for them. Not only has she taught me how to build effective relationships, but also how to sustain them through love, accountability and open communication.

My mentor. I’ve had many mentors in life, but the one I have right now has made a huge impact on my behaviors. He is strict yet motivational; he is direct yet helpful; he is forthright yet empathetic. This man has high expectations of himself and others, and he empowers people to succeed. I have learned from him that details matter; and, if you’re going to do something, do it right. He has shown me the true meaning of pride in ownership.

I’m very fortunate to have such high quality people in my life that inspire me to be a good role model for others.

Who is your role model? I’d love to hear what he or she has taught you. Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

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