New Dads: It’s a Baby – Have a Cigar!
Posted on 07 September 2008 by Jeremy
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It is said that the custom of new dads handing out cigars at the birth of a child dates back to the Native Americans. According to one site that sells baby gift cigars, a “potlatch” was held within tribes at weddings and upon the birth of a child. During these events, gifts including cigars were distributed by the family to members of the tribe.
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.
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Tags | celebrate, cigars, gifts, its a boy cigars, its a girl cigars, new dads
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September 7th, 2008 at 6:22 am
Well, since I’m kind of a healthy guy and don’t smoke – and I don’t hang around a lot of people who do – no. No cigars. I do still have one from a friend tho – his kid just turned eight!
September 8th, 2008 at 5:58 am
The diner I worked at in Denver was right across from a very busy “Baby Hospital” It was their specialty. We sold 1950′s candy in the diner, including bubble gum cigars, pink and blue, that said, “It’s a girl” or “It’s a boy!”
I loved those things!
September 8th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I would suggest the Hemingway from the Fuente family (cigarfamily.com). These cigars are great conversation pieces, plus they are mild enough for novice cigar smokers while still providing a nice profile for more experienced smokers.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
This was a great post! I think this kind of “what do dads think” roundups are very useful for your readers. Not only on the pressing issues of the day, but everyday fun things like this. Keep it up guys!
April 1st, 2009 at 11:26 pm
I havent given them out yet, my baby girl will be here in about 2 weeks but I chose the arturo fuente 858 cigar. its mild yet robust, one ofmy favorite smokes and not to expensive.