Great Gifts for Cigar Smokers

Last week I gave you the 2013 Gift Guide for Web People, which has been a pretty regular thing on my blog for a while now. However, in the last few years I’ve also become quite the cigar smoker. I figured that this might be a good gift guide as there’s a bunch of other stuff besides cigars (as well as new cigars) that you can get for the cigar smoker in your life.

Xikar Lighters

Xikar makes the best of the best when it comes to cigar gear. Their lighters are not only excellent, but they are backed by a lifetime warranty. If it ever breaks, they will send you a new one. I currently have the Vitara, which is light, sleek, and comes equipped with a punch, a fuel window so you can see when you’re running low, and an easy-to-adjust dial. This is design for the frequent smoker. Truth be told though, my favorite was EX before the TSA stole it out of my checked bag.

Xikar Cutters

The cutters are right up there with the lighters and are backed by the same warranty. The Xi2 is my cutter of choice, as it’s super light and the blades are self-sharpening. I’m a huge fan of this cutter.

Leather 2-Cigar Holder

I have one of these bad boys and it’s perfect for when I’m going out and want to travel light. It fits in the breast pocket of my jacket, it’s adjustable, and it doesn’t take up too much room wherever you set up shop.

The Herf-a-Dor Cigar Caddy

Of-course, if you need a bigger travel case for those longer trips, look no further than the Herf-a-Dor. It holds anywhere from 5-40 cigars, is air-tight and water proof, and has a built-in humidifying cushion. This is perfect for the cigar smoker on the go.

Boveda 72% Humidifying Packs

I found out about these in April of this year and they are hands down the best way to keep my humidor fresh and at the right temperature. I use 2 (I have a humidor that holds ~150) along with the built-in humidifier and it’s pretty low maintenance. They last anywhere from 3-5 weeks, so depending on the size of the humidor, a 12 pack could last the whole year.

Cigars

There are so many great cigars to choose from and everyone has different tastes, but here are my current favorites:

• The Alec Bradley Nica Puro
• The Alec Bradley Mundial
• The Drew Estate Dirty Rat/Liga Pravada
• The Rocky Patel Fifty

As for purchasing, check out your local shops, or try Cigars International, Cigar.com, or Famous Smoke

Scotch

When I first started smoking, I was told a requirement was to drink scotch. I wasn’t sure I’d like it, but at a recent party, it’s all I drank, so I guess I’m a fan now. Here are my go-to scotches:

• Glenlivet 15
• McCallan 12
• Chivas Regal 12 or 18

If you want to go with a great (read: Expensive) scotch, you won’t go wrong with Balvenie 21, Glenlivet 18, or Johnnie Walker Blue.