Our Essential Guide to Tailgating & Cigars

Few activities are more universally beloved than the tailgate. Whether you’re a massive sports fan or just here for the food, tailgates are a great opportunity to hang with friends and, of course, light up a few cigars. 

With that in mind, check out our essential guide to tailgating and cigars to ensure your next gameday goes off gangbusters. 

Our Favorite Tailgate Cigars

Punch Knuckle Buster Habano

Why we love it: Punch isn’t the Official Cigar of Beer Lovers for nothing. Each of their cigars pairs great with beer, making them excellent choices for a tailgate. Knuckle Buster Habano is a particularly good call for a tailgate since it's smooth, spicy, and budget-friendly. 

Micallef Blue

Why we love it: Balanced and flavorful, this 91-rated cigar is often available for under $10 a cigar, making it a wonderful choice for sharing with friends.  

Cohiba Connecticut

Why we love it: Cohiba Connecticut isn’t your average Connecticut Cigar; rather, this nuanced and suave smoke doubles as both a victory cigar and a crowd-pleaser. 

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Minis

Why we love it: Tailgates are a great occasion to break out a tin of high-quality minis from a brand like Hoyo de Monterrey. Excalibur Minis offer a fantastic option for those looking for a quick smoke on a cold day.

Knuckle Sandwich Chef’s Special

Why we love it: No tailgate is complete without a spread of party food, and that’s why we’re including one of Guy Fieri’s Cigars in the shape of the Knuckle Sandwich Chef’s Special. Let’s put it this way: you’ll have no problem getting to flavor town with this cigar.

Plasencia Alma del Fuego

Why we love it: On a cold, windy day, you need a cigar with plenty of power behind it. Plasencia Alma del Fuego is a Nicaraguan puro that delivers a hefty dose of savory spice — a welcome trait on a chilly tailgate afternoon.

How to Have the Best Cigar Tailgate

There is no one single cigar that we think is best for a tailgate. Rather, you can’t go wrong with any number of cigar choices like the ones listed above. 

We would, however, consider a few factors before selecting a cigar (or cigars) to bring to a tailgate.

Tip #1 Consider Your Crew

Anytime you organize a large gathering like a tailgate, it’s key to understand some basic things about your group. For instance, does anyone have any allergies or dietary restrictions? In the same way, you should keep your gang’s cigar preferences in mind when planning a tailgate. If all your friends are seasoned cigar aficionados, then feel free to bring spicy, bold, or even experimental cigars to share with them. If, on the other hand, most of your friends are beginners or only smoke occasionally, look for mellower, more approachable smokes for your tailgate. 

Tip #2 Check the Conditions

Great weather for football may not translate to great weather for a tailgate. That’s why it’s a good idea to always check the weather conditions and have plans in place for dealing with rain, wind, or snow. Space heaters, tents, and ponchos can all turn an otherwise miserable tailgate into a wonderful occasion. Oh, and never forget a good torch lighter — you wouldn’t want a little wind to ruin a cigar session at your next tailgate.

Tip #3 Pairings

While cigars may be more commonly paired with drinks like Bourbon or Scotch, you can also pair cigars with popular tailgate drinks such as beer, coffee, or mixed drinks. Finding the right cigar to complement your favorite brew can help you elevate your tailgate!

Tip #4 Have Fun!

Tailgates are fun; cigars are fun. So combining the two shouldn’t feel like a chore. Just remember to have a good time and relax.

What’s your favorite cigar for a tailgate? Sign up for Cigar World and let us know with a comment!