Cigars are associated with a certain image; there’s no denying that. Sure, they can be enjoyed just as much while raking leaves as they can be after closing a big business deal.
But if you’re gifting cigars to a guy who’s a CEO, and who also happens to be your father, popular cigars are especially appropriate. The gift says “I appreciate you”, and the cigars say “here’s to past, present, and future success” – exactly what a CEO hopes for.
It’s one thing to know that you want to get your father a box of primo cigars; it’s another to decide exactly which cigars to get. Do you go with a hyped-up new release from an obscure maker, or do you choose from a brand that’s known for excellence, like Rocky Patel cigars?
If you aren’t sure, an approach that might help is to ask an expert. You could inquire at a local cigar shop, or check out tasting notes and reviews from online cigar stores like Renegade Cigars. Or, you could simply read about the cigars listed below.
Every one of them is a tried-and-true favorite of cigar aficionados, so you can be sure that your father is getting the best of the best.
#1: Rocky Patel White Label
Rocky Patel has years of experience in making cigars; with this one, his goal was to outdo even himself. Released at a higher price point than most Rocky Patel offerings, the White Label cigars are meant to be the type of cigar that aficionados really get excited about.
And after trying it, your father will probably agree! Made with fillers from Nicaragua and Honduras, a Nicaraguan binder, and a US Connecticut Shade wrapper, this is one special blend.
Some of the tobaccos were aged for 10 years, and it shows in the quality of the cigar. It has notes of cream, earth, sweet wood, white pepper, and a hint of citrus. As you start to smoke you won’t notice that any flavor is dominant, but as you progress past the first third, the aromas will evolve with a distinct creaminess taking the spotlight.
#2: La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull
If Cigar Aficionado magazine gives a cigar a 96/100 rating, you know it’s a top-shelf smoke. That’s the rating this cigar received in 2016, and anyone who’s smoked it can instantly tell why. Firstly, its construction is flawless. Made from Dominican tobaccos that were chosen from Lito Gomez’s personal reserves, it’s encased in an Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper.
It’s a medium- to full-bodied cigar that’s complex and highly aromatic. It has character and strength, but these are both expressed with elegance. The first puffs release notes of wood and cream, blending into further aromas of leather, honey, and dark chocolate. It’s the kind of cigar that will give you an elevated smoking experience, and expects your dedicated attention in return.
#3: My Father Le Bijou 1922
Released in 2008, this cigar was created to honor José Pépin Garcia by his son Jaime Garcia. The blend of flavors is complex, rich, and full-bodied, as you’d expect from premium Nicaraguan tobacco that’s enclosed in a Habana Oscuro wrapper.
Even its appearance speaks to its quality, with an ornate band of gold around the middle, and an orange ribbon elegantly wrapped around its foot. This is another cigar that’s received a high endorsement from Cigar Aficionado, earning a score of 97/100 in 2015.
This cigar (a Nicaraguan puro) has the characteristic pepper of Nicaraguan tobacco, along with bitter chocolate, spice, and cream. It’s also hand-rolled, as you’d expect from a cigar of this quality.
#4: Oliva Serie V Double Robusto
Another Nicaraguan puro, this cigar uses a unique triple leaf that comes from the Jalapa region. It was made with a special fermentation process, which has given it intense aromas. Of all the cigars that Oliva has released, this is one of the most full-bodied and aromatic.
The sun-grown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper gives the cigar a luxurious appearance, which is only reinforced upon smoking it and discovering the rich flavors within. You’ll notice spicy, peppery notes, plus cedar, almonds, dark chocolate, and roasted coffee.
It’s complex, elegant, and robust – just the thing for someone who appreciates the intensity that a good cigar has to offer. Cigar Aficionado named it the “Eight Best Cigar of 2016”, which is a high endorsement.
#5: Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour
It’s only fitting that this cigar should be named after one of the most iconic cigar-smokers in history – and it certainly lives up to Winston Churchill’s passion for fine smokes.
The Winston Churchill Late Hour is made from Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos that were aged in single malt Scotch casks, a Mexican Binder Negro San Andres, and a picturesque Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper. Thanks to the special aging methods that were used, this cigar has the type of depth that’s nothing short of fascinating.
It starts and finishes with intense smoke and powerful aromas, including wood, roasted cocoa, pepper, spice, and dried fruit. It’s appropriate for beginners and seasoned smokers alike, provided they want a cigar that’s both bold and beautiful.
#6: Padron 1964 Anniversary Series
Whenever a cigar brand releases an anniversary cigar, you can be sure that they’ve put all their craft and skill into it. That seems to be the case with this one, introduced in 1994 and still popular today.
It’s made 100% by hand, from Nicaraguan tobaccos that were aged for at least four years. You can choose from the variety made with a Maduro wrapper, or a Sun Grown “natural” wrapper.
Expect flavors of cedar, coffee, and nuts, plus herbal and earthy aromas that blend together in perfect harmony. This is a cigar that has character, and deserves someone to appreciate it as such.
The takeaway
Buying a gift for your CEO father can be tricky, but there are plenty of expert recommendations to guide you to the right purchase. With these popular cigars to choose from, you pretty much can’t go wrong.
Disclaimer: The ValiantCEO Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.
