Holiday Shopping Tips

With the holiday season in full swing, I’m sure there’s a number of questions on how to pick the right cigar, where to pick the best smoke, is what I’m buying decent quality, etc. Well, have no fear, for the good folks at Cigar Aficionado have a great “Tip of the Week” on making sure consumers are buying cigars from the right place. Here’s a little of what they had to say:

“…If you are shown into a walk-in humidor, pay attention to the atmosphere inside. If moist air caresses your face, and you almost need a sweater because the temperature is right around 70 degrees, you know you're in the right place.”

“Be wary of cigars kept in glass display cases that look as if they have been there forever. Sometimes the humidification units in these types of cases are not efficient.”

So the bottom line here is, don’t buy cigars from 7-11 or a grocery store where you can find dust bunnies under the display cabinet, and make sure you’re going to a reputable shop. I know some of you may think that the local mall would be a good place to find a decent retailer, but think again. Most larger malls will be surrounded by smaller strip malls, which may have a decent smoke shop hidden somewhere within. Do a little research by driving by, and you may stumble upon a hidden gem.

For those in the suburbs of Chicago, when shopping at Woodfield Mall, head across the street to find the Habana Cigar House, and for those in the Phoenix area finding themselves shopped out at the Chandler Fashion Center, take a stroll across the parking lot to Matchstix Fine Cigars (which you can read my review of here).

Another great link to help you find a local retailer is the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America. Here you can search by state to find registered shops, phone numbers, addresses and links to their sites.

Hopefully this information will help in your never-ending quest for the perfect cigar gift.