Recommendations on a "special" stick requsted

[59Bassman]

My Christmas gift for my dad this year will actually take place in June. He and I will be going to a Bark River Knife and Tool Grind-In, which is essentially a build-your-own custom knife event at a high end knife maker. My dad has made knives before out of kits, but never anything quite like this. There are a couple of dinner events as well, one more of a BBQ, and one a banquet.

I know that my dad would enjoy at least one cigar while we're up there, probably a couple. I've got memories going WAY back of my dad sharpening knives (or doing lots of other things) while smoking a cigar. In fact, I think his knife sharpening supplies were kept in a Dutch Masters Panatella box for many years. Normally my dad would buy JR Ultimate #1 Naturals.

Understand that I'm new to this. Most of my experience is with milder cigars, such as Mac Hyde Parks, Fuente Gran Reserva, and RyJ 1885's. I'm starting to work on branching out, with some Olivas and Perdomos in my Tupperdor. Anyone have suggestions for a "special" stick to bring that my dad might enjoy and won't knock me on my backside? Or do I just buy something decent like the Oliva "O" or Fuente Hemingway and let the event be the special part?

Thanks for the advice, brothers.
59B

 

[Carpenter69]

Cabiguan . The naturals. Awesome beginner and experienced smoker cigar. I've never met a Cabiguan I didn't smoke until my fingers burnt.
Good luck, enjoy that time with your dad. I miss the hell outta mine.

 

[dharbolt]

This is a good suggetion for a milder stick. Imo most of my special occasion sticks are very strong.

 

[Sirspanksalot]

Maybe a Flor de las antillas? They're not that strong

 

[ENV]

-La Aroma Di Cuba Mi Amor (not reserva) - supposed to be medium but never affected me badly)
-Perdomo 10year Champagne

Most of my other recommendations are medium->FULL strength

 

[javajunkie]

illusione epernay, hererra esteli, fuente hemmingway or don carlos, all of these would be A) readily findable by and large, B) not so punishing as to bowl over a casual smoker, and C) have the flavor, texture, and curb appeal to be properly special occasion. off the top of my head. north of miami. also, big second for the FdlA and mi amore originals, and maybe la duena as well

if you wanted more HTF stuff, that is a separate issue...

 

[ChefBoyRG54]

illusione epernay, hererra esteli, fuente hemmingway or don carlos, all of these would be A) readily findable by and large, B) not so punishing as to bowl over a casual smoker, and C) have the flavor, texture, and curb appeal to be properly special occasion. off the top of my head. north of miami. also, big second for the FdlA and mi amore originals, and maybe la duena as well

if you wanted more HTF stuff, that is a separate issue...

I second the herrera esteli. Good medium body with nice flavor

 

[Undercrown509]

+1000 on the Flor de las Antilles. Outstanding cigar and very affordable. .heck you could buy 4 and not break the bank, and have an enjoyable time. A My Father for your father :ccool:

 

[Highlander]

My first thought would be a My Father Le Bijou. Never had a bad one.

 

[StogieNinja]

My first thought would be a My Father Le Bijou. Never had a bad one.

Not for the newb. Those things are dark and deep, and will blow his socks off. The standard My Father is a little lighter overall, but still probably a little strong.

If you want something high-end, check out some of the Davidoffs. They have a reputation for being milder, but also very refined. AVO also makes some good milder, complex smokes. Perdomo makes some great connies as well... if you can find them, the Edicion de Silvas are phenomenal smokes.

If you just want to make sure the smokes are quality, but aren't looking for something expensive, I'd recommend a few different things: Oliva Connies, Perdomo 10th Champaign, and my personal favorite of the inexpensive connies I've tried, the San Cristobal Elegancia.


If you have access, or friends with access, to Cubans, then I'd strongly recommend you look at Quay d'Orsays. Mild, but complex and wonderful.

 

[erjaq]

I'll throw out Diamond Crown as a more high-end option, too. I usually smoke full-body and full-strength, but I enjoyed this one despite its mildness.

 

[jvonier]

God of Fire Robustos are pretty damn tasty.

 

[ENV]

I'm dumb. Forgot about Davidoff. Those are great and generally mild

 

[javajunkie]

I'll throw out Diamond Crown as a more high-end option, too. I usually smoke full-body and full-strength, but I enjoyed this one despite its mildness.

yup, original diamond crown is always solid. o)

 

[ItsBarbarino]

+1 what @StogieNinja said. Davidoff thousand series are awesome, very very expensive though. Oliva Serie G maduro is another great, mellow one. Very affordable though.

 

[siakingsport]

Agreed about Davidoff and Avo, which I get for my Dad when we get together.

 

[59Bassman]

Thanks for the recommendations, all. I'll be picking up a few of these to try over the next couple weeks!

 

[karolinabalagadi]

I'm agree with carpenter69. It would be a perfect choice as gift and the most important thing, it always taste good