by Craig Maltby for Club LT
I’ve smoked a little and drank a bit in my illustrious life (….ahem….). So I’ve got some experience with these terrible, evil, nasty–and pleasurable–vices. But I’m a good boy (generally). I don’t drink to get drunk (but sometimes, stuff just happens). I’m at a stage of my life where I appreciate a good scotch, bourbon or vodka. And wine, too. I’m not hung up on invoking the alphabet of spices and plants to describe a satisfying sip. I look for some basic traits and not much more: smoothness going down; lack of intense afterburn, a distinctive taste, and my judgement on bang for the buck. And my buck tends to be a bit low compared to most experts.
And my smoking days are pretty much done, but I still get a warm feeling in my soul when I smell a good cigar nearby. Guys who really like cigars are far heartier than I, but I do appreciate the quality of a great stogie. For me, it’s like whiskey (again): smoothness of the smoke, the draw, richness of the taste (not pungent or bitter) and bang for the buck.
So with that in mind, I’ve scouted out some cigar and whiskey gift sets that might be a great choice for the cigar and whiskey guys:
The BroBasket Executive package – $190:: This contains a botte of Johnnie Walker Black scotch, pretty darn good. Also 3 Nicaraguan cigars, Godiva chocolates and assorted accessories.
Spirited Gifts Macallan Gift Set With Cigars – $180: Getting a bottle of 12-year McCallan is always a treat. I’m not a single malt guy myself; I like blends better (see Johnnie Walker Black above). But I’d certainly make my way through this bottle over time. This comes with five premium cigars. I spy a Griffin and Montecristo among the brown sticks, and that’s a good thing! I’ve really enjoyed smoking those. However, I’m not sure you are guaranteed those brands in your set, as opposed to a random selection of five brands. Also comes in a cedar box, which you can use as a mini humidor.
Home Wet Bar Engraved Whiskey and Cigar Gift Set with Twist Glass – $70.00: Note: This does not contain any booze. It’s a 3-cigar sample (no brand listed) with some nice looking accessories including a cutter and lighter. I included this simply for the lower price point that gets you a nice cigar-centric assortment.
London Cut Bourbon-Aged Gift Set – $265: Yeah this is pricey, but you get 20 cigars and a bottle of South of Broad Bourbon. I can’t find much on SOB bourbon. Never had it. But it seems worth taking a chance on.
I’ve focused on gift sets that include cigar and whisky-related combinations. There are endless cigars and whiskeys out there you can buy at stores and online. Too many for me to wade through. And I’ve stayed away from what I think is frivolous spending….scotch infused toothpicks at $20 for example. Say what?
Anyway, your gift recipient (even you!) has my good wishes to drink, smoke and enjoy.
(And….when you’ve got that cigar smoke thoroughly infused into your clothes and hair, you come home, and your mate threatens to lock you out of the house, dash into the shower fast and get smokin’ self washed with Lucky Tiger Head To Tail Shampoo and Body Wash. The mint essences will chase that smoke away pronto.
Follow that up with a spritz of Lucky Tiger Head To Tail Body Spray. You’ll quickly be back in good standing.
