Top 10 Best Cigars For A BBQ

1. Nub Habano

Although the Nub Connecticut is a firm favourite of ours, we believe that the Habano has a flavour profile that is much better suited for an afternoon barbecue. Thanks to a variety of caramelised and spicy notes, it accords wonderfully with the smell of burning charcoal and chargrilled meat.

Furthermore, it’s ideally sized and is a particularly strategic option if you want to enjoy your cigar while preparing the barbecue. With the spatula in one hand and the cigar in the other, it’s just the right size so that you’ll be finished in time for your steak.

If you’re with friends who haven’t smoked a cigar before, consider also grabbing a few Nub Connecticuts as mentioned above. These are excellent first cigars for beginners.

2. Hoyo de Monterrey Épicure N°2

A classic Cuban cigar with a cult following, the Épicure N°2 by Hoyo de Monterrey is celebrated by both veteran and novice cigar enthusiasts. Although quite mild, it provides the smoker with an aromatic blend of rich flavours.

If you’re looking for a solid crowd-pleaser, the Épicure N°2 is hard to beat and will surely be a popular choice. Furthermore, it’s very welcoming for beginners and as a short and mild smoke, it’s a great one for around a burning barbecue even on a hot summer’s day.

3. Cain & Nub Straight Ligero Maduro

While many barbecues today are gas-fired, nothing beats the charm of wood or charcoal. Indeed, it requires a little bit of skill and has a few inconveniences. However, the results speak for themselves!

If you’re grilling a thick rib steak over smoky wooden embers, we recommend cigars with robust and full bodies. A great option is the Cain Maduro, which is just composed of oily Ligero leaf. It’s an opulent and powerful experience, which will surely impress you.

You can opt for the smaller Nub version while firing up the grill. Alternatively, the large 6 x 60 Gordito would make an excellent digestif.

4. Psyko Seven Nicaragua

Released in 2019, the Psyko Seven Nicaragua is the fruit of a collaboration between Patrick Hurd of Ventura Cigars and Indiana Ortez. In her unique Nicaraguan puro blend, she featured her family’s 2007 crop of native Connecticut Claro for the cigar’s wrapper.

Not only is the Psyko Seven very affordable but it’s a surprising cigar to say the least. Although Nicaragua is usually associated with bold flavours, this blend is aromatic, soothing, and yet adventurous, too. If you’re looking for a great option that offers a hint of spice on a hot summer’s day, this would be our favourite.

5. Montecristo White Series Vintage Connecticut

Following from the success of the original Montecristo White Series, the Vintage Connecticut swaps out the Ecuadorian wrapper for a genuine American shade-grown from 2008. Furthermore, it adds a hint of Peruvian tobacco in the filler.

As a result, it adds a touch of personality to the celebrated classic for a more exciting and alluring experience. If you have buddies that are familiar with this cigar, surprise them with the Connecticut Vintage and they’ll be impressed!

6. La Gloria Cubana Serie D N°5

Although a Spanish Exclusive, the Serie D N°5 can still be found abroad from the right retailers. Boasting a harmonious flavour profile that offers coffee beans, pine, and cinnamon, it’s a wonderful option as a digestif.

Indeed, it would be somewhat wasted while preparing your barbecue. Instead, this is a cigar that we suggest that you savour afterwards. It accords wonderfully with a variety of spirits. We have even enjoyed it with limoncello!

7. Drew Estate Liga Privada N°9

As an opulent cigar, the Liga Privada N°9 is another cigar that pairs best with a wood-fired barbecue. It comes in a variety of vitolas such as the short Flying Pig Gordo perfecto that you can enjoy while preparing the fire. Alternatively, it’s a great evening cigar for kicking back afterwards with a glass in your hand.

If you’re having a barbecue in the evening, this may be one of your best choices. Otherwise, it’s absolutely fine in the afternoon too.

8. Plasencia Alma del Fuego

Another richly-flavoured blend, the Alma del Fuego (Soul of Fire) is an aptly-named choice for your BBQ! The Alma del Fuego is another Nicaraguan puro like the Psyko Seven listed above. Its bold character is reminiscent of its home country’s mineral-rich volcanic soil.

Consequently, we’d primarily suggest this cigar with a wood-fired BBQ with a nice, thick, rib-eye. However, don’t feel that it’s the only way it can be enjoyed!

9. Perdomo Champagne Noir

Perdomo’s Champagne Noir features a triple-fermented Cuban-seed Maudor wrapper that has been fermented for over 14 months. This Nicaraguan puro has an additional step and the wrapper is then aged for 6 months in oak bourbon barrels.

The process produces a sweetened caramelised flavour and savoury notes that would harmoniously accord with a rack of honey-glazed pork ribs.

10. JC Newman Brick House Double Connecticut

Produced at the Nicaraguan PENSA factory under the watchful guidance of the talented Fausto Gutiérrez Altamirano, JC Newman’s Brick House is an all-round excellent cigar. Although we suggested the Nub Connecticut for inexperienced cigar smokers, the Brick House is an excellent alternative.

An overall refreshing cigar with creamy aromas and a balanced body, it’s a great option for very hot days when sweltering over the grill. Alterantively, pour yourself a Pilsner or a root beer afterwards, and kick back with this aromatic blend.