There’s nothing more enjoyable than gathering with your closest friends on gameday, cracking some cold ones, grilling your favorite food, and having fun times. Since every tailgate is all about the atmosphere—flavorful eats, rowdy laughs, and good company—cigars add that perfect finishing touch that turns an average hangout into a legendary one. Plus, with the right gear and cigar picks, you’ll be ready to turn your tailgate into the go-to spot in the parking lot, rain or shine. We’ve gathered a few helpful pro tips to ensure you have all of the cigar tailgating essentials to enhance your experience.

Tailgating Essentials

Whether you’re a seasoned tailgating veteran or preparing for your first experience, there are some essentials you must have for tailgating success.

1. Food and Drinks – chips and dip, pasta salad, hoagies, burgers and hot dogs, sausage and onion, beer, wine, bourbon, soda, water. A good variety allows for plenty of options for everyone’s personal preference.
2. Comfortable Seating – No one wants to sit on the curb or the ground. Make sure you have suitable options for seating such as camping chairs or beach chairs
3. A pop-up tent – The weather may not always be on your side. A pop-up tent is a versatile item to protect you from the heat and sun or provide cover in the case of rain or snow.
4. Yard Games – Socializing is a huge part of tailgating, and what better way to pass the time than with some yard games. Cornhole is usually a staple, but there are plenty of other portable and easy to set up yard games.

Cigar Tailgating Accessories

Now you’re set for your tailgate, but what about the cigars? There are a few things you must bring to ensure a quality smoking experience.

1. Travel Humidor – No one wants to go through all the trouble of gathering their favorite cigars, packing them in the car, and getting to the tailgate only to find that their cigars were damaged in transport. Make sure you have a portable cigar case or travel humidor to keep your cigars protected. A Her-a-dor travel humidor is a great choice. Don't forget to toss in a Boveda humidity pack to keep your cigars at the proper humidity level. 
2. Cigar Cutter – Whether you are a fan of the v-cut or more of a punch person, you will want to bring a quality cigar cutter to get the best cut for your premium smokes. Get a clean cut, every time with the Xikar Xi2 Cutter.
3. Torch Lighter – Don’t let the wind ruin your smoking experience. Make sure you have a quality torch lighter to light your cigars in any weather condition. The Xikar Hedron Lighter is the cadillac of cigar lighters, and will never let you down. Or try the Smiley Quad Torch Lighter and make quick work of lighting your cigars with the four powerful, wind-resistant torch flames.

Best Cigars for Tailgating

If you want to turn heads at your next tailgate, you can’t go wrong with these top pick sticks—each one a crowd-pleaser and packing the kind of flavor that stands up to burgers, wings, or a cold one in hand.  

Macanudo Gold Label

Macanudo Gold Label is smooth and mellow with a slight yet subtle lemony sweetness. The refined and balanced consistency of this limited-edition cigar makes it an ideal choice for the casual crowd looking for a relaxing, enjoyable time. It's only fitting to accompany this premium cigar with an easy drinking Blonde Ale (also known as the Golden Ale). This rounded and smooth beer offers subtle hints of spices and fruit that will perfectly complement the smooth and subtle sweetness of the Macanudo Gold Label to create what we're coining the "Golden Pairing." 

Ave Maria Immaculata

Ave Maria Immaculata is a savvy pick—creamy, complex, yet never overpowering. This mellower offering from Ave Maria is well suited to most any taste preference, featuring notes of cream, cedar, white pepper, caramel, toasty tobacco, and a rich, aroma of baked bread. This premium cigar pairs immaculately with a crisp, refreshing Pilsner as the malty sweetness and slight hop bitterness echoes the cigars blend of sweet and savory notes. 

Montecristo Viejo

Montecristo Viejo is like that reliable buddy you invite to every game: affordable, sturdy, and always hits the spot, especially after a plate of BBQ. An incredible value from the historic brand, Montecristo Viejo is a medium-bodied flavor bomb teeming with big flavors in every puff. Pair this premium stick with a smooth and velvety Porter for an exemplary companion to highlight the coffee, spice, and dark chocolate tasting notes. 

Alec Bradley Black Market Esteli

Alec Bradley Black Markey Esteli is a full-flavored, rich combination of savory and sweet that can go toe-to-toe with craft brews and heartier grub. With tasting notes of leather, pepper, and cocoa, this bold offering pairs magnificently with a smooth, roasty Stout.  

Diesel Wicked

Diesel Wicked lives up to the name—full-flavored, spicy, and perfect if you want something with a punch. This premium cigar boasts a feisty charisma that grows more intense with each puff. Experience a bold assortment of deep nuances and spicy undertones including oak, leather, dark tobacco, roasted espresso bean, black pepper, and red pepper. We recommend partnering Diesel Wicked with a Black IPA, as the strong aroma and bitter notes will pair nicely with the earthy, leathery, and peppery flavors. 

Any one of these smokes will make you the MVP of cigar duty, and better yet, they all come in packs and boxes, so you can load up without breaking the bank. Now take this newfound knowledge and become the go-to cigar guy or girl at your next tailgate! Find plenty of other cigar tips and tricks in Cigar 101 here at Cigars International.