Cigars You Should Smoke During the World Cup

Generating loud cheers, raised glasses and connections with other people - the FIFA World Cup is finally upon us, provoking excitement around the globe as football fans come together to support their countries. The World Cup is arguably one of the most fixating sporting events, leading you to support your country during heart-racing matches regardless of how big of a football fan you are.

Alcohol is a huge factor in these events for many, with millions of fans visiting pubs and bars to enjoy a beverage whilst watching the games being played. But what if you like to enjoy the World Cup a different way - through cigars? You’ll often see articles written about the best drinks to enjoy for these events, so why not indulge in something a little more luxury like a cigar instead?

There are so many options for exciting events like the World Cup, but where do you start? To be honest with you, it’s best not to choose a cigar that’s too intense or too mild, for the pure fact you probably won’t be thinking about the cigar experience all too much. You want something that’s well-balanced, but not too mild, so you have a great contrast from the football matches. Here are a few great options.

Okay, let’s get the obvious one out of the way.

Plasencia are a brand beloved by many worldwide for its unique blends, and varied range. They are the largest producer of tobacco in Central America, with multiple brands being made at the Plasencia factory because of this.

The word Ehtëfal means celebration, and this blend was originally released for the World Cup back in 2022, to highlight the fact that the world was coming back together once again after a challenging couple of years due to Covid-19. “Friends, families and aficionados will gather with passion around the world to enjoy life, friendship and unity.”

The blend comprises of a Nicaraguan Wrapper and Filler, and a Honduran Binder. They are medium in strength but full in flavour, with many reviewers noting the dark chocolate and natural sweetness, alongside the impressive construction.

Only 5,000 boxes of 10 cigars were released, and some are still available for purchase at C.Gars.

Okay, call us bias, but we are a UK-based company after all! Regardless of bias, the La Flor de Cano Selectos No. 3 cigar is a fantastic Cuban cigar worthy of celebration.

The Selectos No.3 is the third UK Regional Edition from the brand, following the Short Robusto (2010) and the Gran Cano (2013). 125,000 Selectos No.3 cigars have been produced, each sporting a unique band printed with the size name. They are presented in 5,000 cabinet boxes of 25 cigars (SLB’s).

The relatively long and slim vitola provides a perfect format for Flor de Cano's elegant blend to evolve throughout the hour or so that it takes to enjoy. It is a pleasure to smoke now but will no doubt age with the grace and refinement of its illustrious predecessors.

The Selectos No. 3 has a sweet floral beginning that includes a citrus freshness. As the cigar progresses, this develops into a rich spiceness without ever losing its charm and tipping into bitterness - this transition is perfect for when the football game comes towards the last 20 minutes, where the intensity of both the cigar and football increase in harmony.

Oliva cigars tend to be quite complex, but they won’t overpower. Oliva has struck gold with the Serie V, a truly one-of-a-kind experience that cigar connoisseurs adore.

They’re not “cheap”, but they’re also not too costly, sitting at £26.00 per single (currently). This cigar is worth the price, though, I promise you that.

They feature Nicaraguan Binder and Fillers and an Ecuadorian wrapper, giving you a good mix of complexity and flavour from the Nicaraguan tobaccos, and some smoothness, slight spice and earthiness from the Ecuadorian Wrapper. This flavourful blend exhibits complex tobacco with rich coffee and dark chocolate tones. A subtle and well-balanced spice is present throughout.

Perdomo seems to be a household name for many cigar connoisseurs, especially in the US. It also achieved the award of Best Brand of Nicaragua by Cigar Journal back in 2018.

Nick Perdomo truly prides himself on creating this memorable blend, which is perfect for the everyday smoker, but also celebratory moments alike. The 10th Anniversary Connecticut is blended using tobaccos that have been carefully hand selected and aged for a minimum of six years. The Reserve 10th Anniversary Connecticut was where the technique of bourbon barrel aging wrapper tobaccos started for Perdomo. This special aging process was a Perdomo family secret for years and Nicholas Perdomo Sr aptly named the bourbon barrel aged Connecticut wrapper, the ‘champagne’ of wrappers. The Binder and Filler in this blend are grown in Nicaragua using Cuban seeds, which is also a noteworthy component.

The beautiful, butterscotch coloured Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper imparts sweet hints of cream and honey. The Cuban-seed Nicaraguan binder and filler leaves offer a rich spiciness with oaky undertones. The combination of the wrapper, binder, and fillers in this blend offers elegant flavours with rich complex aromas and a silky, smooth finish.

So, there we have four cigars which make for the perfect World Cup experience - from smooth and mild, to rich and complex, there’s something for everyone.

And remember, even if your team doesn’t win, you’re still winning in the moment with a fantastic cigar.

Article written by Lewis Hearn