A topic that comes up semi-regularly on our forum is what cigars to give newcomers for special occasions. After all, you don't want to cause offense, yet you don't want to give cigars that may go to waste to family and friends who are new to cigar smoking. Two of my cousins have humidors and a small collection, so they aren't new to the hobby, but others invited were. We met up the night before the wedding for cigars and scotches with my cousins, the best man and the bride's brothers and a few others. As my cousin was hosting he was happy to hand out some H.Upmann Half Coronas or Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2's. I suggested that we start with Cohiba Shorts Puritos because these are a short smoke, only 10 to 15 minutes and if some newcomers didn't take to them, then they could toss them without any offense. If they wanted another, then my cousin could hand out some H.Upmann Half Coronas or Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2's
Well, this was a great plan as one or two patrons didn't take to the Cohiba Shorts at all, the groom was so taken with his that he wanted another, and my cousin's godfather moved onto a Cohiba Siglo II. I owed my cousin's husband a cigar as he gifted me a nice Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 in April at his daughter's christening this year, it goes without saying that the Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona I gifted him was very well received!
As can be seen from the images below, it was great wedding weekend!