Does anyone still pass out cigars to celebrate? It seems kinda like a cool tradition. Although I have occasionally in the past I don't really smoke them. Some guys pass out bubble gum or chocolate "cigars" but that seems kinda lame ie not as manly(insert best Tim the Tool-man Taylor grunting impression). Or, is the cigar thing lame in general?

For guys who smoke cigars, it's still cool. The thing about it is that you really are expected to smoke a cigar with the guy you give it to. So if you aren't used to it, you're probably better off not doing it. If you find a fine chocolatier, they make high quality chocolate cigars which fill the gap nicely.

If you're going to get cigars (and thanks for reminding me, by the way) don't go for the "It's a Boy/Girl" swill. Sucky cigars and overpriced, even as cheap as they are. If you want something I'd recommend Arturo Fuente Curly Head Deluxe. If you know what a Maduro wrapper is and like them, get the maduro, but if you don't, get the standards. They'll cost you $3ish a piece and a box will have a nice standard box that you can put photos in. I'd get a hard case for them, too. You don't want to crush them and a hard cigar case will have a mini humidifier in it to keep them moist. It makes a big difference, especially when you end up smoking 50 of them yourself. Get a nice cutter or punch tool, too. My cigar lighters all have punches built into them so you aren't losing only one tool.

Come to think of it, I dedicated a pipe I bought in 2008 to my son. I should look for a new one for the upcoming tot. I wonder what my wife will think about that. Need to broach it gently.

I bought cigars two plus years ago. Tossed them out last month. Did not smoke or give any of them away. The only person that I know that even smokes them is my brother.

I would say that if you know folks who smoke cigars, go for it. If not, buy nice chocolates - not even cigar shaped.

Thanks for the ideas guys. I'm thinking I might buy a few cigars for the people I'd smoke one with but maybe go for something different for the underage/non smokers.

I'm a cigar fanatic, and plan on buying a nice box when the twins get here. However, the ones I give away will not be terribly expensive. I've got a lot of cheaper cigars that are still hand rolled and quite tasty. Famous Nicaraguan 3000's, Flor de Oliva, 5 Vegas Gold, etc. Most folks don't have a humidor or really care about them. Most of my friends would rather have a grape flavored swisher sweet than a hand rolled cigar. LoL
bobjr79, just say the word and I'll send you some.

I enjoy making beer as a hobby, so I made a batch of a Belgain Brown ale to be handed out when the baby is born. It will be ready to drink when the baby is born, but even better on the baby's first birthday.

Dan

It's a tradition in our brewing club for some guys to brew something for their wives so it will be ready after gtting home from delivery. Usually a lighter bodied Milk Stout or something fruity. I made a cider for my wife. She'll get to it once she's had her White Russians.

I got a box of Fuente Curly Heads to pass out. Boy, has the price risen. I bought these in 2002 for as little as $1.25. These cost $3 each in a box of 40. They're good cigars. Still hand rolled but by new rollers. There can be some loose or tight cigars, but they're a good value. Great for gifts. I actally wanted Curly Head Deluxes. They're done slightly better but are still low priced. The big thing is that they come 25 to a box.

ben wrote:
It's a tradition in our brewing club for some guys to brew something for their wives so it will be ready after gtting home from delivery. Usually a lighter bodied Milk Stout or something fruity. I made a cider for my wife. She'll get to it once she's had her White Russians.

I got a box of Fuente Curly Heads to pass out. Boy, has the price risen. I bought these in 2002 for as little as $1.25. These cost $3 each in a box of 40. They're good cigars. Still hand rolled but by new rollers. There can be some loose or tight cigars, but they're a good value. Great for gifts. I actally wanted Curly Head Deluxes. They're done slightly better but are still low priced. The big thing is that they come 25 to a box.

Oh yes, I have 6 gallons of cider naturally fermenting away for her. Hopefully it will be ready by next summer. A local orchard does a special cider pressing each fall for brewers. I also have 9 ish gallons of cyser going as well.

Dan

Defiantly Cigars!

Have a nice box of Cohiba Siglo VI to hand out when the bundle of joy is born. Also a nice bottle of Rémy Martin XO Excellence to enjoy with the cigar.

I like this beer idea, but I have two months until our due date and I've never brewed beer before. Am I too late?

My birthday is this weekend so I have an excuse to buy whatever I'd need.

It's probably better to save your first brew for a nonevent. All sorts of ways to have problems and you have enough to do as it is.

I'm digging the idea of beer for the birth - a better option than cigars and a new tradition.

One other new tradition we talk alot about at DadLabs is the baby kegger as opposed to the baby shower.

I like how you think daddytroy a keger would be just fantastic for a first time dad. Unfortunately I'm done with having kids pending any surprises

As for cigars cigar.com is my salvation as far as decently priced good cigars and giveaways too. Just make sure you contact Jeff Jackson and tell him I sent you!

Sean.

Two months is plenty of time for a simple, low alcohol brew. If you have never done it before, I suggest you get in contact with a local homebrewing club to see if they can get you started. You can find a local club at

www.homebrewersassociation.org/pages/directories/find-a-club.

Good news on this front. My Abby Ale won first place in the Wood Aged Beer category at the regional competition!

Dan