Premium cigars are meant to offer an elevated experience. Of that, there’s no question. Plenty of proponents will tell you “Life’s too short to smoke bad cigars,” or some such statement. While I certainly agree with that phrase, what constitutes a “bad cigar” is subjective. More importantly, there are situations where I would not want to pull out the most expensive cigar in my humidor to smoke. That’s where a yard-gar comes into the equation.
Most of my cigar-smoking experiences happen while I’m relaxing, and I’m willing to bet it’s the same for the rest of the community. But sometimes, I want a cigar when I’m not sitting down relaxing, watching TV, listening to tunes, or enjoying the evening. For example, while I’m doing some yardwork, whether that’s mowing the lawn, pressure-washing, or another related task. That’s when I turn to my yard-gars.
In short, a yard-gar is a cigar that you can smoke while completing a more demanding task. Now, the first assumption will be that it’s cheap or a budget stick. Yes, sometimes that can be true, as you don’t want to waste an expensive stick, but that’s not always the case.
Some of the qualifiers include a long, reliable burn that allows you to take frequent breaks and put it down, without going out. A cigar that can take a beating or isn’t too finicky, whether because you’re sweaty and hustling or maybe you have a lot more saliva to deal with — if you keep a cigar perched in your mouth longer you tend to build up more saliva. And finally, something that’s not going to kick you in the teeth with nicotine or a bold strength profile. You don’t need to be throwing up because you swallowed a puff of smoke in a moment of maximum effort.
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
There are many different cigars I turn to when I want a yard-gar. But one I come back to consistently is the JFR Corojo in the Super Toro vitola from Aganorsa. It’s extra tasty, with flavors like baking spices, cedar, earth, pepper, and cream. But it’s also not so strong that it’s going to have me lying down in the dirt, either. The size is excellent, with a long, slow burn that can last for about as long as it takes me to mow my yard — front and backyard. Plus, it’s not finicky in the sense that the wrapper is going to crack in the high Florida humidity or heat, even when lit.
Realistically, any cigar could be a yard-gar if it meets the qualifications for you. Personally, I tend to avoid anything too expensive when I’m in the middle of an outdoor project. For something like that, you want to be able to savor the experience.
Some other yard-gars I puff on while working outside are:
Brick House Fumas (any blend)
Chillin Moose (any blend)
Drew Estate Factory Smokes
Drew Estate Nica Rustica Adobe
Drew Estate Undercrowns (any blend)
HVC Pan Caliente
Indomina by AJ Fernandez
JFR Connecticut (Super Toro vitola)
La Palina Connecticut
Mark Twain (any blend)
Nub by Oliva (any blend)
Padilla Dominus
Romeo y Julieta 1875
Why not just have a cigar afterward?
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
At some point, I know I’ll get the question “Why can’t you just wait?” I can wait and sometimes I do. It’s not like I have a cigar in my mouth every single time I’m doing yard work. Sometimes, it’s way too hot where I live to smoke and sweat and all that jazz.
However, every once in a while, it is nice and refreshing to have a cold beverage and a cigar while I’m working on a project. I may even take a break for a few minutes. Either way, that’s why yard-gars are a thing, at least in my life.
I know there will be people out there who are absolutely against it and that’s fine. But really, it’s a lot like enjoying a cigar while you’re playing some rounds of golf, relaxing on the beach, or even chilling in a pool or hot tub with a cigar. In each of those scenarios, there’s something that’s not necessarily ideal for enjoying a cigar. Whether that’s the hustle and bustle of playing a game, beach sand and salty air messing with the flavors in the cigar, or super high humidity from the pool or hot tub affecting the cigar’s burn.
Hell, I often grab what I would consider to be a yard-gar when I’m relaxing in my pool. The moisture and humidity can cause all sorts of issues with the burn.
Briley has over 16 years in the publishing and content marketing business. He's been writing about cigars for nearly half that in various forms. What makes him a tour de force is he also smokes them.
Source: Ryan Nicoll / Unsplash
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
