Tailgating is a lot like a bonfire or a backyard cookout: you are outside, the weather is unpredictable, and you want a cigar that is easy to hand around and does not need perfect conditions to taste good. Fall and early winter games mean cold hands and wind more often than not, so a sturdy cigar with a wrapper that holds together is worth more than a delicate, expensive one that struggles the moment the wind picks up.
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The Cigars
What Beer to Pair With Each One
- Camacho Corojo with an amber ale. Malty enough to hold up outside, but not so heavy it slows you down before kickoff.
- A milder robusto with a crisp lager. Good for tailgates that start early and run for hours.
- A maduro-wrapped stick with a brown ale, especially for late afternoon and night games once the temperature drops.
Tailgate Cigar Tips
- Bring a torch lighter, not a standard flame. Parking lots are windier than they look, and a soft flame will not survive.
- Natural, all-tobacco wrappers like Connecticut Broadleaf hold up better than delicate wrapper leaves once the temperature drops.
- A cigar case keeps backups from drying out or getting crushed in a cooler bag on the way to the stadium.
- Check the venue rules before you light up. Plenty of stadium parking lots allow cigars in the lot itself even if smoking is banned inside.
More Ways to Pair Beer and Cigars
Prefer a fire pit to a parking lot? Our Best Cigars for a Bonfire or Campfire Night guide covers similar cold-weather ground, or go back to the full beer and cigar pairing guide.
FAQ
What cigar holds up best at an outdoor tailgate?
A full-flavored cigar with a sturdy, natural wrapper like Connecticut Broadleaf, such as a Corojo-wrapped Camacho. Delicate wrapper leaves struggle more in wind and cold.
What beer is best for a tailgate cigar?
A crisp lager or pilsner for an all-day tailgate, an amber ale for a mid-strength cigar, and a stout or brown ale once the temperature drops for a night game.
Can you smoke cigars at a stadium tailgate?
Usually yes in the parking lot even where smoking is banned inside the stadium, but it is worth checking the specific venue’s policy before you light up.
