Let’s be honest — our love for cigars runs deep... maybe too deep for Gmail’s liking. 😅

Over the past few months, our weekly Smoke Signals emails were getting a little too long — so long, in fact, that Gmail started threatening to clip them mid-sentence. And no one wants a cigar recommendation that ends with “...read more.”

So starting today, we’re rolling out a fresh, streamlined format that keeps all the flavor, all the pairing tips, and all the smoky goodness — without the scroll fatigue.

👉 Each week, we’ll feature one cigar or one whiskey, alternating between them. You'll still get:

• 🍷 Pairing suggestions

• 💡 Mini insights & fun facts

• 🔧 Tips for beginners and enthusiasts alike

All in one smooth, satisfying read.

🔥 5 Morning Cigars Worth Waking Up For

Some cigars demand a steak dinner and a late-night soundtrack. Others? They pair beautifully with sunrise, coffee, and a slower start to the day.

In this issue, we’re diving into five cigars that shine before noon — each one smooth, balanced, and perfect for easing into the day.

Let’s start with a beauty from Southern Draw... 👇

🔥 Southern Draw Morning Glory

If you like your mornings smooth and easy, Morning Glory from Southern Draw is a perfect wake-up companion. Rolled at AJ Fernandez’s factory in Estelí, it features a silky Connecticut Shade wrapper (USA), a Nicaraguan Habano binder, and a filler blend of Corojo 99 and Criollo 98. The result? Soft flavors of toasted nuts, brown butter, and honey—just right with a black coffee or floral tea. ☕

The first third opens creamy with cedar and light toast. In the middle, you’ll get hints of almond and gentle florals. By the final third, it warms up with cinnamon and a rich, buttery finish. The burn stays sharp, the draw stays smooth, and the whole experience is relaxing from start to finish.

• 💨 Strength: Mild to Medium

• 📏 Reviewed Size: Robusto (5.5" x 54)

• 🕒 Burn Time: 45–60 minutes

• 💰 Price: $11–$13

• 📍 Factory: AJ Fernandez, Nicaragua

A calm, flavorful companion for quiet mornings—or an ideal first cigar of the day. 🌞

🔥 Macanudo Café Prince Philip

When it comes to morning cigars, Macanudo Café is a time-tested classic — and the Prince Philip size offers an extended, elegant start to your day. This Dominican-made cigar features a smooth Connecticut Shade wrapper from the U.S., a Mexican binder, and a mellow Dominican-Mexican filler blend.

Light it up and you're greeted with creamy notes of cedar, toast, and a touch of almond. It’s incredibly gentle on the palate, making it ideal for pairing with your first cup of black coffee or a mild breakfast tea. ☕

The long Churchill shape keeps things cool and consistent from start to finish, with no harshness and zero surprises — just smooth sailing all the way through.

• 💨 Strength: Mild

• 📏 Reviewed Size: Churchill (7.5" x 49)

• 🕒 Burn Time: 75–90+ minutes

• 💰 Price: Around $10

• 📍 Origin: Dominican Republic

This is a cigar that doesn’t try to impress you — it just does. A staple in any humidor, and a reliable pick for calm, reflective mornings. 🌅

🔥 Camacho Connecticut Toro

If you’re looking for a morning cigar with a little backbone, the Camacho Connecticut Toro is your guy. Don’t let the golden wrapper fool you — this one brings a bit of attitude while staying smooth and balanced.

Wrapped in a silky Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, it holds a bold Honduran Corojo binder and a blend of Honduran and Dominican fillers. The result is a smoke that starts creamy but quickly layers in white pepper, cedar, and just a whisper of earthy spice. ☀️

This Toro is perfect when you want a little more flavor without jumping into full-bodied territory. It pairs beautifully with a latte, chai, or even a light bourbon for an indulgent start to your weekend.

• 💨 Strength: Mild-Medium

• 📏 Reviewed Size: Toro (6" x 50)

• 🕒 Burn Time: 50–65 minutes

• 💰 Price: Around $9

• 📍 Origin: Honduras

Camacho’s reputation for bold cigars is intact here — just turned down a notch and dressed for daylight. 🌤️

🔥 Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne

This cigar is the brunch mimosa of the humidor — smooth, mellow, and just a little bit fancy. The Perdomo Champagne is wrapped in a golden Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade leaf that's been aged for six years and finished in bourbon barrels. Inside, you'll find a Nicaraguan binder and filler, delivering soft spice and natural sweetness.

From the first draw, you’ll get notes of toast, vanilla, and a hint of almond cream. The middle opens up with light oak, honey, and the warm touch of buttered pastry. It finishes with a whisper of white pepper — just enough to remind you it’s not all sweetness and light.

This one is a go-to with coffee — especially if your mug has cream and sugar. ☕✨

• 💨 Strength: Mild-Medium

• 📏 Reviewed Size: Epicure (6" x 54)

• 🕒 Burn Time: 45–60 minutes

• 💰 Price: Around $9–$11

• 📍 Origin: Nicaragua

If you want flavor without force, Champagne delivers — smooth, classy, and easy to love. 🥂

🔥 Dunbarton Sobremesa Brûlée

Some cigars feel like dessert — even at breakfast. The Sobremesa Brûlée is one of those rare smokes that wraps you in cream, honey, and vanilla from the start. Crafted by Steve Saka and the team at Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, it’s built with an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, a Mexican binder, and a mix of Nicaraguan long-fillers.

The first third is rich and creamy, with hints of graham cracker and sweet cedar. Midway through, you may pick up light cocoa, buttered toast, and a touch of floral spice. The final stretch leans into baking spices with a warm, soft finish — never bitter, never boring. 🍯

This one’s perfect with a cappuccino, or for days when you want a cigar that leans sweet but never artificial.

• 💨 Strength: Mild

• 📏 Reviewed Size: Robusto (5.25" x 52)

• 🕒 Burn Time: 60–75 minutes

• 💰 Price: $12–$14

• 📍 Origin: Nicaragua

A refined, relaxing smoke that whispers instead of shouts — and pairs beautifully with a quiet morning. ☁️

☕ Perfect Pairings for Morning Cigars

Not every cigar calls for bourbon — especially at 9 a.m. 😉

Morning cigars tend to be smoother, creamier, and more delicate than their evening counterparts. So instead of overpowering them with bold spirits, here are a few non-alcoholic drink pairings that enhance the experience without stealing the spotlight:

• Black Coffee: The gold standard. Its bitterness cuts through creamier cigars and brings balance to the smoke. Go bold with espresso or keep it mellow with a pour-over.

• Café con Leche or Latte: If your cigar has notes of cream, nut, or toast, milk-based coffee builds on that flavor harmony.

• Earl Grey or English Breakfast Tea: For a lighter-bodied cigar, tea offers a soft, tannic backbone that won’t overwhelm the palate.

• Green or Jasmine Tea: Herbal and floral teas work especially well with cigars that have Connecticut wrappers or floral/citrus notes.

• Sparkling Water: Sounds plain, but it resets your palate between puffs and enhances subtler flavors in mild cigars.

If you’re feeling indulgent, a splash of honey or cinnamon in your drink can mirror similar notes in many morning-friendly cigars — especially something like Sobremesa Brûlée or Morning Glory. 🍯

🥂 Weekend Indulgence (Optional)

If you’re enjoying your cigar on a weekend brunch patio or have no plans before noon, here are a couple of low-key alcoholic pairings that play beautifully with morning smokes:

• Irish Coffee: The creaminess of the whiskey and the bold roast of the coffee create a rich backdrop for Connecticut-wrapped cigars. Smooth, warm, and indulgent — like a smoked breakfast in a cup. ☘️

• Prosecco or Dry Sparkling Wine: The crisp bubbles and light acidity contrast beautifully with sweet or creamy cigars like Perdomo Champagne or Sobremesa Brûlée. Perfect for special mornings when coffee feels too ordinary. 🥂

As always — smoke slow, sip slower. It’s about savoring the moment, not rushing it.

🧑‍🏫 Cigar Newbie Tip of the Week

Start your cigar journey in the morning. Seriously.

Mornings are one of the best times to smoke if you're new to cigars. Your palate is fresh, your senses are alert, and lighter-bodied cigars (like the ones we’ve featured here) are gentler introductions to strength and complexity.

Choose a Connecticut Shade wrapper, pair it with a simple black coffee, and take your time. No pressure. No rush. Just you, your thoughts, and the gentle curl of morning smoke.

Remember: cigars aren’t about impressing anyone. They’re about slowing down and enjoying the ritual. And the best way to start? Is just to start. 🌞