I have ordered from Thomsoncigar.com and found them to be very apo/fpo friendly.

Maggie

How do you know what to order. I want to surprise my SFC with some nice cigars because he's always thinking about his unit and never thinks of himself. I don't want to ask what he likes, it will ruin the surprise. Any suggestions.

Pam

Hi Pam,

What cigars to send and how to send them has long been a matter of discussion but the threads are old and not visible under default forum settings.  At the bottom of the category page (CIGARS), click on 'More Options' then under Filter select 'Show All.'  This will allow you to see all the previous discussions.

I get recommendations from people I work with, read the ratings and descriptions, and occasionally wander the local cigar shop searching for something that feels and smells just right.  However, cigar preference varies greatly from person to person.  If you don't know what your SFC likes, I would send a nice sampler.

Because cigars experience *shipping shock* I don't send them directly from the vendor to my contacts if I want them to be able to just open package and start smoking.  I have everything shipped to me then package them with a humidifier packet in double ziplock bags.  I only ship them with things that will neither pick up nor pass on odors - cigar accessories, nice razor blades, stuff like that.

jo

Hi Pam - good advice from jocee.  Also you could go to a local B&N or other bookstore and check out Cigar Aficionado magazine.  They have a section in each issue that rates and explains cigars.  The articles are also very helpful as are the ads.  You may or may not want to buy the current issue - depending upon budget considerations and ship it with your choices. 

Everyone has their own favorites both in cigars and sites.  J&R tobacco - search on J&R - has a good deals page, as well as a selection of reasonably priced rugged field humidors ( 13- 39 dollars) - again depending on budget considerations.   I bought the 'travel' one ($13) for my hubby for Christmas and he loves it.  They also have what are called J&R alternatives.  Their brand of 'alternatives'  (way less expensive) to some of the high-ends.  All depends on what you want.  They are also very military friendly, will ship to APOS.  I live near one of their stores tho so I've never actually used their shipping service.  Also have an 800 number where you can talk to a Customer Rep and get advice on cigars.

One of the suggestions on these threads is to send a zippo and the throwaway cutters (inexpensive) with cigars.  Aippos at walmart (about $11) in jewelry dept - also the flints there too.  they can find the lighter fluied over there.  but if he already smokes em he probaly has all that stuff.

If I can find the links for J&R, I'll come back and post them for you.

Happy cigar shopping.

Ann

Hi Pam - following are the links for J&R cigar.  Also - I checked the site and couldn't find the Exteme Humidor (brand name for the field humidor) on the site anymore.

www.jrcigars.com

www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=deals_current      underscore between deals and current

www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=weekly_specials    underscore between weekly and specials

Happy cigar shopping

Ann

Hey, guys!  I live near "The Largest Cigar Store in the World" (technically, so do you, Ann-it's the J&R in Whippany! LOL-I'm only about 15 minutes from it, you're a bit farther) so if there's something you're looking for and can't find it online or in the smaller shops, I can probably check there for you.  PM or email me, or post here... whatever!  I need to head back there soon for one of my guys anyway.  Btw, he's a captain and shares his stash with everyone from generals down to the guys he sends outside the wire, and he said that Macanudo are the favored brand among his crowd.  I know that's not everyone, everywhere, but it's a good starting point to check out.