Thanksgiving Cigars to Enjoy Between the Big Meals

From Creekside Podcast Ep. 036: THE BEST CIGARS TO HAVE ON THANKSGIVING (Feat. Griff From Warped), aired Nov 26, 2025. Recorded at Creekside Cigar Co. in Maineville, Ohio.

On this Creekside Podcast, Dave and Conner welcome Griff Howie of Warped Cigars to talk Thanksgiving cigars. The crew compares holiday favorites, considers when a cigar fits into a day of meals and family, and shares an unusually candid blind tasting. Their conversation is a useful reminder that a good holiday cigar is not just about the blend: timing, appetite and the company around you all matter.

How do you fit a cigar into Thanksgiving?

The hosts start with the practical question: when would you actually smoke each cigar? One Thanksgiving tradition in the conversation is an early afternoon meal, around one or two, while another puts dinner closer to four. That difference changes the shape of the day. A cigar before the meal, between meals or after dinner can each feel like a different occasion, and a longer smoke may not suit every opening in the schedule.

There is no single holiday template here. The crew talks about having a cigar after eating, saving one for the end of the evening, or choosing a shorter smoke for a limited window. The best fit depends on how your day unfolds—and whether you want a cigar alongside a meal or as its own moment afterward.

Which cigars came up as Thanksgiving favorites?

The crew’s picks range from seasonal standbys to cigars they return to year after year. The Corto 46 Maduro gets praise as a fitting choice between Thanksgiving meals, with its size and timing part of the appeal. Black Friday also feels especially suited to the season: one host says it has become a regular Thanksgiving smoke over the past several years.

For a holiday closer, Opus X Lost City is described as an all-time Thanksgiving favorite, often saved for after the meal. Other picks include Awakening, praised for its baking-spice character, and The Vow 11.25, which one speaker has particularly enjoyed after returning to the blend. Griff also names Black Honey as a cigar he has smoked around Thanksgiving in recent years. These are personal traditions, not a one-size-fits-all ranking; the conversation is as much about when each cigar fits as what the crew likes about it.

Why can a cigar taste different in a blind tasting?

The blind tasting gives the episode one of its clearest lessons: a cigar can divide the room. One participant finds the cigar harsh, green and unappealing at first, while another enjoys it. As it develops, the first taster notices sweetness and baking spice, but still does not become enthusiastic. The group also notes that construction can be excellent even when the flavor does not work for a particular person.

That honesty is part of the value of tasting together. The crew discusses the cigar’s draw, burn, changing flavors and perceived value without treating one person’s reaction as the final verdict. A cigar that misses for one palate may still be worth trying for someone else, and a slow start does not guarantee that the rest will follow the same way.

How do setting and palate affect a cigar?

While discussing Awakening and other Warped blends, the crew points out that some cigars reward a quieter setting and a clean palate. One speaker says the flavors become easier to appreciate outside or in an empty lounge, where there is less competing for attention. These cigars may not be the first choice for every moment, but slowing down and focusing can change the experience.

They also talk about how the day’s earlier smokes can affect what comes next. A cigar that feels subtle in a busy setting or after several other smokes may show more when given its own space. The takeaway is not that there is one correct order, but that context can shape what you notice.

Key takeaways

• Choose a Thanksgiving cigar that fits the time you have, whether before the meal, between meals or after dinner.
• Seasonal traditions matter: Black Friday and Opus X Lost City have become recurring holiday picks for members of the crew.
• Blind tastings reveal differences in palate; good construction does not guarantee that a cigar’s flavor will suit everyone.
• Some blends show best with a clean palate and fewer distractions.

Cigars from this episode

• Corto 46 Maduro: Recommended as a fitting smoke between Thanksgiving meals; the speaker likes its size for the occasion.
• Black Friday: A recurring Thanksgiving cigar for one speaker, who calls it a favorite yearly release.
• Opus X Lost City: Described as an all-time Thanksgiving favorite and a cigar to enjoy after the meal.
• Awakening: Praised for baking-spice flavors and as a blend that can reward a quiet setting.
• The Vow 11.25: One speaker says it has become a consistently enjoyable expression of the Vow blends.
• Black Honey: Griff says he has smoked it around Thanksgiving in recent years.
• Wayfair Corona: Mentioned as a Thanksgiving choice; the speaker selected the size in part for its smoking time.

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