A big game calls for a cigar worthy of the occasion, so we've put together this guide to the best smokes for football’s biggest night.
Whether you're egging on the Eagles, cheering for the Chiefs, or just here for the halftime show, a couple of sturdy smokes should see you through to the final whistle.
But with a game time that's likely to stretch to around four hours, you're going to need to look at the longer, thicker end of the line-up. Let's dive into our pick of five perfect cigars for the big game.
What makes a great cigar for the big game?
A football game has four quarters of 15 minutes each, usually with a 13-minute halftime break. However, breaks in play can make any given game close to three and a half hours long.
Throw in an extended halftime show (and some extra-long commercials), and the big game can last around four hours or more. You're not going to find a single cigar that will last from the first kick to the last, but some larger stogies should carry you through most of each half.
Churchill cigars
Churchill cigars are some of the biggest. This vitola measures around 7x50 and has a smoke time of 90 minutes or more. If you're just taking the occasional draw between plays, it should last even longer.
A slow-burning, top-shelf Churchill cigar is the best big game cigar you can get. We've picked some out below, but we know they won't be for everyone.
Robusto cigars
The classic Robusto cigar vitola is still thick, with a ring gauge of 48-52, but the length is shorter at about five inches. A 5x50 Robusto cigar should last about an hour, but again, it depends on how fast you smoke.
Our shortlist below includes a couple of Robustos we think are worthy of being your go-to big game cigar this Sunday. Light one at kickoff and another at halftime, and you should have a smoke in your hand for a good portion of the game.
The best cigars for 2025's big game
That being said, let's get into it. Our official top five perfect cigars for the main event of football’s 2025 season, featuring a selection of Churchills and Robustos that offer something for everyone.
We've chosen a variety of flavor profiles, so check out each one below and decide which one suits your taste the most.
Montecristo White Series Churchill
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Shade
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Dominican Republic / Nicaragua
Length: 7
Ring: 54
Strength: Medium
Smoke Time: 75-90 minutes
The Montecristo White Series Churchill is a real showstopper of a cigar. A fat stick even by Churchillian standards, it's fully loaded with flavors of leather, cream, cocoa and spices. Take your time with this one, and it can easily last 90 minutes or more, which should be plenty long enough to enjoy through each half of the game.
Isla del Sol Robusto
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Sumatra
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5
Ring: 52
Strength: Mellow-Medium
Smoke Time: 50-60 minutes
Isla del Sol Robusto should see you through about an hour of the game, or longer if you let it rest between draws. Flavors of espresso and cocoa make for a smooth, relaxing experience and should work well alongside a fresh coffee if you're staying away from alcohol while watching the big game.
Baccarat Churchill
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Honduras
Length: 7
Ring: 50
Strength: Mellow
Smoke Time: 70-80 minutes
Baccarat Churchill is a long-time favorite and a fantastic hand-rolled cigar you'll want to keep around long after the big game is over. It features complex flavors of cedar, wheat, cocoa, and nutmeg, delivered to the palate via the famous Baccarat sweet gum cap for a truly unique taste.
Oliva Connecticut Reserve Robusto
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5
Ring: 50
Strength: Mellow-Medium
Smoke Time: 50-60 minutes
The Oliva Connecticut Reserve Robusto is a top-tier Robusto cigar with a fairly lengthy smoke time. It's also notably smooth and aromatic, with flavors of nuts and cocoa. This is a high-quality handmade cigar at an excellent price. If you're hosting a big game gathering, consider buying a box and handing it out to your guests.
La Gloria Cubana Churchill
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Dominican Republic / Nicaragua
Length: 7
Ring: 50
Strength: Medium-Full
Smoke Time: 70-80 minutes
The La Gloria Cubana Churchill is an excellent choice if you're eating before the game. Its medium-full body and long, creamy finish make it a great post-meal smoke, or even alongside a juicy steak. If you plan to light up a second stick after halftime or once the game is over, a good single malt Scotch or Cognac would be an ideal pairing.
Enhancing the experience
Whatever you choose to smoke as your big-game cigar this Sunday, remember to pair it with the right drinks and snacks for the full experience.
Cigar and drink pairings
A high-quality cigar pairs well with almost anything, but different drinks will bring out different aspects of the flavor profile. You should find that your chosen smoke works well with beer, bourbon, brandy, or wine.
Non-alcoholic drinks are also an option. Coffee, tea, or even Coca-Cola can bring out different nuances in your cigar’s taste. We have a beginner's guide to pairing cigars and drinks to help you out.
Cigar and snack pairings
Cigars and food go hand in hand, especially if you're serving snacks or grilling steaks. Pizza is worth a try—it's quick and easy to cook (or you can order in) and melted mozzarella pairs wonderfully with a creamy, top-shelf smoke.
Again, we have a detailed guide to pairing cigars with food and drink that can help. Consider the flavors and aromas in your chosen big game cigar, and pick a snack you think will work well. It's all about personal tastes, so light up, sit back, and enjoy the biggest Sunday of the year!