There were at least two different cigar Advent Calendars released last year, and while the Oliva version was nice enough—and likely a better overall value—it does not hold a candle to the fifth place winner: the Smoke Inn Advent Calendar.
Standing 15.75 inches tall and 8 inches wide, the sampler holds 25 cigars from a host of manufactures that includes AGANORSA Leaf, Arturo Fuente, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, J.C. Newman, My Father, Padrón, Rocky Patel, Tatuaje and others.
Each cigar is nestled in its own separate “drawer” that pulls out of the presentation box. There’s also a 25th cigar, which is presented in its own unique manner and an included humidification element, meaning you don’t have to worry about your cigars going dry while you open the Advent calendar one day at a time.
But perhaps the most impressive thing about the product is how Smoke Inn took what is essentially a cardboard box and turned it into such a high quality presentation piece. The entire box is so solid it feels like it could be made of wood and the two doors open, close and fit together with ease. Then, there the little details, from the fact that each drawer has a foam insert to protect the cigars nestled within to the fact that the numbered tabs that cover each drawer open downward and stay attached instead of coming off, which would allow you to use the box again if you were so inclined.
With an MSRP of $300, the Smoke Inn Advent Calendar may not be the most economical way to enjoy cigars over the holidays, but the combination of quality materials and great design makes it one of the best examples of packaging to be released in 2021—by a cigar company or a retailer—and an easy choice for fifth place on the list this year. — Brooks Whittington.
