When a team wins a championship what is the first thing that usually gets popped open in the victorious locker room? Of course it is a bottle of Champagne. The bubbly beverage has a long history of not only quenching the thirst of champions, but also serving as liquid confetti as the victors spray it all over themselves and their teammates.

But Champagne isn't the only way to celebrate, as the cigar has also been used for this purpose throughout history. Do you think there were a few cigars smoked in Miami on Thursday night? I can guarantee the moment Pat Riley raised that third Championship trophy for the Miami Heat, a large plume of cigar smoke rose over the city.

As I watched the Miami Heat finish off the San Antonio Spurs and wrap up their second consecutive NBA title, I had the privilege of sharing the time with two great cigar guys. Both of which just happen to reside in Miami. Since both of these two "brothers of the leaf" were working an event with me in Jacksonville and were unable to watch the game in Miami, I did my best to make them feel at home. We watched the game at a very lively establishment, enjoyed a few beverages, and smoked some amazing cigars. The cigars made the evening very enjoyable, but more so did the play of LeBron James, Shane Battier, and Dwayne Wade. The ride for this duo back to Miami will definitely be a little shorter because of the game’s outcome.

It didn't take long for Padron Cigars to post this picture on Twitter following the Miami Heat's win over the Spurs Thursday night.

But you don't have to win an NBA championship or a Super Bowl title to spark up a celebratory cigar. For many years fathers have celebrated the birth of a child by handing out cigars. At ABC we still have the "it's a boy" and "it's a girl" stickers which allow any cigar to become that special newborn memento.

Cigars are also great for celebrating a graduation, job promotion, or the closing of a good business deal. As long as it involves a great time shared by great friends, then it's the perfect time to smoke a cigar.

Most everyone knows that ABC stands for "Always be Celebrating". So whatever the joyous occasion, don't forget the cigars—they certainly make everyday celebrations better.

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits regional manager in Jacksonville. Follow him on Twitter @chrisgnole