When you are making out your checklist for tailgating supplies, don't forget the cigars. I can't think of a better pre-game ritual than stuffing yourself with various grilled delights then smoking a few cigars. Next to a relaxing round on the golf course, is there a more appropriate sports venue to enjoy a good cigar than a tailgate party?

As I type this I am sitting at my favorite tailgate spot outside Everbank Stadium in lovely Jacksonville. Sadly, I have just two more home games after tonight, but as I sit here with friends I can't think of a better way to spend a Thursday evening.

Now, the first rule of tailgating-cigar etiquette is to bring enough to share. I always bring a wide variety of cigars is varying strengths and sizes. I try to be a good ambassador of the cigar lifestyle, so anytime I can pass out some free sticks I do so.

Tonight is a perfect night for football. As the sun goes down the temperature is in the mid 70's, the smell of grilling meat hangs in the air, and of course there is the heavenly cigar smoke that hangs over our corner of the parking lot. A very energetic kid runs crisp pass routes, while a group of "seasoned" veteran athletes take turns telling him to go deep. It's hard to imagine a better place to be on an early December night.

What I choose to smoke isn't as important as the people I enjoy it with, but for those scoring it home I am smoking the new Romeo Y Julieta "RYJ". It's a nice cigar and will be one that soon may find its way into our shelves. The RYJ is purely a Nicaraguan cigar which is composed of an exquisite blend of filler from Jalapa, Esteli and La Mia. It is held together by a double binder of Esteli and Jalapa leaves, and finished off with a delicious Nicaraguan Jalapa Corojo wrapper. It is a full-bodied cigar and the half pound burger I just ate is certainly key to my enjoyment of this power stick.

If only the Jaguars play as well and strong as this cigar, my evening will be capped off nicely. Either way, it is a win for me. Great folks, food, and cigars are what make my football season great. Make sure you remember to bring plenty to your next tailgate.

Long Ashes, 

Chris Gwaltney, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits North Florida Regional Manager. Certified Tobacconist and Cicerone Beer Server. Follow me on Twitter @abccigarchris.

Editor's Note: The Jacksonville Jaguars went on to beat the Houston Texans later this night, so it did turn out to be a perfect evening.