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Tuesday, June 17th
Established in 1915 within the vibrant Key West area, Thompson Cigar stands as an iconic name, bearing the distinction of being the oldest mail-order cigar company in the United States.
Carefully curated cigars
In the realm of cigars, where excellence and craftsmanship are key, Thompson Cigar's extensive 100+ years of crafting and selling cigars translates into an example of top quality for cigar aficionados. At Thompson Cigar, each shipment includes a carefully curated selection of five cigars. These cigars are sourced from diverse corners of the globe, offering members a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences from different cigar-producing regions.
Low-cost option month-to-month
On top of offering single-purchase for different cigars on the website, Thompson Cigar also offers a single club: the Cigar Tour Sampler of the Month Club. Thompson Cigar ensures a degree of flexibility with their Cigar Tour membership, allowing members to choose between the ongoing membership option for uninterrupted monthly shipments or selecting the duration of their membership with choices of 3, 6, 9, or 12 monthly shipments. It's worth noting that each shipment is accompanied by the added perk of free shipping, an added touch of convenience that further enhances the membership experience. The pricing ranges from just $29.95 each month for an ongoing monthly membership to $354 for a 12-month membership.
Older website design
The website for Thompson Cigar definitely shows its age. While it's easy enough to navigate, there are tons of options on the site along with different picture buttons that might be confusing for some customers. It isn't the most helpful UI, but it does get the job done.
Multiple ways to buy
On top of the club, there are plenty of other ways to buy cigars with Thompson Cigar. From the website, you can choose from a variety of options that they say will save you extra money. The two most prominent of these are the 5-pack and the Convenience Club. The 5-pack option is exactly what it says: a pack of five cigars for a reduced price, which can be great as a gift to someone. The Convenience Club is even better. This is another club-style option at Thompson Cigar which offers a large selection of machine-made cigars. This option is a "you-pick” style membership which changes in price depending on which cigars you choose and how often you want them.
Customer service is rated low
Despite having some great features and multiple ways to buy cigars, the ratings for Thompson Cigar aren't exactly top-notch. While the company does have an "A-” rating from the Better Business Bureau, which isn't too shabby, the star ratings and reviews from customers tell a different story. On the BBB as well as Trustpilot, customers complain about disappointing service. At Trustpilot the company has a 2.3-star average rating out of 5 and from the BBB, Thompson Cigar only has a 1.4-star average out of 5. Most of the negative reviews center on how subpar the customer service was. For customers who had something go wrong, they felt that Thompson Cigar did nothing to help them with the problem.
Negative buying experience
Thompson Cigar's aspiration to cater to a broad spectrum of cigar enthusiasts is evident in their approach. However, even with tons of cigars and plenty of ways to buy them, Thompson Cigar's reviews paint a picture of an overall negative buying experience for customers. While the company does hold an "A-” rating from the BBB, which helps level out the bad reviews, the Cigar Tour Sampler of the Month Club doesn't really stand out compared with other cigar clubs.
Mid-level option
For all these reasons, the company sits squarely in the middle of the pack here. It might be worth checking out if you want to buy a few cigars or be able to customize your own shipments, but if you take the customer reviews at face value, Thompson Cigar may not be worth the hassle if something goes wrong.
Whether you're a seasoned aficionado, a curious novice, or somewhere in between, joining a cigar club can significantly elevate your cigar experience. The surge in popularity of cigar clubs in recent years has introduced a variety of exciting options to the market. Being part of a cigar club allows you to enjoy these premium cigars at a discounted price compared to purchasing them individually.
But, a premium cigar club goes beyond just delivering cigars; they provide detailed information about each unique selection and its manufacturer. On top of that, the best cigar clubs offer flexibility, allowing you to tailor your membership to your preferences in terms of cigar types or shipment frequency. As the popularity of cigar clubs continues to grow, competition among them is fierce, so it's essential to be an informed consumer before making a decision.
Cigars continue to be valued for their complex flavors, aromas, and the sense of relaxation and luxury they offer during leisurely moments or social gatherings. The United States stands as one of the largest consumers of cigars worldwide, contributing significantly to global cigar sales. When it comes to cigar production, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras lead the way, renowned for their expertise in crafting high-quality premium cigars.
Cigars come in two main types: premium hand-rolled cigars and machine-made cigars. Premium cigars are often made by skilled artisans, resulting in a superior smoking experience. On the other hand, machine-made cigars are produced using automated processes, allowing for mass production at a more affordable price point. While both types offer unique smoking experiences, a newcomer to the cigar world might not know where to find or try new ones. That's where a cigar club comes into play.
In order to get a taste of the wide variety of cigars, a club offers you a luxury experience and curated cigar choices from all over the world. There's no need to compare top name-brands and limited production labels; the club's experts take care of that for you (or for anyone you want to send a cigar as a gift). Plus, the convenience offered by top cigar clubs is unparalleled. Instead of tirelessly searching for cigars from different regions around the world, the club will deliver a curated selection right to your doorstep.
When selecting the right cigar club for you, it's important to check out their best features. If you're not sure where to start, we've made a quick list for you to help you narrow down your best options:
Top Consumer Reviews has searched out the best cigar clubs out there and ranked them for you, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your first (or favorite) cigar. So whether you'd like a Robusto, Toro, Churchill, or Corona, or maybe you'd like to try them all, we hope this information helps you select the best Cigar Club for your smoking experience.
Select any 2 Cigar Clubs to compare them head to head