Spring has arrived, and soon the Memorial Day weekend will signify the beginning of the summer season. With the excitement of warm weather, BBQs, and heading down to the beach, I feel as though the true meaning of Memorial Day has been lost.  This is a time to honor those brave men and women who fought and lost their lives in service to this country.

While Memorial Day is more dedicated to those who have fallen, it is also important to acknowledge those formerly or currently are serving in the armed forces.  It just so happens that many military veterans happen to be cigar smokers, so this seems like the perfect way to give just a small token of appreciation.  Here are some cigars that would make great Veterans Day appreciation gifts this Memorial Day.

When thinking of veterans in the cigar industry, my first thought always goes to Southern Draw.  This boutique company is actually run and operated by former U.S. servicemen and women.  It is headed by Robert Holt, who served in the U.S. Army.

Any of the Southern Draw projects would make an excellent gift.  For the strong and bold smoker, look to the Jacobs Ladder.  This ligero filled smoke is cloaked with a dark and intense Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper that is just bursting with flavor.  For a more mellow choice, you can pick up the Rose of Sharon, a smooth and creamy smoke named after Robert’s wife.

Matt Booth has made a huge impact since returning to the cigar industry.  This former Marine veteran has reinvigorated his fans with a series of top-notch offerings.  The brand is heavily influenced by Japanese Culture, where Matt was stationed during his time in the Marine Corps.

If you are looking for Matts signature style, look towards his new Big Payback Maduro.  This dark and rich smoke uses aged tobacco, including a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper for an incredible experience.  We also have a limited amount of Matts vintage cigars, including the Room 101 HN and the San Andres.

The new lines from Room 101 are also incredible and indicate a new chapter in the brand.  The all-new Farce Maduro is rich, flavorful, and complex.  I’m also quite a fan of the new Room 101 Doomsayer, which is one of the most complex cigars I’ve had this year.

Nick Perdomo is a symbol of the American Dream.  The son of Cuban immigrants, Nick served in the U.S. Navy before transitioning to a life of cigar making.  He has turned his one small, backyard company, into one of the largest cigar manufacturers in the world.

Nick’s classic offerings are what made him an icon in the industry.  The Perdomo Lot 23 remains a fan favorite.  This signature cigar ruses tobaccos from Perdomo’s most prized farm and is offered in both a smooth Connecticut and rich Maduro version.

One aspect that really sets Nick apart is his barrel aging process.  By using bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace, Nick can extrapolate flavors form his tobaccos most people didn’t even know where there.  For the best example of this, you should check out the Perdomo Habano Bourbon Barrel-Aged line.

Memorial Day is a time for celebration and relaxation.  However, it is most importantly a time for reflection and thanks, so make sure this Memorial Day, you thank a military veteran for their service with Veterans Day gifts.