With restrictions on indoor smoking continuing to grow across the country, cigar smoking has become a decidedly outdoor activity. This means that cigar aficionados everywhere look forward to the warm summer months since they are the most enjoyable times to sit outside on a pleasant evening to enjoy their hobby. PipesandCigars.com - a leading online distributor of cigars, pipes, pipe tobacco, and other smoking accessories - is well aware of the seasonal nature of cigar smoking, and with the passing of the official first day of summer, they have released their list of the 10 best cigars for summer 2012.

"Putting this list together is always a challenge," stated Marketing Director Travis Lord. "It is also lots of fun since I enjoy getting to smoke the newly released cigars as well as this summer's batches of the classics. Our customers are always asking us for advice on what is good, what is popular, and what they should try that they haven't sampled before. We compile this list to help customers confidently select their cigars so they can enjoy the summer smoking season to its fullest."

1. Padron Cigars - This brand has been around since 1964, and despite all the newcomers, remains the standard for premium Nicaraguan cigars. Unlike other cigar companies, they only offer four staple lines, their regular production cigars, the 1964 Anniversary Series, the Serie 1926, and the exclusive Padron Family Reserve. Consistently receiving the highest praise from the cigar press as well as regular smokers, aficionados looking for a premium cigar this summer should make Padron cigars a top consideration.

2. Opus X Cigars - These rare cigars are produced by the Fuente family, and are often considered the best Dominican cigar available. They are released in small quantities twice each year, once around Father's Day and again just before Christmas. With the recent Father's Day release this is one of the best times to obtain these elusive cigars, and enjoying an Opus X cigar is something every cigar lover should experience at least once.

3. Viaje Cigars - This newcomer in the boutique cigar market has made a big splash with their small batch releases. After taking home the coveted #2 Cigar of the Year award in 2010 as selected by Cigar Aficionado magazine the brand exploded and their limited edition cigars became some of the most sought-after smokes in the industry. With another round of new releases for summer 2012, now is a great time to find and enjoy Viaje cigars.

4. Ashton Cigars - A company with an image of class, smokers looking to utilize cigars as both a status symbol and an enjoyable smoking experience will find both with Ashton cigars. With an array of different lines with different flavor profiles there is something for every different style of smoker.

5. Arturo Fuente Cigars - For smokers who miss out on the Opus X summer release, the regular production Arturo Fuente cigars are a great alternative. Offering outstanding construction and some of the most popular Dominican cigar blends on the market, these are consistently among the most popular cigars every summer.

6. Oliva Cigars - The least expensive brand to make this list, Oliva cigars offer smokers high quality and a lot of bang-for-the-buck. The Serie V is their most popular offering with its full flavor, and the Serie G Cameroon is perfect for smokers looking for something a little milder.

7. Rocky Patel Cigars - This brand has quickly risen to one of the largest and most popular cigar brands on the market. Constantly innovating and producing new blends, every smoker should give Rocky Patel a shot this summer to check in on what this workaholic has come up with this time.

8. Rodrigo Cigars - A new boutique cigar, the Rodrigo brand has been earning high praise from both regular smokers and the cigar press. Smokers looking for a new premium boutique cigar to add to their rotation this summer should consider Rodrigo cigars.

9. La Aurora Cigars - Made in the oldest cigar factory in the Dominican Republic, La Aurora cigars consistently make this list. Their Preferido line is a staple for cigar aficionados everywhere.

10. Perdomo Cigars - Rounding out this list is another Nicaraguan brand. Their mostly mild-bodied offerings are perfect for newer smokers, and their consistent quality makes them easy to smoke on the golf course or around the barbecue.

About PipesandCigars.com: PipesandCigars.com is an industry-leading online tobacconist dedicated to bringing customers the widest selection of cigars, pipes, pipe tobacco and tobacco accessories.

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