BJ Cigars

Rumors swirl. Whispers linger. When it comes to BJ Cigars, everyone seems to have a theory - but do they really sell what you think?

At BJ’s Wholesale, the aisles may sometimes hold more than just bulk bargains. But is there any truth about this chain selling tobacco products?

One thing’s certain: BJ’s has sparked curiosity, and maybe even a little debate. But before you jump to conclusions, let’s dig deeper. Because when it comes to this wholesale enigma, nothing is as simple as it seems.

Cigar Types You May Spot at BJ’s

BJ's Wholesale does sell cigars, but availability can vary by location and state laws regarding tobacco sales.

Here’s what you can expect to find:

  • Swisher Sweets: Smooth, sweet, and irresistibly affordable.
  • Black & Mild: Offering rich aroma and wood-tipped elegance.
  • Backwoods: Rustic, rugged, and famously unfiltered.

How to Recognize a Quality Cigar

If you're scanning the shelves at a wholesaler like BJ's, knowing how to spot a well-made cigar ensures a satisfying smoke. Here’s what to look for:

  • The Feel: A quality cigar should feel solid but not hard. Gently squeeze it; it should have a slight give without soft spots. Too firm means over-humidified, too spongy suggests poor construction.
  • The Wrapper: Inspect the outer leaf; it should be smooth, oily (not dry), and free of cracks or discolorations. Veins should be minimal, and the color consistent (unless it’s a maduro, which is naturally darker).
  • The Aroma: Before lighting, take a whiff. A quality cigar smells earthy, woody, or slightly sweet, never musty or ammonia-like (a sign it’s under-aged).
  • The Cut & Draw: When you clip the cap, it should cleanly snip without unraveling. Test the draw (unlit) - it should pull smoothly, like a thick milkshake, not too tight or loose.
  • The Burn: Once lit, a well-rolled cigar burns evenly without canoeing (uneven burns). If it tunnels or goes out repeatedly, the construction may be flawed.

How BJ’s Machine-Made Cigars Compare to Hand-Rolled Cigars

The difference between machine-made and hand-rolled cigars affects everything from flavor to price. Here’s what sets them apart:

  • Construction & Consistency: Machine-made items are uniform in shape and tightly packed, mass-produced for affordability and consistency. The hand-rolls are crafted by skilled torcedores, offering better airflow, varied burn rates, and richer taste development.
  • Tobacco Quality & Blending: Cigars made in a machine often have short-filler tobacco, which burns evenly but lacks depth. Hand-rolled options use long-filler leaves, creating nuanced flavors that evolve as you smoke. 
  • Burn & Smoking Experience: The machine-made cigars end up burning faster and hotter due to compacted filler. Great for a quick smoke, but may turn harsh near the end. The hand-rolled ones burn slower and cooler, allowing flavors to develop.
  • Price & Accessibility: Non-premium cigars are budget-friendly, convenient, and easy to find. Hand-rolled cigars are pricier and usually sold at tobacconists or online. The extra cost reflects craftsmanship and premium tobacco.

Benefits of Purchasing Cigars Online: Skip The Store

While BJ’s Wholesale Club may offer convenience and bulk savings on everyday items, buying cigars online often provides a wider selection, better quality, and greater value for enthusiasts. Here’s why:

Variety & Exclusive Brands

Online retailers specialize in cigars, offering hand-rolled premiums, limited editions, and boutique brands you won’t typically find at wholesale clubs. BJ’s stocks only mass-produced, machine-made options.

Guaranteed Freshness & Proper Aging

Reputable online cigar shops store inventory in humidity-controlled environments, ensuring optimal freshness. Wholesale stores like BJ’s may not prioritize proper cigar storage, risking dried-out or over-humidified smokes.

Expert Reviews & Detailed Descriptions

Online shops provide tasting notes, strength ratings, and customer reviews, helping you make good choices. At BJ’s, you’d be guessing based on the packaging alone.

Surprising Savings & Special Offers

Contrary to popular belief, online retailers often beat wholesale prices through flash sales, loyalty programs, and box discounts, without sacrificing quality.

Hassle-Free Shopping Experience

Skip the crowded warehouse and have curated cigars delivered to your door, often with fast shipping options. No need to dig through pallets of paper towels hoping for a hidden gem.

The Best Value Cigars Online

You don’t need to raid a wholesale club to enjoy great cigars at reasonable prices. Online retailers offer hidden bargains, exclusive discounts, and surprisingly luxurious smokes for a fraction of what you’d expect, often with better quality than mass-market options.

1. Rocky Patel Gold Label Robusto

The Rocky Patel Gold Label Robusto is a luxurious medium-strength cigar featuring a stunning Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. Handcrafted in Honduras, this smooth yet flavorful smoke offers creamy notes with a perfect draw.

  • Brand: Rocky Patel
  • Strength: Medium
  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
  • Binder: Nicaraguan
  • Filler: Nicaraguan & Dominican
  • Aging Process: Carefully aged to enhance complexity.

2. AJ Fernandez Dias de Gloria Toro

The AJ Fernández Días de Gloria Toro is a bold Nicaraguan puro that showcases the brand’s signature intensity. Rolled at the renowned Tabacalera Fernández factory, this full-bodied smoke delivers rich, complex flavors with impeccable construction and a deep, oily wrapper.

  • Brand: AJ Fernández
  • Strength: Full
  • Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun Grown
  • Binder: Nicaraguan
  • Filler: Nicaraguan
  • Aging Process: Aged in the Nicaraguan climate for optimal flavor development.

3. Joya de Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco Reserve Especial Doble Robusto

This limited-edition Joya de Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco Reserve Especial Doble Robusto is a masterpiece of Nicaraguan tobacco. Featuring a dark, oily Habano wrapper and aged filler leaves, it delivers rich, spicy-sweet flavors with flawless construction and a long, satisfying finish.

  • Brand: Joya de Nicaragua
  • Strength: Medium-Full
  • Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
  • Binder: Nicaraguan
  • Filler: Nicaraguan
  • Aging Process: Extended fermentation and aging create deep, layered flavors.

A World Beyond Warehouse Shelves

BJ’s might stock everyday staples, but exceptional cigars demand expertise. The spicy complexity and smooth sophistication of premium cigars prove that real craftsmanship lives online. 

For smokers who care about flavor, construction, and heritage, the choice is clear. Skip the guessing game - order at Online Cigars today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to compare cigar brands at BJ's?

Check the packaging for details like origin, strength, and wrapper type. Compare prices per unit rather than bulk packs, as wholesale deals may not always mean better value. Since selection varies by location, ask staff about inventory or check BJ’s app for in-store availability.

Does BJ’s sell Cuban cigars?

No, BJ’s does not sell authentic Cuban cigars due to U.S. trade restrictions. Cuban cigars are only legally available through licensed retailers or via authorized online sellers after recent policy changes. If you spot "Cuban-style" cigars at BJ’s, they’re imitations using non-Cuban tobacco.

How to find flavored cigars at BJ's?

Look for brands like Swisher Sweets in the tobacco section; flavored options (e.g., grape, vanilla) are usually labeled clearly. BJ’s inventory varies by store. If unsure, ask staff; flavored cigars are often stocked alongside cigarettes or chewing tobacco.

How to get cigars delivered from BJ's?

BJ’s does not currently offer cigar delivery online due to tobacco regulations; you’ll need to visit a warehouse club in person. For delivery, opt for online cigar retailers instead, which specialize in shipping with age verification.

How to identify top cigar brands at BJ's?

BJ’s typically carries mass-market brands - look for recognizable names with intact packaging (no dried-out wrappers). Premium brands are rare. Remember, "top" at BJ’s means reliable machine-made, not artisanal picks.

Does BJ Wholesale sell cigars online?

No, BJ’s Wholesale Club does not sell cigars online; tobacco products are strictly in-store purchases to comply with age verification laws. Their website may list cigar inventory, but you’ll need to visit physically to buy. For online orders, explore dedicated cigar retailers that specialize in legal shipping.