Safeway Cigars

If you're searching for cigars at Safeway, you're not alone. Many shoppers wonder whether their local store carries stogies, premium tobacco, or other smoking products. The answer isn't always straightforward. 

In this guide, we’ll explore what you need to know about Safeway cigars and tips for finding what you’re looking for. Keep reading to uncover the details - without the guesswork.

Cigar Types You May Come Across at Safeway

At Safeway, you’ll likely find a selection of popular machine-made brands catering to casual smokers. While availability varies by location, here are some common cigar types you might encounter on the shelves:

  • White Owl: A budget-friendly, machine-rolled cigar known for its sweet flavors and smooth smoke.
  • Backwoods: Rustic, short-filler cigars with a natural leaf wrapper, favored for their rugged charm and aromatic taste.
  • Phillies: Classic, no-frills cigars often used for blunts, available in various sizes and flavors.
  • Swisher Sweets: One of the most widely recognized cigarillos, offering a mild, sweet smoke in multiple flavor options.
  • Dutch Masters: A nostalgic choice with a mellow profile, often associated with traditional cigar culture.
  • Black & Mild: Aromatic pipe-tobacco cigars with a distinctive wooden tip, delivering a smooth and flavorful experience.

What Makes a Quality Cigar? Tips for Safeway Shoppers

If you're browsing Safeway’s tobacco section and come across cigars, how can you tell if they’re worth buying? While premium, hand-rolled cigars are rarely found in grocery stores, many mass-market options still vary in quality. Here’s what to look for:

  • Wrapper Appearance: A good cigar should have a smooth, evenly colored wrapper without cracks, dry spots, or excessive veins. Oily sheen can indicate freshness.
  • Firmness & Construction: Gently squeeze the cigar - it should feel firm but slightly springy, not too hard or spongy. Loose spots may mean poor rolling.
  • Aroma: A pleasant, rich tobacco scent (earthy, woody, or slightly sweet) suggests quality. Avoid cigars that smell musty or overly chemical.
  • Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands like those mentioned earlier—they maintain consistent quality in machine-made cigars.
  • Freshness Matters: Check for a fresh pack date (if visible) or inspect the cellophane for yellowing, which can indicate age.

How Do Safeway Cigars Stack Up Against Premium Brands?

If you're browsing Safeway's tobacco aisle, you might wonder how their cigars compare to premium options from specialty shops or cigar lounges. While Safeway offers convenience and affordability, there are some key differences to consider before making your choice.

  • Tobacco Quality: Typically machine-made with short-filler tobacco, offering a consistent but less complex smoke. Hand-rolled with long-filler tobacco (whole leaves), providing better burn, flavor, and aroma.
  • Flavor & Complexity: Safeway’s cigars are often milder and sweeter, with added flavors (e.g., vanilla, cherry) to enhance the experience. Premium cigars focus on natural tobacco flavors, with nuanced notes depending on the blend.
  • Price & Accessibility: Safeway sells affordable cigars. They are easy to find, making them ideal for casual smokers. Premium cigars are more expensive and usually sold at tobacconists or online retailers.
  • Occasion & Experience: Safeway’s options are best for quick, no-fuss smoking, social settings or occasional enjoyment. The premium ones are meant for savoring slowly, often paired with drinks like whiskey or coffee for a refined experience.

Why You Should Consider Buying Cigars Online Instead 

While Safeway offers convenience for everyday purchases, serious cigar enthusiasts often find better value, selection, and quality by shopping online. Here’s why buying cigars from dedicated online retailers may be the smarter choice:

Greater Selection Available Online

Safeway typically carries only a few mass-produced cigar brands like Swisher Sweets or Black & Mild. Online retailers offer everything, including rare, hand-rolled premiums with countless sizes and strengths to explore.

Prices & Discounts You Won’t Find at Safeway

Online shops frequently offer:

  • Bulk purchase discounts
  • Seasonal sales and promo codes
  • Membership/rewards programs
  • Lower prices due to reduced overhead costs

Freshness Guaranteed

Reputable online cigar sellers use humidified storage to prevent drying and vacuum-sealed packaging for transit. On top of that, they provide fast shipping to ensure freshness.

Convenience

No need to check multiple Safeway locations for stock if you decide to buy cigars online. You can shop 24/7 and compare products easily. You also have access to international brands not sold in grocery stores.

Detailed Product Information

Safeway offers little beyond basic packaging details. Online retailers provide customer reviews and ratings, detailed tasting notes and strength indicators, and recommendations based on your preferences.

What To Choose Instead of Safeway’s Options

If Safeway’s limited cigar selection doesn’t meet your needs, whether you’re looking for higher quality, better flavor, or more premium options, there are plenty of alternatives worth exploring.

1. Cohiba Club Limited Edition 2023

The Cohiba Club Limited Edition 2023 is an exclusive small-format cigar that packs all the prestige of the Cohiba marque into a compact, flavorful smoke. This special release features enhanced blending techniques reserved for Cohiba's limited productions.

  • Brand: Cohiba
  • Strength: Medium
  • Wrapper: Cuban
  • Binder: Cuban
  • Filler: Cuban
  • Aging Process: Extra fermentation and extended aging 

2. Trinidad Reyes

Trinidad Reyes is a refined Cuban petit corona that delivers maximum flavor in a compact format. Expertly crafted at El Laguito factory, these cigars showcase the signature Trinidad elegance with perfect construction and slow-burning properties.

  • Brand: Trinidad
  • Strength: Medium
  • Wrapper: Cuban
  • Binder: Cuban
  • Filler: Cuban
  • Aging Process: Aged using traditional Cuban methods, producing a sophisticated profile

3. Hoyo de Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo de San Juan

A bold yet balanced figurado, Hoyo de Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo de San Juan features a distinctive torpedo shape that intensifies the smoking experience as you progress through each third.

  • Brand: Hoyo de Monterrey
  • Strength: Medium-Full
  • Wrapper: Cuban
  • Binder: Cuban
  • Filler: Cuban
  • Aging Process: Carefully aged to develop complex layers of dark chocolate, black pepper, and earthy undertones

Your Next Steps in the Cigar Aisle

For casual smokers, Safeway’s cigars may suffice. But if you want better quality, prices, and variety, online cigar shopping is the clear winner.

If you want to experience the convenience of home delivery on top of the other benefits, visit Online Cigars for the best deals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Safeway sell both cigars and cigarillos?

Some Safeway locations carry both cigars and cigarillos, typically including popular brands like Swisher Sweets, Black & Mild, and Backwoods. However, selection varies by store due to local tobacco regulations and inventory decisions. 

How does Safeway store cigars?

Safeway typically stores cigars in their original packaging on standard retail shelves, without humidification controls like specialty tobacco shops. This means cigars may dry out over time if they sit unsold for extended periods. 

How to buy flavored cigars at Safeway?

First, verify your local store carries them, as some states ban flavored tobacco products. If available, flavored cigars will be in the tobacco aisle alongside regular cigars. Remember to bring ID, as Safeway requires age verification (21+) for all tobacco purchases.

How to check Safeway cigar availability?

Call your local Safeway's customer service desk and ask about their current cigar inventory. You can also visit in person to check the tobacco aisle, usually near the checkout counters. Some stores list tobacco products on their website, but purchases must be made in-store.

How to compare Safeway cigar brands?

Examine the packaging for tobacco type and size. Read customer reviews online for popular Safeway brands like Phillies or Dutch Masters to compare taste and quality. Consider price per unit for value comparison between brands.

Does Safeway sell cigars in all locations?

No, cigar availability depends on state/local tobacco laws and individual store policies. Urban locations may carry more options than rural stores, while some states restrict certain tobacco products altogether. Always confirm with your specific Safeway location before visiting.

How to get cigar delivery from Safeway?

Safeway doesn't offer cigar delivery due to age verification requirements - tobacco must be purchased in-store. For cigar delivery, consider licensed online tobacco retailers instead.