A sweet tradition for Vols fans
Should the Vols pull an upset over the Crimson Tide, Tennessee fans across Neyland Stadium will pull out cigars to smoke at the end of the game. That tradition reportedly began in 1961, as Alabama players lit up stogies after a streak-snapping 34-3 romp over UT.
But for anyone who doesn’t want the taste of a real cigar — or perhaps isn’t old enough to smoke one — there is another solution, too.
At Bradley’s Gift & Home, chocolate cigars are available to preorder this week for $8.95 each — though owner Joy Hamlett advised ordering them in advance since they are a delicate item.
To place an order, simply call either Bradley’s location in Farragut or on North Peters Road, or look online at ShopBradleys.com under “Chocolate” and “Gameday Treats.”
The cigars are not the only option available at Bradley’s, which opened a Farragut location in Biddle Farms in 2026. Other items include their Rocky Top chocolate-covered popcorn, a Tennessee walking stick made with milk chocolate, a Volunteer caramel popcorn and chocolate foiled footballs, among other items.
But the cigars are the biggest draw this week, as UT gears up to take on the Crimson Tide.
“Give us a few days to get those made for you,” Hamlett said. “My husband told me the tradition of the cigars after the Alabama game, and so a couple years ago, we were like, ‘We have to have chocolate cigars to celebrate the win.’
“Because not everyone is going to be comfortable smoking a real cigar, but it’s a sweet way for everyone to enjoy the tradition. And then you get a bite of chocolate, too.”
Hamlett dug into a couple of the other options, too, citing the Scruffy City potato chips — Ruffles-style potato chips covered in milk chocolate — peanut brittle, spicy pecan brittle made with cayenne pepper and Tennessee-themed chocolate bars as options for gameday snacking.
“We are huge Tennessee fans, and we love offering gameday treats whether you’re at the game or hosting a party at home,” she said. “We have lots of different options.“
The UT chocolate bars are a more recent item, as Bradley’s received permission in the last year to use Tennessee-licensed logos on its offerings.
Now, next to “Go Vols!” cups and Knoxville-themed tea towels, there are chocolate bars with the Power T, a script Vols logo and a Tennessee football helmet as different wrapping options.
“Everything you need from start to finish for a tailgating party,” Hamlett said. “We worked a lot with UT and love it so much, so to have their artwork on our chocolate bars is super special for us. We’ve been in Knoxville more than 30 years, so we are so excited to partner with UT in that way.”
She added the importance of partnering with Farragut, too, as the store that put its roots in Cedar Bluff has made a new footprint since opening at 138 Biddle Farms Blvd. in July 2025.
“We’ve grown and expanded over the years, and now we’ve been in this location about a year,” Hamlett said. “It’s been such a warm welcome, and I think a lot of people who live out here don’t always venture to Cedar Bluff. So it’s been really sweet having new people discover us and growing our footprint to make new friends in the community. We’re excited to continue to serve Knoxville and we love this community and the Vols.”
