My Biography
Like most of us, a mere extra in the movies that are the lives of Mitchell Orchant, the Sahakians, Manny Brefin, Steve Johnstone, Laurence Davis, Ranald Macdonald...I could go on. Just glad when I have the chance to smoke a cigar that equates to a speaking part.
What was the first cigar you ever smoked?
Er, as you have to start somewhere, a Hamlet Slim Panetella, after finals and my college's May Ball at 6am on the backs overlooking King's chapel. I had spent three years immersing myself in horseracing, with Newmarket an easy reach to the east of Cambridge, rather than the economics faculty, though to the west and nearer much also far less of a draw. I ultimately needed the appropriate accessories with racecourses some of our best COSAs. Who would have thought cigars would prove to be the more expensive pursuit....
Which is your desert-island cigar?
Ramon Allones Gigantes; as part of the fee for writing the then Alfred Dunhill chief executive's speech for a Richemont conference, I asked for - as well as a lot of money - a box of 25, which had been aged for a decade. A few still left, which I cherish and have just in case I am shipwrecked.
What is the worst cigar you’ve ever smoked?
I don't dwell on the negatives, but, reflecting back, the first one was pretty abject, which is hardly a surprise.
What is your greatest cigar-related memory?
Terrible cigar but we do all remember the first time...
What is your favourite cigar brand?
Ramon Allones
What is your favourite cigar accessory?
A lighter given to me for my 30th by someone who thought tobacco was the devil's work. The piece has been back to Salts Coventry for repair but is the war horse of accessories.
What is your favourite cigar shop?
Turmeaus, Shepherd's Market; like Dr. Who's Tardis.
What is your favourite lounge?
Boisdale cigar terrace, if a terrace is allowed.
What is your favourite method of ignition?
Aforementioned lighter, simple rotation.
What is your favourite cut?
Trad.