My Biography
I am a born-again cigar aficionado.
Although I have been enjoying cigars for the past two decades, I have been, and continue to be, somewhat of an infrequent smoker.
There have been many periods over these past two decades, some lasting a number of years, where I haven’t smoked any cigars at all.
Having been a former (amateur) rugby player, I tended, in the past, to not indulge in any vices besides coffee and chocolate.
Nowadays, however, I do try to have at least a few cigars each year, though with varying success.
I have begun building my cigar collection now albeit ever-so-slowly with these new, higher prices.
What was the first cigar you ever smoked?
Romeo y Juliet’s No. 2 on the recommendation of a gentleman in a cigar shop around twenty years ago. Enjoyed it whilst walking around Glasgow city centre.
Which is your desert-island cigar?
Cohiba Piramides Extra
What is the worst cigar you’ve ever smoked?
A short filler in the Dom Rep by a company called La Reina. First and last short filler for me.
What is your greatest cigar-related memory?
Enjoying a delicious cigar in Punta Cana whilst sitting out in a warm June evening, listening to some lovely live music with my wonderful wife beside me.
The cigar was not from any well known brand. It had been rolled by a local toreador. The flavours were smooth and full. The burn was perfect. The wrapper was a Connecticut medium brown with a gorgeous oily sheen to it.
It was an hour and a quarter of perfection.
What is your favourite cigar brand?
Trinidad as they have great construction, lovely flavour and are not too strong.
What is your favourite cigar accessory?
My Ligne 2 lighter.
What is your favourite cigar shop?
I have only had the pleasure of visiting a few and none of the famed shops in London unfortunately. So from my limited experience it would be Robert Graham in Glasgow.
What is your favourite lounge?
Unfortunately I have yet to experience one.
What is your favourite method of ignition?
Matches if the wind outside is low enough. Soft yellow flame would be a close second.
What is your favourite cut?
Straight cut. Never tried a punch cut and on the single occasion I did try a v-cut I ended up butchering it so I’ve decided to stick to the traditional straight cut.