My Biography
I work in Technology for a tobacco company although my first love is cigars and wine. I'm fairly new to the premium tobacco world but have amassed a small collection and am starting to know what I like. I have an equal love of Cuban and non-Cuban cigars finding myself lighting up Padron, Fuente, Ashton and Davidoff alongside Cohiba, El Rey del Mundo, Hoyo de Monterrey and Upmann.
What was the first cigar you ever smoked?
When I was in my early teens I sampled a Hamlet cigar which put me well off cigars for many a year. The first cigar that put a massive smile on my face was the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Double Robusto - it may have been helped with a good Zacapa XO but that cigar is still the one that got me hooked.
The first Cuban cigar that made me think twice was the Trinidad Topes (MAR 2018 from memory) which I really fell in love with. Sadly I hated the size and don't smoke it much anymore but the Trinidad blend is one I have huge affinity for.
Which is your desert-island cigar?
As Edward Sahakian said, any cigar that is in a cabinet of fifty. I'd say either the Partagas 898 or the Padron 1926 No. 1 Maduro, two cigars I find are the most flavoursome and have the most full blown kick.
What is the worst cigar you’ve ever smoked?
Aside from the Hamlet I smoked when I was younger I recently smoked an El Septimo Excepional White Luxe cigar which was dreadful, no flavour and almost chemical in taste. To boot, it had a 60 ring gauge which really put me off.
What is your greatest cigar-related memory?
The first time I opened my first cabinet of 50 cigars, which was the Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas. I'll never forget the smell when I lifted the wood off and how beautiful they looked. The wrappers shimmered in the sunlight.
Every cigar to date from that box has been magical.
What is your favourite cigar brand?
I love the El Rey del Mundo marca - I find it the most delicate yet flavoursome blend from Cuba. I'm a huge lover of Champagne and the Choix Supreme pairs perfectly with bubbly wines.
What is your favourite cigar accessory?
My ST Dupont Ligne 2 Rose Gold Lighter. It definitely edges the Le Grand lighter because it has a better sound to it when opening although I prefer using a blue flame rather than soft flame.
What is your favourite cigar shop?
Friends of Habanos in Australia and Gestocigars in Switzerland
What is your favourite lounge?
No 6 Cavendish in Mayfair, UK. Those guys rock.
What is your favourite method of ignition?
Blue flame always. I never seem to be able to use a soft flame correctly.
What is your favourite cut?
Straight cut, every time.