Asier lives in Bali and that, for most of us, is already a good excuse to read this interview. His dreamy profile is full of palm trees, pools, tropical sandy white beaches, and amazing cigars. It was maybe one of the few profiles we scrolled all the way to the beginning. True story.
Thank you very much for accepting our interview, it is a pleasure to personally meet you. Who are you?
My name is Asier I live in Bali. I surf as much as I can and run a small boutique hotel with my wife by the beach. I love cooking and developed an extreme passion for cigars.
What motivated you to start producing content for the community?
My wife pushed me to start a cigar account since I was photographing all the cigars I come across.
How is the cigar scene in your country?
Pretty tight as in Indonesia taxes are extremely high and is hard to import cigars but we also can enjoy some local production and different profile cigars.
Do you prefer having a cigar alone or with others?
I mostly smoke alone but definitely love to smoke with buddies and any aficionado I see around the world.
Enjoying a cigar: inside or outside?
Totally a tropical outsider.
We’re going to talk about cigars, no matter their origin. However, we have to ask: What is your favorite cigar-producing country?
I think my palate cries for Cuban cigars but I smoke everything. Any country earns my respect for the art of cigars.
Imagine that the embargo on Cuba is lifted. What will happen next?
We will all struggle to get the good stuff, that’s for sure.
Usually, people have two first-time moments: the first cigar and the cigar that ignited the passion you have today. What were yours?
My first cigar was at a good friend’s wedding follow up by a large honeymoon visit to Bali. We had many good cigars to start (I was lucky), I think the passion that lays today about cigars has to do with an expert introduction to it.
What’s the best cigar you have ever had?
I think the best cigar I smoked so far was in the region of Leon in Spain with an amazing famous wine producer that has probably one of the biggest Habanos collections in Spain. He shared a beautiful Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona, from 1999 and it was unforgettable due to the special place, company, and vibes.
Based on that, what’s the perfect pairing for that specific cigar?
Every paring is great, my favorite is always coffee.
Everyone has their ritual when starting a cigar session. What’s yours?
Comfortable sitting and no timeline.
Tell us about your collection. What does your humidor look like?
It looks pretty much Cuban in all shapes, strengths, and profiles, I love a full-body cigar but I find light-body ones very elegant too.
When we meet someone, we usually give away one cigar as a gesture of good faith. What was the best cigar you have been offered?
I will say that every cigar gifted is a staple of uniqueness and special gesture. One that I especially enjoyed was the Partagas Serie D Especial 2010.
What do you think about cigars as a type of investment, like watches and cars?
It’s a good option as a hobby but not my type of investment.
Plume and mold. Same thing?
Not at all. Plume is gentle and harmless. Love those crystals.
Cut and light or light and cut?
Cut and light 99%.
You can have as many cigars as you want, forever BUT it always has to be the same. What would you pick?
Cohiba Siglo VI.
We all made some honest mistakes on our cigar journey. Tell us about your most embarrassing one.
Taking a photo by the pool and dropping the last bit.
As a customer, what do you look for in a cigar retailer?
A proper presentation of the goods and a good understanding of what I am looking for.
With the smoking restrictions in almost all places, do you see the private club scene growing?
Yes. Eventually in Asia is very common.
What’s your favorite cigar accessory?
The new punch bracelet from Le Fines Lames.
Are you a soft-flame or a torch lighter person?
More of a softy.
What is your favorite personality in the cigar community and why?
There are quite a few but to mention one, I really like the content of EnglishCigarAficionado. I love his captions, perfect cigar ash stands, and pretty much everything he smokes.
Fake cigars are a real problem, we see them popping everywhere. What’s your take on the counterfeit industry and what can we do to minimize the damage?
Well, this will always be there unfortunately due to the lack of knowledge from consumers and the big profits behind this industry. You guys are a great example in terms of educating and sharing proper advice to the community regarding counterfeit and fake cigars. I really think education is the key.
How do you see the future of Cigars on social media?
Growing tremendously gratefully as a community.
Did something surprise you in the cigar community?
The good vibes and camaraderie from everyone.
What is the most overrated cigar for you? And he most underrated?
No debate I find every cigar unique on its given time.
What brand have you never smoked and probably never will?
I can’t picture one but probably counterfeit cigars.
What is your “Unicorn” cigar?
Cohiba Siglo VI.
What are your Top 5 favorite cigars?
- Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro
- Trinidad Fundadores
- Cohiba Siglo VI
- Ramon Allones Superiores LCDH
- Partagas Lusitanias
What are your Top 5 favourite Instagram accounts?
Finally, do you want to send a message to the community?
Stay tropical, grateful, and proud for the fantastic community.
A message to the community
Thank you very much for giving us a bit of your time by reading this article. It really means the world to have you with us. If you want to follow our daily activities head to our Instagram, where we try our best to bring the community together by sharing our love and knowledge for cigars. Have a great day.
Disclaimer
Please note that smoking is bad for your health and we do not encourage it at all. These articles are written to show the differences between cigars and never to influence anyone to start smoking. If you are a cigar smoker, please respect others around you.
