Meet Saad, a man of a few words and with very strong opinions and feelings to be shared. Originally from Kuwait and now dividing his time between his country and the UK. With a very nice collection of cigars, he likes to enjoy them independently of their origin and prefers to do so alone.
Thank you very much for accepting our interview, it is a pleasure to personally meet you. Who are you?
My name is Saad I’m 32 years old. I live in Kuwait and I’m mixed between Kuwaiti and British.
What motivated you to start producing content for the community?
Everything happened to me accidentally, I didn’t plan to be inside any community. I think I created my first cigar page in 2013. I saw this unique thing called cigar community where everyone is like a friend or brother/sister and since that day, Instagram has become a routine to me. I have to open the app and see what you guys are smoking and what are you pairing it with.
How is the cigar scene in your country?
Very bad. Lots of people only smoke cigars to show off. We also have “The Gang Smokers” who attack just because you’re not smoking cigars that they like. And about 90% of the shops use the word tax and they’re not paying taxes. They sell their cigars like they are paying their takes but they’re not, so yes it’s bad.
Do you prefer having a cigar alone or with others?
It depends on the mood for sure. Sometimes I smoke alone when I want to puff without talking to someone or watching a movie/show and smoke. Sometimes I smoke with friends who I know, not a random person from a cigar lounge. But now I am smoking with a person who I just got married to so yes in these days I’m smoking with my wife.
Enjoying a cigar: inside or outside?
In the winter, definitely outside if it’s not raining of course. Inside in the summer because in the Middle East the sun is very hot.
We’re going to talk about cigars, no matter their origin. However, we have to ask: What is your favorite cigar-producing country?
I smoke cigars no matter the region they came from. I have Cuban, Dominican, Nicaraguan, Honduras, Philippines… it’s a really hard question, but let me say if I had a burger or pizza I will smoke a Dominican cigar. If I had a light breakfast I’ll have a Cuban. If I’m having an espresso with a cupcake I’ll smoke a Partagas Serie D No 6.
Imagine that the embargo on Cuba is lifted. What will happen next?
Good luck with finding a good Cuban cigar.
What’s the best cigar you have ever had?
It was a Cuban custom made with a ring gauge of 60 and a length of 4.00″.
Based on that, what’s the perfect pairing for that specific cigar?
Double shots of medium roast espresso with a salted caramel cake. That’s what I had on the day and I can still taste the combination.
Everyone has their ritual when starting a cigar session. What’s yours?
A quiet place, a warm place, and the chair must be 1000000% comfortable.
Tell us about your collection. What does your humidor look like?
Lots of my friends say that I collect cigars more than I smoke them but I don’t know if it’s true or not. I love to challenge myself, for example, I tried my best to find a Juan Lopez Chiado ER Portugal which I did last year. I smoked one and kept the rest I have. I have two electric humidors — you can call it cigar cooler. The first one is for my collection and the second is for my smokes.
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?
KSA cigar.
What do you think about cigars as a type of investment, like watches and cars?
Of course, they are an investment. Why are there cigars auctions?
Plume and mold. Same thing?
Not the same. Plume will taste better you’ll feel the saltiness. With mold, you’ll be sick for a little bit.
Cut and light or light and cut?
Cut and light.
You can have as many cigars as you want, forever BUT it always has to be the same. What would you pick?
Cuban: Trinidad Vigia. Non-Cuban: Caldwell Anastasia.
As a customer, what do you look for in a cigar retailer?
A smile, honesty, they must understand that we’re paying money. Trust, I know you thought I will say a good collection or whatever but I will smoke cigarillos if the guy is respectful and smiling, that’s why every time I go to London I have to go to Davidoff London, they made me loyal to them because of the smile and respect, and not seeing myself as a walking ATM card.
With the smoking restrictions in almost all places, do you see the private club scene growing?
Yes, and it’s a good thing if they know cigars, not just to make money.
What’s your favorite cigar accessory?
St. Dupont + Les Fines Lames + Xikar Xi3 Cutter.
Are you a soft-flame or a torch lighter person?
Outdoors I will use a torch. If I am indoors I will use my soft flame ST. Dupont.
What is your favorite personality in the cigar community and why?
Sorry, but no one.
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.
Telling people to not buy cigars that come with plastic papers.
How do you see the future of Cigars on social media?
Pretty good just wish for some of our SOTL to understand that there is no need to show us too much just for the likes or followers.
Did something surprise you in the cigar community?
Yes. We are all on a ship, if anyone falls we all jump and try to help.
What is the most overrated cigar for you? And he most underrated?
The most overrated: Cohiba Talisman EL 2017.
What brand have you never smoked and probably never will?
I did, but I will never smoke them again: Camacho, Gurkha, Tatuje, El Septimo, and Perdomo.
What is your “Unicorn” cigar?
Padron and OpusX.
What are your Top 5 favorite cigars?
- Cohiba Behike 52
- OpusX 13
- Bolivar Soberanos EL 2018
- Partagas Serie No 1 EL 2017
- Trinidad Topes EL 2016
What are your Top 5 favorite Instagram accounts?
Who I follow are definitely my favorites.
Finally, do you want to send a message to the community?
Thank you, I love you and I can’t meet you all.
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.
