Alex, the most genuine of dappers
Alex, great to be here with you! We are super excited to have you become part of Light ’em Up GO! Let me ask you how you got into cigars in the first place?
Cocktails, my first love. Kinda opened the door of hospitality for me. After cocktails came some premium spirits and somehow, in a natural sequel of all that—like a crown—came the cigar.
After I enjoyed my first cigar, a Partagas D4, happened trip to Havana to Habanos festival 2007.
When I landed I knew... this is it. My first and last station. Love just happened on the first smell. Everything else is history. I’ve visited Havana 15 times since then.
My love for cigars has brought me some professional challenges such as the Habano sommelier competition in Havana and many others. I am still trying to stay on the romantic side of cigar business with education and marketing and not to enter into the sales.
What defines great cigar experience for you?
For me it’s very simple: Very comfortable old leather armchair with some history on it. Jazzy background and aged Havana cigar—in the best scenario a full body blend like Bolivar or Ramon Allones—paired with some noble rum from the Havana Club ICONICA line. If we add dark chocolate and a ristretto, that’s what kind of dance of aromas I like to experience.
“ I am all about seeking the perfect match,”
but deep inside me, I hope I will never find it so I would continue to seek for it all my life.
Do you have any unusual habits when it comes to enjoying cigars?
I think I don’t... besides that I like to be nicely dressed. Hihihi
Why is Light ‘em Up GO something you want to be part of?
We have to admit that we live in digital era. Personally I’m an old fashion guy, but if we have a tool that will help us find the perfect spot and the company to enjoy our cigars in old fashion way—I‘m in.
Do people often ask you “Where can I smoke”, or “Where can I buy”?
Every day and especially from the newcomers! I think that we have the responsibility to share our knowledge and experience with them. Also, I want to mention that I ask the same question when I travel to different countries or cities. Thus, a place that will gather all necessary information is exactly what we need.
Who do you think should know this?
Everyone. It should be accessible and free for cigar enthusiasts all over the world.
You already had a look behind the scenes, what are you hyped about?
Information on where to smoke when you travel is very important to me. We all have the same problem when we visit different countries. The second thing, which might be more important is that it gives me the possibility to see in real time who is sitting in my favorite lounge, so I have a reason to leave everything and join them for a cigar. That’s amazing!
Alex, it’s been a pleasure as always! Thank you for joining us on our mission to combine the new school with the old school and make Light ‘em Up GO a tool for all cigar enthusiasts out there!
Find out more about Alex on Instagram:
Interested in becoming an ambassador yourself? We’d love to get to know you!