My father worked in the cigarette business, and at some point, I started helping him in his tobacco shop. That’s when I noticed a particular customer who bought a couple of boxes of inexpensive cigars every week. By the end of the month, I realised that we were making about $1,000 (AED 3,600) from him alone. I was 17 or 18 at the time, and I thought, ‘If I had ten such customers, I could be well off.’
But cigars are more than just a way to make money. They are a culture steeped in legends, stories, and, most importantly, people. Those who smoke cigars are gentlemen who tend to adhere to a set of principles, rules, and etiquette. The fact that they were famously enjoyed by historical figures like Winston Churchill and Fidel Castro only deepened my fascination.
My love for cigars solidified when I visited Cuba and the Dominican Republic for the first time. There, I saw with my own eyes how cigars were made—from growing tobacco on plantations to the fermentation process and the artistry of hand-rolling.
These countries are the cradles of cigar craftsmanship. In Cuba, I experienced the rich history and traditions that permeate everything, from the factories to the street aromas of tobacco. The Dominican Republic, on the other hand, showed me how skill and innovation come together to create the finest examples of modern cigar production.
Smoking a cigar is a ritual. You can sit for hours with one cigar, reflecting on your own or having a heartfelt conversation with a friend. Visiting Cuba and the Dominican Republic gave me a deeper appreciation for this ritual: each cigar is the result of the labour of hundreds of people, decades of expertise, and a unique approach to creating something truly captivating.
I have two cigar collections. The first is the collection belonging to the Pair boutiques, which I co-own. It includes around 50,000 cigars and serves as an assortment available for purchase in the boutiques. This collection features both regular lines for everyday smoking and limited editions that attract collectors.
The second is my personal collection, consisting of super-exclusive and rare pieces. These are mainly Cuban cigars released in limited quantities, such as editions with only 5,000 boxes produced. The more renowned the manufacturer, the higher the cigar’s value. And, naturally, the fewer boxes produced, the higher they’re worth.
My collection is unique and not intended for sale. I’d estimate it to contain thousands of cigars. I started seriously collection about seven years ago, and have been steadily adding rare finds to the collection ever since. In the past, I used to sell cigars from my collection, but this year, I made a promise to myself not to until the collection exceeds 10,000 cigars. I think that milestone is approaching quickly, as the process of seeking and adding to the collection brings me immense joy.
I have one cigar reserved for that special occasion, whenever that may be. A Cohiba Ideales from the Habanos Book Collection. This release was created in 2021 to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Cohiba brand, and became the most sought after collectible of the year with only 3,000 boxes produced.
I own five of those boxes, but I’ve yet to open a single one. These cigars aren’t just rare, they’re the quintessence of Habanos artistry. To me, this will always be the El Dorado, the Rolls Royce of cigars.
Pair is located at Jumeriah Emirates Towers, Dubai
Words by Alexey Kudishkin as told to Anton Brisinger