People Behind the Profile — @lisardovivas
Another week, another interview. This time with — @lisardovivas — a great supporter and a person that is always happy to help you on your journey through the cigar world. We hope you enjoy this read and thank you for your time. Your support has been incredible and we hope to provide as much value as we can with this series.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you?
Well, my name is Lisardo Vivas I was born in the beautiful country of Venezuela and when I was 10 years old my parents and I moved to London and I’ve been here ever since. Now, have my own family with two kids, own my own business, run my own men lifestyle blog www.lisardovivas.com and enjoy tech, fine drinks, and cigars, hopefully with a good piece of steak.
What’s your honest take on the eternal debate of Cuban vs non-Cuban cigars?
I believe in quality and personal taste, as long as it’s a premium cigar and you enjoy, I’m happy.
Based on that, what’s your personal preference?
I’ve been a cigar smoker for a few years only but I’ve tried a few good and bad cigars. My personal preference depends on my mood and what I’m eating or drinking. Saying this, I have been trying non-Cubans lately and I will continue to. Sometimes a cigar from a small brand will excite me more than a big well-known cigar brand, like the Venezuelan Don Quijote cigars, especially the new limited edition in collaboration with Diplomatico Rum.
Cigar smoking can raise some unwanted attention. Do people in your area still get surprised to see you have a cigar?
Yes, although it varies some enjoy the smell others complain. Again it’s all personal taste.
Usually, people have two first-time moments: the first cigar and the cigar that ignited the passion you have today. What were yours?
The cigar that ignited the passion was Casanova Regional Italia and El Septimo bullet.
Give us some detail about your collection, what do you have in your humidor?
I have a small selection compared to many, but it goes from some Cuban Edicion Regionales and Limitadas, some regular productions like the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 — which I can't run out of — and Partagas, some Padron, El Septimo, Don Quijote, Dos77, Khaled Alsaud, Vegafinas, Montecristo, Cohiba and many other I can’t remember.
What’s the best cigar you have ever had?
This is a tough one, but on my top 3 cigars there’s Bullet From El Septimo, Casanova Italia, Don Quijote Diplo, with no particular order.
Based on that, what’s the perfect pairing for it?
For me coffee, rum, and dark chocolate
Everyone has their own ritual when starting a cigar session. What’s yours?
I normally lay everything in front of me on a table, cigar, cutter, etc and then brew a nice coffee, play a movie or music and then light up.
You can have as many cigars as you want, forever BUT it always has to be the same. What would you pick?
The Epicure No. 2 never lets me down. It is a simple cigar that goes with everything and it is also long enough to enjoy and not stay wanting more.
We all did some nasty mistakes on our cigar journey. Tell us about your most embarrassing one.
Swallow the smoke when trying to retrohale.
What do you look for in a cigar retailer?
Most of all customer service. To tell me about the cigar, the good and bad, to treat me with respect and to let me take my time. My best cigar retailer experience was with Mr. Edward Shwaharian from Davidoff London.
Imagine that the embargo to Cuba is lifted. What will happen next?
I believe the Habanos demand will be too high and quality will continue to suffer.
With the smoking restrictions in almost all places, do you see the private club scene growing in your country?
I currently live in Wales and the law doesn’t allow for cigar lounges, but in London I believe is doing well.
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?
I hate counterfeit products in general, watches, clothing, shoes and mostly in cigars as they can be a health risk. I believe buying in reputable retailers and sharing and educating people, sort of what you at All Things Cigars do.
What’s your favorite cigar accessory?
My Son & Son gold cigar tube and gold ingot ashtray
Are you a soft-flame or a torch lighter guy?
Torch lighter.
What is your favorite personality in the cigar community and why?
Steve Harvie. The way he talks about cigars just makes me want to light up and smoke.
Instagram is one of your main digital platforms, how do you see the removal of the Like counts that is already live in some countries?
I have an ok size community on my Instagram and have been with the platform for some years. I believe this is the best change they have ever made. It was good at the beginning when the platform was small but now people are obsessed with likes so much that they forget the meaning of real life, reality.
Thank you for your time to read this profile interview. It means the world that you dedicated a bit of your time to do it. Share your thoughts on the comments. We are eager to listen to you and bring you value every single day. Have a great one!
