For many cigar enthusiasts, the journey begins with curiosity. For Gabriela Ferreira (@gaby_cigars), that curiosity quickly evolved into a passion shaped by experience, ritual, and appreciation for the culture surrounding cigars. From memorable first smokes to thoughtful pairings, Gabriela’s story reflects the way cigars can open the door to an entire world of flavor, history, and connection. We sat down with her to talk about how her journey began and what keeps her coming back to the humidor.
Q: What is your full name?
A: Gabriela Ferreira
Q: What is your social media handle?
A: @gaby_cigars
Q: What was the moment you realized the cigars were more than just a hobby for you?
A: The first time I had one, I started smoking because I used to work in a cigar lounge.
Q: Do you remember the first cigar that truly impressed you? What made it unforgettable?
A: Yes, an Open Eagle by Montecristo. It was the first cigar that I bought as a self gift for my 27 birthday, so it’s impossible for me to forget. Also what made it so special is that when I was smoking it was near the beach and even though the wind was crazy, the cigar never went off.
Q: The cigar world has historically been male-dominated. What has your experience been like carving out your own space in the industry?
A: My experience hasn’t been so difficult because who introduced me into this world was a woman and nowadays there’s plenty of them in this industry but it’s true most of them are men.
Q: If you had one cigar and one dram to enjoy tonight, what would you choose and why?
A: Not everyday or every night we crave for the same cigar but at nights I usually prefer something medium to full or a full body cigar. In fact tonight I’m having a Ramón Allones specially selected cigar, a full body robusto which I’ll be pairing with a Glenfiddich 15, the honeyed sweetness and dried fruit from the sherry influence balance the bold, earthy character of a Ramón Allones without overpowering it.
Q: What is something about the cigar industry that most people would be surprised to learn?
A: I can only tell you about Cuban cigars, I’ve tried new world ones but I’m not very knowledgeable about it. About ours besides the taste there’s something else that makes them different and is that instead of having 3 types of strength we have 5- light, light to medium, medium, medium to strong and strong.
Q: What does the ritual of lighting a cigar mean to you personally?
A: Everything about the cigar is so curated since the moment you get it and lightning it properly can improve your smoke or if you’re not careful enough can burn it and the taste can change, so that ritual for me is very important, is like becoming one with your cigar watching how the leaves burn slowly and the smell if you’re using a piece of cedar is so delicious.
Q: How do you think women are changing or influencing cigar culture today?
A: I think we are getting rid of the cliche that only men can smoke cigars, we are giving it also a delicate touch and it’s making the industry more acceptable.
Q: If you could share a cigar with any person in history, who would it be and what would you smoke together?
A: I would share it with Winston Churchill because one of my favorite cigars is named after him and was also his favorite which is the Churchills by Romeo and Julieta.
Q: Is there a cigar brand or blend you think deserves far more recognition?
A: Ramón Allones, a medium to full brand with incredible cigars and one of the oldest brands.
Q: For women curious about cigars but intimidated to try, what advice would you give them?
A: To go for it, you will discover a new world full of different smells, flavors and the history that goes with cigars is beyond incredible.
Gabriela’s journey highlights something many cigar lovers eventually discover: cigars are about far more than the smoke itself. They represent tradition, craftsmanship, and moments worth slowing down for. As more women like Gabriela share their passion and experiences, the cigar world continues to grow into a more welcoming and diverse community for enthusiasts everywhere.
