The air was warm and faintly perfumed with the rich aroma of aged tobacco as I sat across from Eliny “Mercedes”, a woman whose passion for cigars has carved out a unique space for her in an industry often dominated by men. With an easy confidence, she leaned back, cigar in hand, and greeted me with a smile that carried both elegance and strength. I nervously wondered if I should’ve brought a cigar of my own—then quickly realized I would’ve probably embarrassed myself trying to light it backwards.
Her presence instantly set the tone—this wasn’t just about cigars, it was about culture, ritual, and self-expression. She had the rare ability to talk about cigars in a way that made them sound both sophisticated and fun—like a friend convincing you to finally try that “grown-up” hobby you swore you weren’t cool enough for.
As we settled into the conversation, I couldn’t help but notice the way she spoke about cigars as if they were more than just smoke and ash—they were stories, traditions, and connections. That’s when I leaned in with my first question…
What was the first cigar you ever smoked, and what do you remember about the experience?
M: First cigar I ever smoked was from a small factory in Tamboril, Dominican Republic. My mom was the one that gave me my first cigar and lets just say I was sitting there for about 3 hours because she said “you wanted to learn to smoke, you’re gonna finish it” I was so sick the next day. lol
What made you fall in love with cigars and turn it into part of your lifestyle?
M: To start off, I was born in Tamboril, Dominican Republic known as “THE CIGAR CAPITAL OF THE WORLD”. My grandfather was a cigar roller and worked in the industry for over 50 years. He worked at La Aurora for over 30 years amongst other places and continued to work when he came to the US. So it was inevitable that I would love cigars. Also, like I said before my mother is an avid smoker, she’s been smoking for 30+ years and is the reason that I started smoking. She has taught so much about cigars and helped me develop my palette.
Do you prefer mild, medium, or full-bodied cigars — and why?
M: I prefer full bodied cigars. It something about the complexity and intensity that comes with a strong cigar that I love. Don’t get me wrong I like medium but that’s more of a morning cigar to me.
What are your top three “go-to” cigars right now?
M: Right now my favorite cigars are:
Midnight Hammer by Hooten Young
The last Cowboy by Sinistro Cigars
Bomba Orange by El Septimo
How do you usually pair your cigars — with coffee, whiskey, wine, or something else?
M: When I pair my cigars I usually pair it with whiskey or a good bourbon and sometimes with black tea.
What role do cigars play in your social life and connections with people?
M: Cigars are a huge part of my social life. The cigar community its like a beehive and the connections you make last a lifetime in my experience.
Have you found being a woman in the cigar community to be empowering, challenging, or both?
M: Being a woman in the cigar community is both challenging and empowering. The challenge comes from stereotypes, that cigars are “for men,” that we only smoke mild blends, or that we’re here for attention. But the empowerment comes from breaking those walls, owning my knowledge, and showing that women bring elegance, passion, and real presence to this culture.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about women who enjoy cigars?
M: The biggest misconception about women who enjoy cigars is that we’re just here for show — that we’ll only go for something mild or flavored, or that our presence is all about sex appeal. Sure, smoking a cigar can look sexy, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that we bring real knowledge, tradition, and authenticity to the table, just like anyone else in the cigar world.
What’s the most memorable cigar you’ve ever smoked and where?
M: I have to say the most memorable cigar is always going to be my first one. My mom and I were in my grandmothers house in Dominican Republic. It’s a special place for me.
Have cigars ever been part of a special life moment or celebration for you?
M: Weddings, deployments, Marine Corps Birthday balls, birthdays the list goes on. Cigars have always been parts of all celebrations since I could remember so picking one occasion is hard.
If you could design your own cigar blend, what flavors and notes would you want in it?
M: My dream cigar blend would be a medium to full body with notes of Dark cocoa, a mild spice and notes of espresso.
With a final laugh and a perfectly timed puff of smoke, Mercedes reminded me that life is too short for bad cigars—or boring conversations.
