In a world where cigar culture has long been associated with tradition and exclusivity, Hannah brings a refreshing perspective that blends passion, sophistication, and authenticity. As a woman who has not only embraced cigars but made them an integral part of her lifestyle, she offers a unique voice in a space often dominated by men. In this feature, we sit down with Hannah to explore the origins of her love for cigars, the rituals that shape her experience, and the ways in which she continues to redefine what it means to live the cigar lifestyle.
What was the first cigar you ever smoked, and what do you remember about the experience?
H: It’s been quite a while since my very first cigar, and to be honest, I can’t even recall exactly what it was. But what stands out more than the “first” is the one that truly shifted my perspective—the Arturo Fuente Hemingway. That cigar was a revelation. Up until then, cigars were simply something enjoyable, but the Hemingway opened my eyes to the artistry and depth behind the craft.
The construction, the balance of flavors, and the way it evolved as it burned—everything about it felt intentional, refined, and purposeful. It was the first cigar that made me slow down, pay attention, and appreciate not just the smoke itself, but the tradition and craftsmanship behind it. That experience sparked my curiosity and drove me to dig deeper into the culture, history, and complexity of cigars.
In many ways, it was less about smoking a cigar and more about understanding cigars—a true turning point that changed not only how I enjoyed them, but how I respected them. The Hemingway wasn’t just a cigar; it was the catalyst that made me a lifelong student of the leaf.
What made you fall in love with cigars and turn it into part of your lifestyle?
H: What made me fall in love with cigars wasn’t just the act of smoking one—it was everything that surrounded the experience. At first, a cigar was simply a way to relax and unwind, but I quickly realized it was something much deeper. Cigars carry a sense of ritual; they force you to slow down, be intentional, and appreciate craftsmanship in its purest form.
But beyond that, what truly captured me was the connection cigars create. Some of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had—and the strongest friendships I’ve built—have started with a cigar in hand. There’s a unique camaraderie in this world that brings people together from all walks of life.
Over time, it became clear that cigars were more than an occasional indulgence for me; they became a lifestyle. The artistry, the culture, the community—it all resonated in a way that made me want to dive deeper. To this day, every cigar I light reminds me why I fell in love with them in the first place.
Do you prefer mild, medium, or full-bodied cigars — and why?
H: I tend to gravitate toward medium-bodied cigars, though I appreciate all spectrums depending on the moment. Medium cigars strike that perfect balance—they carry enough depth and complexity to keep me engaged, but without overwhelming the palate. They allow the subtle notes to shine through while still delivering richness and character.
That said, I enjoy exploring the full range. A mild cigar can be the perfect start to the day or an introduction for someone new to the lifestyle, while a full-bodied cigar can deliver a bold, memorable experience when I’m looking for intensity. But if I had to choose one that reflects my everyday style, medium-bodied cigars are where I find the most harmony.
What are your top three “go-to” cigars right now?
H: Right now, my top three “go-to” cigars are:
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway – A true classic. It’s the cigar that first made me understand the artistry behind the craft, and it continues to be one I can always count on for balance and elegance.
- Drew Estate Blackened M81 – Dark, bold, and unapologetic. It delivers a rich, powerful experience that feels almost like listening to a great piece of music—layered, intense, and memorable.
- My Father La Promesa – Refined and complex, with a story behind it that adds to the experience. Every time I smoke it, I’m reminded of how cigars can blend tradition and passion into something truly special.
Together, those three give me the perfect range: timeless tradition, bold innovation, and refined craftsmanship.
How do you usually pair your cigars — with coffee, whiskey, wine, or something else?
H: For me, pairing really depends on the cigar and the moment. In the morning, nothing beats a cigar with a strong cup of coffee—the bitterness of the coffee and the smoothness of the cigar complement each other perfectly. In the evenings, I tend to lean toward bourbon or whiskey. The depth, warmth, and subtle sweetness of a good pour really bring out the complexity in a cigar, especially medium to full-bodied blends.
Mead and wine can be enjoyable too, particularly a bold red with a rich cigar, but if I had to choose, coffee and whiskey are my mainstays. They both enhance the experience without overshadowing the cigar itself, creating that perfect balance where both the drink and the smoke shine.
What role do cigars play in your social life and connections with people?
H: Cigars have become an incredible bridge in my social life. They create a natural space for conversation, connection, and camaraderie. When you’re sharing a cigar, time seems to slow down—phones go away, distractions fade, and people actually talk. Some of the most meaningful friendships and strongest professional connections I’ve built have started over a cigar.
What I love is how cigars level the playing field. It doesn’t matter your background, title, or story—once you sit down and light up, you’re part of the same experience. That sense of community is rare in today’s world, and it’s one of the reasons cigars have become so much more than a hobby for me; they’re a way to bring people together.
Have you found being a woman in the cigar community to be empowering, challenging, or both?
H: I would say it’s definitely been both empowering and challenging. On one hand, being a woman in the cigar community gives me a unique voice and perspective in a space that has traditionally been male-dominated. There’s a certain empowerment in walking into a humidor, knowing exactly what you like, and confidently holding your own in any cigar conversation.
At the same time, there are challenges. There are moments when people underestimate you, assume you’re new to the culture, or even question why you’re there. But those challenges have only pushed me to dig deeper, learn more, and let my passion speak louder than any stereotype.
And that’s where the rewarding part comes in. The more I’ve grown within the cigar community, the more I’ve connected with incredible people who value knowledge, authenticity, and passion above all else. For me, that mix of empowerment, challenge, and ultimate reward has made the journey not only worthwhile, but deeply meaningful.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about women who enjoy cigars?
H: One of the biggest misconceptions is that women who enjoy cigars are somehow trying to “fit into” a man’s world. In reality, cigars don’t belong to one gender or the other—they belong to anyone who appreciates them. I don’t smoke to blend in or to stand out; I smoke because I genuinely enjoy the ritual, the flavor, and the connection it brings.
Another misconception is that women who love cigars must have a certain “look” or personality—when the truth is, there’s no mold. The cigar world is as diverse as the cigars themselves, and women are rewriting what that image looks like every time we light up.
For me, the most powerful thing is showing that cigars aren’t about masculinity or femininity at all—they’re about authenticity. That’s the part people often overlook.
What’s the most memorable cigar you’ve ever smoked — and where?
H: The most memorable cigar I’ve ever smoked wasn’t tied to a celebration or a big occasion—it was actually quite the opposite. It was just me, an Arturo Fuente Hemingway, and a quiet evening. No distractions, no audience, no reason other than wanting to enjoy a cigar.
Somewhere in the middle of that smoke, it clicked. The way the flavors developed, the balance, the craftsmanship—it all came together and I realized, this isn’t just something I do occasionally, this is something I want to be a real part of my life. It was almost like an unspoken agreement between me and the cigar, a kind of long-term commitment.
That night stands out because it wasn’t about the setting—it was about the clarity that came with the experience. It was the cigar that turned enjoyment into passion.
Have cigars ever been part of a special life moment or celebration for you?
H: Yes, absolutely. Cigars have a way of marking moments in time, and for me, they’ve become part of life’s celebrations—big and small. I’ve shared cigars to toast milestones, like personal achievements or family celebrations, but some of the most meaningful have been quieter moments.
What makes a cigar special in those times is how it slows everything down. When you light up to celebrate, you’re not rushing—you’re savoring. You’re taking the time to really be present in the moment, whether it’s with people you care about or even just with your own thoughts.
For me, cigars aren’t just accessories to a celebration—they actually enhance it. They turn a moment into a memory.
If you could design your own cigar blend, what flavors and notes would you want in it?
H: If I could design my own cigar, it would be medium-bodied with just the right touch of spice. I’d want it rounded out with notes of cedar, earth, and a smooth coffee-like finish. For me, the ideal cigar is about balance—enough complexity to keep it interesting, but still approachable and consistent from start to finish.
To add: Cigars have been more than just a hobby for me—they’ve been a teacher, a connector, and at times, even a refuge. They’ve introduced me to people I never would have crossed paths with otherwise, and they’ve given me moments of peace in a world that rarely slows down. What I’ve learned through this journey is that cigars don’t discriminate, they don’t divide, and they don’t demand anything more than presence.
Every cigar I’ve smoked has taught me the same truth: the leaf doesn’t care who you are—it only asks that you sit, share, and belong.
