The thing I love about this blog, since setting it up, is my interaction with other cigar smokers across the globe and having the opportunity to learn even more about my passion for cigars. I’ve had some great conversations so far, and this one is by far my fave…
I was made aware of this fantastic cigar magazine called ‘L’Amateur de Cigare’, a French publication perfect for the cigar novice like me, and a cigar aficionado. Recently they launched an English version of their magazine. I was lucky enough to get access to this and interview the editor in chief. This is what happened…
Tell us a little bit about yourself… who are you?
I’m the editor-in-chief of L’Amateur de Cigare.After studying political science and journalism, I first worked in radio journalism, before starting a collaboration with L’Amateur, the only cigar magazine in the French-speaking world, created more than 25 years ago. I am also one of the 6 members of the tasting committee who assigns the notes to the cigars.
When and how did you get into cigar smoking?
My first cigar was given to me by a friend who was returning from the Middle East, after a dinner at his place, around 2004 or 2005. It was a Romeo y Julieta (I don’t remember the size). I knew absolutely nothing about it, so I wandered around (I even smoked King Edward!) before finding out about it by reading L’Amateur and the cigar blogs and internet forums.
What is your favourite cigar?
When I have plenty of time : Partagas Lusitanias. When I don’t have much time : H.Upmann Half Corona or Montecristo Media Corona.I am a great fan of Partagas Linea Maduro.Outside Cuba, I appreciate Oliva Serie V, Tatuaje, Padron, Davidioff Nicaragua, OpusX.
What is the cigar scene like in your country?
France is a very important market for premium cigars, with a culture that has been rooted for many years. Although it is difficult to have precise figures, according to L’Amateur’s estimates, Cuban cigars represent about two-thirds of the market. But the non-Cuban market is also very dynamic, especially among young amateurs interested in new taste experiences.The anti-smoking legislation is quite strict, but it allows, under certain conditions, the existence of smoking lounges. There are more than a dozen of them in Paris, both in palaces and in less luxurious bars. Smoking is also permitted outdoor (terraces).
Tell us about L’Amateur de Cigare… what is it? and what was the inspiration behind the magazine?
L’Amateur de Cigare was created in 1995 by journalist Jean-Paul Kauffmann, passionate about wines and cigars. Today it is the only magazine devoted to cigars in the French-speaking world. We publish 7 issues per year in French. Among these, there are two tasting special issues: one devoted to Havanas (the Havanoscope) and the other devoted to all the cigars from other terroirs available in France (the Cigaroscope). We have a circulation of 30,000 copies for the print magazine in French.We recently launched a digital edition in English in order to share our experience and our information with a wider audience.
What things are you planning for L’Anateur de Cigare in 2021?
The year 2021 has already been marked by the launch of L’Amateur de Cigare English edition. Our main objective is therefore to make this new publication known as widely as possible.
Where can my followers get access to this?
The first issue is available on this page for free: https://www.cigars-connect.com/lamateur-de-cigare-english-edition-1-available/
For the following issues, we offer a subscription at a reduced price: https://www.cigars-connect.com/subscribe/
How do people get in touch with you if they want to know more?
They can follow us on social media…
Facebook: @CigarsConnect
(or @lamateur.decigare for the French-speaking)
Twitter: @cigarsconnectEN
(or @cigarsconnect for the French-speaking)
Instagram : @cigarsconnect
And one last thing, before we wrap up… what advice would you give to someone new to cigars?
To someone new to cigar, my advice would be to get information through all possible channels. The first channel is obviously the specialised press, such as L’Amateur. There are also many tobacconists who are motivated and ready to give information. Entering a cigar smokers club is a good way to learn as well. Such as visiting factories in Cuba, the Dominican Republic or Nicaragua.
Thanks Laurent – a real pleasure to chat with you! So folks… what you waiting for, grab your free edition of L’Amateur de Cigare’ then subscribe!
London Cigar Smoker 