I’m always excited to discover new cigar businesses across the UK, and last year I came across Lisardo Vivas from Cardiff who has created Toro Puro, an online cigar shop designed around the complete cigar ritual. From carefully selecting each cigar to the moment it arrives at your door, every step is crafted to make the experience intentional, immersive, and memorable — from unboxing to the very first draw.

The online shop offers a carefully chosen range of Cuban and New World cigars, along with quality accessories like cutters, lighters, and humidors. There’s also a small lifestyle range, including leather goods, writing tools, and barware.

Toro Puro also shares guides, pairing ideas, and advice to help people get more out of the hobby, and donates part of its profits to charity.

My first proper experience with Toro Puro was last year when I lit up one of their Simon Beltre cigars.

I was sitting in a local shisha lounge that was cigar friendly, and it was clear a lot of care had gone into the packaging. By the time I cut the cap and lit it, I was impressed.

I also remember really appreciating the lower band on this cigar — it listed everything from the filler and binder to the wrapper, along with the ring gauge and strength. It felt like a nice touch, and a great way to help newer cigar smokers better understand what they’re enjoying.

I also had the chance to meet Lisardo in person at the Meet the Makers cigar event in Edinburgh last year, where we were able to have a proper chat.

Lisardo not only owns and runs Toro Puro, but also produces some decent cigar content on YouTube through his channel, Cigar Ritual, including, his top 5 cigars for new beginners (16k views)…

… and a popular interview with La Galera Cigars (23k views).

Since then, I finally got the chance to interview him about Toro Puro — it’s been a long time coming!

The interview

Lisardo, thanks for joining me — it’s great to have you 🙏. To start off, could you tell us a bit about yourself in your own words…

Who are you and where you’re from?

I’m Lisardo Vivas. I was born in Venezuela to a Portuguese father and moved to the UK when I was 10. I’ve been living in Cardiff, Wales for over 20 years now, with a few years spent in London as well. That mix of cultures and places has shaped how I see cigars. For me, they’ve always been about connection, time and shared moments.

How long have you been living in Wales?

Over 20 years. Cardiff is home, and it’s where most of my cigar journey and community work has grown.

What’s the Welsh cigar scene like at the moment?

It’s very quiet compared to places like London. In Cardiff there’s only one shop and, because of the regulations in Wales, we don’t have lounges or sampling the way England does. So there aren’t many natural spaces for cigar smokers to meet.

That’s actually what pushed me to start organising events over the past couple of years. We partnered with venues and ran several events, and the response was incredible. It showed me the community is here, it just needs opportunities and places to come together around the ritual. Growing that side of things in Wales has become a big part of my mission.

How did you first get into cigars?

About ten years ago, after my first child was born. That stage of life made me value time differently. Cigars became a way for me to slow down, think, plan and take a moment for myself.

On a trip to London I walked into the Davidoff store without really knowing what I was doing, and I was welcomed by Edward Sahakian. He took me into the humidor, asked questions, and helped me choose a few cigars that would suit me. He didn’t just sell me a cigar, he showed me how to enjoy it. That experience completely changed how I saw cigars and started a journey that later led me to study formally and become a cigar sommelier.

Do you remember your first cigar?

Yes. One of the first was a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2, along with a Trinidad Vigía and a Partagás D4. I was lucky to have that kind of introduction. It wasn’t just about smoking, it was about understanding strength, flavour and how to take your time with it.

What’s been your favourite cigar moment or memory so far?

I’ve had some amazing experiences over the years, from industry events to sharing cigars with master blenders, but the most special memory was my wedding. Being outside in beautiful weather with friends and family, all of us enjoying cigars together, it just elevated the whole moment. That’s when you really feel what cigars are about. They mark occasions and make memories stronger.

Can you tell us about Toro Puro and how it all started?

Toro Puro came from being a consumer myself and feeling that something was missing online. When you walked into a great shop in London, you felt care, attention and atmosphere. But when ordering online, that experience often disappeared.

I wanted to recreate that sense of occasion and respect for the cigar, from the moment someone lands on the website to when they open the box and light up. For me, cigars are part of a ritual, and Toro Puro was built to honour that with a boutique, carefully curated approach. I’d rather have fewer cigars done properly than everything done average.

Where did the name Toro Puro come from?

It has two meanings. In Spanish, Toro means bull and Puro means pure, which reflects strength and character. In cigar terms, a toro is a popular vitola and a puro is a cigar made with tobacco from a single country. So the name connects both identity and the cigar world itself.

What makes Toro Puro different from others?

Curation and experience. Every cigar and product is selected with intention. I focus on quality, balance and giving people options that suit different moments and levels of experience, rather than overwhelming them.

It’s not just about selling cigars, it’s about helping people enjoy them properly and making the whole process feel special.

From the Toro Puro collection, what cigars would you recommend to a beginner?

Cigars like the Davidoff Short Perfecto, the Columbus K Azul Robusto and the Aladino Vintage Selection are great starting points. They offer good balance, approachability and different flavour profiles without being overwhelming, so beginners can explore and understand what they enjoy.

And what would you recommend to a more experienced cigar smoker?

For more experienced smokers, cigars like the Davidoff Dominicana, Oliva Serie V Melanio, Plasencia Alma Fuerte and EP Carrillo La Historia offer more depth and complexity. These are cigars you sit with and really explore, especially when you already know your preferences.

Do you stock any cigars that people can’t get anywhere else in the UK?

Yes, we have Simon Beltré cigars, which are exclusive to Toro Puro. He’s a fourth-generation grower and uses the traditional Andullo fermentation method linked to the Taíno people. We even carry a cigar called Andullo, which has been very well received in the UK.

Tell us about your accessories.

Toro Puro is built around the lifestyle as well as the cigar. We carry quality accessories and leather goods, and we’re expanding into items that pair naturally with cigars, like coffee and chocolate. The idea is to support the whole experience, not just the smoke.

What is the Toro Puro Club?

The Toro Puro Club is our newsletter community. Members get early access to limited cigars, event tickets, special offers and educational content. It’s designed to feel like being part of something, not just receiving promotions.

What can customers expect when they buy from Toro Puro?

Attention to detail and care. I want people to feel that the cigars are respected and that their experience matters. From packaging to communication, the aim is to make it feel like more than just a transaction.

How can people get involved or support Toro Puro?

Joining the Toro Puro Club is a great start. Visiting the site, trying something new, sharing feedback and reviews, and coming to events all help grow the community. It’s about building something together around the ritual.

And thats a wrap! Thanks so much fella 🙏.

Interested in learning more about Toro Puro?

Explore their collection online: www.toropuro.com

Join Lisardo on his Cigar Ritual series on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@CigarRitual

Follow the ritual on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cigar.ritual

Enjoyed this interview? Discover more of my conversations with cigar folk here!