Soumya Shankar, Bangalore In an age that measures worth by velocity—chasing money, promotions, success, and fame—there remains a quieter truth. The things most worthwhile often ask only for a reason to sit down and stay awhile. A cigar understands this instinct perfectly. The observation comes from a recent encounter with a Belgian cigar purveyor whose…
A gathering of the Manila Cigar Scoundrels at Tabacalera Lounge Jake Saunders, Editor at Large Tabacalera Incorporada in Manila is more than a cigar company; it is a living testament to the Philippines’ place in the world of tobacco. Founded in 1881, it is the oldest cigar factory in Asia, carrying with it the echoes…
Martin Haffner, London There’s a romance to cigars that begins long before the first puff: the scent drifting from a corner table, the quiet ceremony of the cut and toast, the way time seems to fold itself into a slower, friendlier shape. The path from curious beginner to seasoned sage is not so much a…
By Lee Thomas and Jake Saunders Metro Manila’s Bonifacio Global City has no shortage of sleek lounges and cocktail dens, but tucked behind a discreet wooden door on High Street lies a sanctuary that feels less like a bar and more like a gentleman’s club from another century. Welcome to The Cedar Room, established in…
Jake Saunders, Editor at Large Kuala Lumpur, April 21, 2026 — The Natural Cigar Company has unveiled its latest creation, the STELLA Series, a collection of handmade cigars that distills the essence of Havana tradition into a modern catalog. Each vitola is marked by a single letter—R for Robusto, A for Churchill, P for Pyramid—an…
Jake Saunders, Editor at Large KUALA LUMPUR — On the fourth floor of Pavilion Mall, Arthur’s Storehouse has carved out a niche as Malaysia’s first Guinness flagship bar and restaurant, blending the iconic stout’s heritage with a refined cigar lounge that has quickly become a favorite among aficionados. The cigar room is a sanctuary of…
Jake Saunders, Editor at Large Havana Cigar Lounge: Guilin’s Avant-Garde Retreat Atmosphere Hidden within a renovated ancient village in Guilin, the Havana Cigar Lounge blends rustic tradition with avant-garde design. Old brick and timber beams provide a timeless backdrop, while the interior unfolds like a curated art exhibition. A full-scale stuffed deer with antlers stands…
Jake Saunders, Editor at Large There are few pleasures in life that rival the pairing of a fine cigar with a dram of excellent whiskey. At the Whiskey Library in Resorts World Manila, I found myself in precisely that sweet spot—surrounded by shelves that seemed to groan under the weight of liquid gold from every…
Jake Saunders, Editor at large Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital with the funny name and the even trickier climate, hides small surprises. One of them is in UB City: the Habanos cigar lounge you would never expect. At the entrance, the first clue: a lovely outdoor area, almost Mediterranean in feel, where you can sit down, light…
Jake Saunders, Editor at large On Monday, March 9, the United Kingdom’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill cleared the House of Lords, meaning it now enters its final stages before becoming law. The bill, which has been in the works since 2022, is landmark legislation for how tobacco and vaping products are regulated throughout the U.K., headlined by…