Although, cigar smoking is more associated with gentlemen, we see more and more ladies not only as smokers but also in the cigar industry. Despite they are grouping themselves under the name Sisters of the Leaf and make their stand in social media as well, they are not being showcased that often in other sources.
Meet Monika H @Monika_Lounge a #sotl making a name for herself within the cigar community.
Monika please tell us who you are and how you first got into cigars? Do you remember your first?
MH: I am mostly known as Monika Lounge and my first encounter with cigars was on my holiday in Vienna when I was 19. At that time I was enjoying what we know as cigarillos and our hotel had a beautiful cigar lounge. I think it was the first time I saw a built-in humidor and asked for the lounge tour. Cigar sommelier recommended me a cigar and taught me the very first cigar rituals which I fell in love with. It was Romeo y Julieta and I found it very interesting at that time although my head was spinning a little from the different amount of smoke.
When and where do you like to smoke the most? Also, what is your favorite cigar at the moment?
MH: My favorite time for smoking cigars is warm summer night on the terrace in a cigar lounge, accompanied by dimmed lights, soft lounge music and a great company of my friends. At the moment I find tremendous pleasure indulging in Gurkha Cellar Reserve 21 Year Solara Double Robusto.
The tobacco industry has been for the longest time heavily dominated by men, but in the last 20 years, we have seen a big movement by women who enjoy cigars. What do you think is responsible for this movement?
MH: In my opinion, the reason you see more women enjoying cigars is women themselves. Brave, fierce, responsible for their own destiny and also men who encourage them, support them, see them as equals, embracing differences. I think only self-confident, mature men can do this.
What would you say attracts you to cigars and the cigar world?
MH: Cigars bring endless opportunities to discover new flavors and blends. It is also a chance to slow down in everyday life since smoking a cigar takes at least an hour. I would say that smoking a cigar reflects the Old Money World. It is about rituals, tradition, high quality, patience, reputation, and style.
What is your favorite vitola? Is there also a particular origin of tobacco you prefer more than the other and why?
MH: My favorite vitola is lancero, laguito or petit corona. Also, I find pleasure also in box-pressed cigars. I think it all started with AJ Fernandez and its San Lotano Maduro. I believe that my smoking appetite projects onto the size of the cigars I smoke. If I want to be satisfied but not overwhelmed, I choose smaller cigars with rich flavors.
What is it about cigars and whisky that makes the pairing so natural and oh so good?
MH: Taste as a part of our senses requires always new stimulation in different forms and thanks to master blenders we have endless combinations to satisfy it. There is certain magic to finding those sweet spots and I am really curious how pairing will evolve for sisters of the leaves (SOTLs).
What advice would you offer other novice women who are trying to get into the cigar world?
MH: Find your tribe. Find friends of yours who already smoke, spend time with them, observe, ask questions and have the courage to try new things. Find a cigar lounge where you feel comfortable with knowledgeable staff who can introduce you to new flavors and will help you to find your style.
The Instagram cigar community is knowledgeable and very inclusive with popular tags such as #botl (brother of the leaf) and #sotl (sister of the leaf). What is it about the culture and the group aspect of cigars that everyone finds so appealing?
MH: I would say that the majority of sotls and botls are bonvivans. People who can appreciate life and take time to enjoy it. They have been blessed by special taste buds allowing them to recognize tens of flavors.
If you could smoke one cigar for the rest of your life which one would you choose?
MH: For me, it would be everyday cigar like short Partagas. Since I am very sensitive to certain flavors and intensity, I would choose this one as it is very balanced despite its spicy, woody notes with hints of vanilla and honey.
Are you currently involved in any ventures in the cigar industry we should know about?
MH: 2020 brings a few collaborations and I can only say that it involves participation in cigar product development and several marketing campaigns that I am really excited about.
