It takes an extraordinary character to achieve extraordinary things. We spoke with Justin the man behind Instagram’s @TheDapperCigar, who with an eye for fine tobacco, EQ and fashion sense.
Justin since its super crazy outside right now and everyone needs to stay in, let’s start at the beginning. Tell the masses a bit about yourself.
A: My name is Justin, and I smoke cigars…next question. Ha! Just kidding!
A bit about myself? Hmm…well, I’m from New York – Long Island to be exact. Was born and raised here before going away to college for 5 years, where I studied Electrical Engineering and Business. Played basketball there for 4 of those years – that’s kind of what got me there in the first place. Basketball was a big portion of my life growing up. If I wasn’t in school or at home, I was playing ball. I’d like to say I’m very blessed and grateful for this – I have plenty of good memories of my childhood and it’s thanks to such wonderful parents who raised me.
After college, I came back to Long Island to look for work. That’s where most of my family resides, and me being a family man, that’s where I wanted to be. Currently, I’m in sales for the semiconductor industry – same company I started with and just climbed the ladder as they would say.
That’s pretty much the short story of it. I’m a cigar smoking, basketball playing, sales manager from Long Island!
Everyone has that sacred story about how they found themselves in cigars. What is yours. First cigar, the experience of the first cigar, how you expanded your palette, the whole 9 yards.
A: Well, my first cigar…my first REAL cigar, was a Romeo y Julieta 1875 Bully (Robusto). I started smoking cigars with my stepfather – he had been smoking for quite some time at that point. I was probably around 16-17 when I started to smoke occasionally. I actually remember smoking Backwoods too – the ones in that foil pouch – with a friend of mine while camping in the summers in upstate New York. Yup…Backwoods! Oh man! To think I wouldn’t be caught dead with a Backwood now!
I got my first humidor when I was about 18-19 years old. The standard 20 count desktop humidor. Brought it with me to college and would have a cigar here and there on the porch. It wasn’t until I graduated that I really started to develop a passion for it.
There was an old deli across the street from my office that closed down – turned into what’s now my local cigar lounge. I’d go there to have a smoke after lunch, after work or even during work, and I’d really gotten into the flavors and smells of cigars. That lounge really propelled my passion.
Tell us about the burndownpodcast. How did it come about, and what are you doing to stay relevant and different from all the other cigar podcasts.
A: The Burn Down Podcast, for those who don’t know, is a cigar podcast that brings lounge conversations to the internet audience. It’s just a very good friend of mine, Eric, and myself, “shootin’ the shi*t” as you might say.
It started about 9 months ago, when Eric came to mean with the idea to start a podcast. We had both been in the cigar community for some time at that point – both with solid Instagram accounts as well. Before then, we had tried other ventures into the business world of cigars but found no success. When we decided to start a podcast, we wanted to bring the feel of a cigar lounge to the internet world. Eric and I have been to tons of cigar lounges, all over the country, and each and every time, it’s the same feel – friendly. We found that we always have such engaging conversations in cigar lounges, with people of all different walks of life. No matter who you are, no matter your background or ethnicity, cigar smokers relate to cigar smokers.
So that’s what we wanted to emulate with The Burn Down. We wanted our listeners and watchers to FEEL like they were sitting right there with us, enjoying a smoke and “shootin the sh*t” with a couple of gentlemen.
Let’s jump on a quick tangent. Style and Fashion is not on every man’s mind. What fascinated you in this world and made you get involved with it?
A: Well, I’d like to say I’m an “old soul.” I’ve always enjoyed the 50s and earlier eras. Whether it be the music, the fashion, the way of life…I just loved that period in time. I loved the way guys would dress – everyone in a suit – always looking sharp. I mean, you only get one first impression, you might as well make it a good one, right? You never know who you’re going to meet when you’re out and about! I also realized that if I dressed well, I felt well…and if I felt well, I would perform well. There’s just something about putting on a perfectly tailored suit…adding the shoes, the watch, the bracelets, the lapel pin and of course…the pocket square. It just makes you feel…invincible almost. Like you can conquer anything!
What does it mean to be a gentleman in the modern age?
A: I would say the meaning of a gentleman is very simple and can be summed up by this word: character.
“A gentleman is not defined by the cut of his suit or the contents of his wallet, but by the content of his character.” I’m not quite sure where this quote comes from, or if it’s the whole quote, but I’ve always remembered it. A gentleman is all about character – about who you are when no one is watching. It’s about how you treat others. It’s about putting more into this world than you take from it. That’s what it means to be a true gentleman.
Of course, you should always dress well for you! Justin, how does someone find their personal style. Where to begin?
A: Style is a reflection of your personality. It’s a visualize representation of who you are. How you dress is how you’re going to say hello…before you open your mouth.
The thing about style is that it changes from person to person, whereas fashion is same. Fashion is merely what you wear, but style is HOW you wear it. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone to try different things. That’s the only way you’ll be able to truly hone in on YOUR personal style. You must also feel good in whatever you wear. As I mentioned before, if you feel good, you’ll do good!
Everyone has their preference of cigar types, flavor profiles, origin. What’s your all time favorite cigar and what’s your everyday cigar of choice?
A: Oh geez! What a question! I’d like to know how many people have answered that with a single cigar…In my opinion, it’s not possible to pick an all-time favorite! It all depends on the mood I’m in, what I’m doing, what I’m drinking, what I’m eating or have eaten…so many variables.
But, to answer the question, here is a list my top 10 cigars, in no particular order:
- Davidoff Chef’s Edition 2015
- Fuente Fuente Forbidden X 2006
- Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve 2008
- Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill
- Davidoff Puro d’Oro Notable
- Cohiba Behike 54
- Zino Platinum Crown Barrel
- Montecristo No. 2
- Padron 1964 50thAnniversary Robusto
- Plasencia Alma Fuego Lancero
And here are 10 go-to smokes for any occasion:
- My Father Flor de las Antillas Robusto
- Padron 1926 Series Natural No. 9
- Caldwell Blind Man’s Bluff
- Drew Estate Liga Privada No. 9 Flying Pig/Belicoso
- LFD Double Ligero Lancero
- LFD Cameroon Cabinet Lancero
- La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Robusto
- Oscar Valladares Super Fly Super Corona
- Warped La Hacienda Gran Robusto
- Illusione Epernay La Vie
If you give your younger self a piece of advice what would it be?
A: Thoughts become things. Whatever you focus your mind on will grow, whether it’s positive or negative. How you view the world is how you’ll see the world. “Seek, and ye shall find” as stated in the Bible. If you’re constantly looking for bad things, you’ll certainly find them. If you look for good, you’ll find it as well.
So stay positive, don’t get down on yourself – it’s okay to fail. Fail over and over again. That’s how you succeed. Each failure is one step closer to success.
And be grateful for everything you have. Start each day with appreciation in your heart, for there are people out there down on their knees praying for the little things you take for granted.
When looking to pair a cigar with a glass of whisky — what are some tips you can give us that will make the pairing an exceptional experience?
A: The key is to pair the bodies of the cigar and whisky. Typically, medium to full bodied cigars will pair better with whisky, whereas lighter bodied cigars tend to get overpowered. At the end of the day though, it all comes down to your individual palate. If you enjoy a Connecticut wrapped cigar with a peaty Scotch – than more power to ya!
There are so many brands and products available currently in the market, and many more brands are coming out daily. If I am a novice to cigars, where should I start?
A: Well, I’d ask the question about what you typically drink…? Are you a whisky fella? What kind? Do you prefer wine or beer? Etc…
If you’re used to drinking Scotch or Bourbon, you may already have a palate for fuller bodied cigars, so I’d say it’s okay to start with Nicaraguans and Hondurans. Try the Drew Estate Undercrown, Montecristo White Series or the Flor de Las Antillas I mentioned before.
If you’re used to drinking lighter beer and/or white wine, I’d stay away from stronger cigars to start, as they might be overwhelming to your palate. Start with Dominican Republic and Ecuadorian cigars, preferably something Connecticut wrapped. These are lighter bodied and serve as a nice intro into the cigar world. Try the Ashton Cabinet, Davidoff Grand Cru or the Avo Classic.
There are so many great #botl and #sotl on Instagram and in the community. What do you think is responsible for some camaraderie?
A: I think it has to do with what I mentioned before when describing The Burn Down – cigar smokers relate to cigar smokers. Anyone who smokes cigars has that instant bond. We are introduced through the leaf, connect through the leaf and relationships grow like the leaf!
Lastly, what is it about the cigar/tobacco industry that keeps you so drawn in?
A: I’d have to say the ever changing and expanding industry. There’s always new cigars coming on the scene, new accessories, new events, etc.. What intrigues me is that the same cigar in two different sizes can taste completely different. Even the same exact cigar can change from year to year. That’s so interesting to me.
I’d also have to say the people. Can’t forget about them! I’ve met so many wonderful people through cigars – had so many wonderful memories that I’ll cherish for a lifetime. It’s honestly one of the best communities there is!
With all that being said, I want to thank you, Gene, for the opportunity to share a bit about myself. It’s an absolute honor. Wishing you and everyone reading this many blessings!
