As an often-ignored segment, women are taking on a male-dominated industry and letting their opinions on the world of premium cigars be heard. They are the backbone of the cigar industry, working at retail stores and cigar factories, in positions with some of your favorite brands and as influencers on various social media platforms. When it comes to cigars, their preferences vary from a good draw to flavor that brings back memories of days gone by. -https://tobaccoplusexpo.com/
With that mentioned, read our fun interview with Ashley or as shes better known on Instagram @atlsmokesiren.
Ash do the folks a favor and tell them a little about yourself.
AP: I’m from Atlanta, GA. Born and raised! (Go Dawgs!) I enjoy playing golf and I’m the biggest Marvel nerd ever.
Everyone loves a nerd! It’s pretty common for people to remember their first cigar. Some people actually try to forget. Tell us about your first experience. What was it about the setting or the smell, maybe even the decor that made the experience either memorable or something you wish to forget.
AP: The first time I smoked a cigar was at Highland Cigar in Atlanta. I chose a flavored cigar, vanilla I believe, and it was okay, wasn’t sold the first time. The next time I had a cigar was on the French Riviera in Cannes, at an extravagant party overlooking the water. I tried a Cohiba and that’s when I fell in love. The flavor and blend is undoubtedly one of the best in the world and I decided I would never smoke a flavored cigar again. Of course living in the US, having access to Cubans is limited so that’s when I started branching out and trying all kinds of brands and making cigars a lifestyle.
What is it about the cigar/tobacco culture that keeps you so drawn in?
AP: I love the experiences that come with smoking cigars. I like trying new cigars, venturing out to different cigar bars/lounges, and learning everything there is to know about what goes in to making the cigars I enjoy.
As you may know, Instagram has created a double edged sword for the tobacco industry. Too many folks are all about just showing off their high end Cuban sticks or the more rare Fuente Opus ones. Let’s put the folklore and the myth to bed once and for all. Do you have to smoke super rare or high end cigars to enjoy the smoke? Have you been surprised by some of the newer less known brands? If so which one?
AP: Of course the higher end cigars are just that because of the time it’s took to perfect those blends. I love Padrons and Fuentes and Cubans and tend to celebrate special nights with these, but it doesn’t have to be these brands for me to enjoy everything there is to love about smoking cigars. Some of my favorites are Steve Saka’s Sin Comprimisos, Christian Eiroa’s Corojo Asylum 13s, Pete Johnson’s Tatajue line, and all things Liga from Drew Estates.
You’re a prominent and well respected woman in the cigar industry. As was said before, the tobacco industry is still very much male dominated, but women have been making their presence felt. What do you think is responsible for this inclusive movement?
AP: The cigar industry is definitely dominated by males but I think we can agree that these same males love cigar smoking women! It’s becoming more popular for women to smoke cigars and is supported by the guys in this community! I’ve heard many times that men find a woman smoking a cigar to be attractive and sensual. I believe that’s why when they make their presence known on social media they create a huge following very quickly because it’s not something you come across as often as guys sharing their cigar journeys.
As a woman in this industry, what do you want to see change?
AP: I would like to see more cigar bars/lounges! There aren’t many places to enjoy a cigar because many places banned smoking tobacco (cigarettes give tobacco a bad name.) Highland Cigar in Atlanta is my hangout spot in my neighborhood . Red Phone Booth in Atlanta has such a unique atmosphere and it’s become one of my favorite places to spend my nights. I enjoy taking people there to also share those unique experiences. Same for Rocky Patel’s Burn at the Battery by our Braves Stadium. Great environment to enjoy a cigar before or after a baseball game with friends! I think having more cigar bars and lounges add to the experience of smoking cigars with good company! I’ve planned vacations around going to cigar bars like Corona Cigar Co in Orlando and Shore Things Cigar at 30A in Florida!
Let’s talk cigars. What is your go to everyday cigar?
AP: Liga Privada T52! Drew Estates really nailed it with the Liga line! The No.9, Ratzilla, Year of the Rat, Nasty Fritas, Papas Fritas, UF13, and L40 usually tend to take up the most space in my humidor.
Top 5 cigars you’ve ever smoked and what it is about them, that made them stand out.
AP: Cohiba- my first Cuban, will always remember everything surrounding that moment. Where I was, how it made me want to smoke more cigars, the flavor.
Sin Comprimiso- as stated before I love the Liga line from Drew Estates and Steve Sake had a hand in that line so when he made his own, this cigar in particular had me in love the first puff. Perfect amount of flavor and draw and smokes smooth all the way to the end.
Asylum 13 Corojo- again, the very first time I tried this I knew instantly I found a new favorite. Corojo is my favorite wrapper, but the blend of the tobacco and flavor all mixed together was unbeatable.
Angles Share- The Opus X line has the reputation for being some of the best. This one in particular is my favorite, which is hard to choose because they are all amazing. I remember taking my first “long ash” picture with this one because of how perfect it burned all the way to the end.
Padron 40th Anniversary Series- another strong name in the cigar industry for all the right reasons. I tend to celebrate milestones, birthdays, holidays, and accomplishments with this one. A good draw is important to me and these are flawless every single time on top of an unbeatable blend.
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?
AP: It takes some time to find the right cigars to match your palate. Everyone is different. The My Father’s cigars is a good place to start. Very reasonable on price and many different flavors. The Connecticut is a mild cigar but full flavored!
Where do you see your IG account 5 years from now?
AP: My account has grown a following of over 10k followers in 5 months. I never would have expected so much support from this community so fast. If this continues to grow at such a fast rate I can only imagine where it will take me in 5 years. I get to work with some great names in the cigar industry and try all kinds of cigars and products. Being an “influencer” definitely has its perks and becoming brand ambassadors for the cigars I enjoy the most would be amazing!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
AP: I’m in the running to be the next Maxim Covergirl 2020! Voting is daily and starts July 6th-August 13th! Support me by going to https://maximcovergirl.com/2020/ashley-pierce !! Stay Smokey!!
