In this richly layered part-one episode of The Gentlemanly Things, Brian welcomes Alex Weghorn, U.S. Ambassador for Davidoff Cigars, for a deep dive into the timeless craft of premium cigars and their place in the modern gentleman’s lifestyle.
Alex shares the century-long legacy of Davidoff—from its founding by Zino Davidoff to its transformation into a global symbol of consistency, quality, and refinement. Together, they explore how the rituals of cigar enjoyment reflect a gentleman’s highest values: presence, patience, and intention.
From the science behind tobacco fermentation to the philosophy of enjoying with purpose, this episode is more than a cigar primer—it’s a meditation on time, legacy, and the pursuit of excellence.
0:00 Intro
1:35 Who is Alex Weghorn and what does a Davidoff Ambassador do?
3:02 Why cigars are a great equalizer
4:00 The Davidoff legacy: from Ukraine to Geneva to global luxury
11:42 The ritual of cigar lighting and savoring time
14:34 How cigars encourage reflection, conversation, and presence
17:59 Enjoy with intent: Davidoff's ethos
20:23 Understanding the cigar plant and the “crop to shop” approach
26:31 Tobacco fermentation and aging explained
33:45 Why older tobacco delivers a smoother experience
39:02 Davidoff’s obsession with consistency and quality control
44:19 Parallels between bespoke tailoring and cigar making
49:39 Why education elevates enjoyment
52:32 The peated Scotch story: learning to appreciate acquired tastes
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