When did it all start? At what age did you start smoking?
When my father-in-law gave me a Montecristo No 4, around 1990.

How would you describe the pleasure of smoking cigars?
Meditative. I used to drink; now I don't drink anymore. You are linking to somewhere else in the world. It's a cultural thing. Going to see the cigar fabricas gives me the same thrill I get from visiting the chateaux in Bordeaux. It's a relaxation that I share with friends. It's a ritual, a feeling of wellbeing.

How many cigars do you smoke?
It depends - I cannot give you a proper number. In London: not many. In Cuba: 6 - 7 a day. In Spain: 1 - 2 a day. I smoke occasionally, but enthusiastically.

How do you light your cigars? Do you have a special lighter?
With whatever is at hand. I love Dupont. I have a big collection! Cedar spills are the best and I use Davidoff matches.

Your favorite cigar lounges worldwide?
There are not that many. I smoke mostly in gardens. And Edward's Bulgari Lounge, 5 Hertford Street, Marks Club, Annabel’s Night Club.

Your favorite cigar shops worldwide?
Davidoff London - Edward is such a great guy. The Hong Kong shops/lounges of Sir David Tang. He has exquisite taste. Anything he does is fantastic!

With which personalities would you like to smoke a cigar?
Edward Sahakian, hearing about his life. Rodrigo - the first European cigar smoker who sailed with Columbus. He was locked up for 7 years under the Inquisition. It would be interesting to hear what he has to say.

Where do you keep your cigars?
In a plastic Davidoff humidor and a beautiful, customized Elie Bleu one with all the cigar brands on it.

You enjoy your cigars with a glass of…?
Coke 0 - the American champagne - or coffee.

Most expensive cigar?
I don’t know - maybe a box of Partagas D4 Reservas. I don’t like this expensive cigar business. It’s for rich people to show off as a symbol of capitalism. Speculation destroys the pleasure.

Who has to be featured in a cigar book? Which unique cigar personality worldwide?
Zino Davidoff.

Cigars and women?
Why not? I don’t regard it as a specific gender activity.