EPISODE 6

Savoring Time: The Gentleman’s Cigar Ritual with Davidoff’s Alex Weghorn (Part I)

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