Dr. Gaby Kafie,founder of the Boutique Cigar Association and Kafie Cigars and Coffee, has been living the cigar life since he smoked his first cigar as a teen. Since then, he has been advocating for family-run cigar businesses. Kafie spoke with Cigar Life Guy about the reflective aspects of a good cigar, cigar smoking traditions and rituals, and his ongoing efforts to promote and protect the rights of small cigar lines.
Gaby Kafie: First Premium Cigar Experience
Cigar Life Guy: Tell me about your first premium cigar experience.
Dr. Gaby Kafie: My first premium cigar experience is a cherished memory that dates back to the summer of my 18th year, spent in Honduras with family. On a particularly memorable weekend, we gathered at a beach house owned by relatives on the Pacific coast—a perfect setting for a family rendezvous filled with food, drinks, and games designed to make the most of our time together.
During this gathering, I was with my father, my brother, and a cousin who was an avid cigar aficionado. Early in the evening, as everyone was preparing for a poker game, he gifted me one of his favorite cigars. I felt a unique sense of inclusion, as if I were now part of the adult circle, though my shyness around my father led me to seek a more private spot to enjoy the cigar. I wandered down the boardwalk to a secluded patch of sand atop a hill, where I could relax undisturbed.
This being my first cigar, I carefully bit off the cap and lit it with matches I had taken from the poker table, taking my time to fully ignite it. The cigar was a Hoya de Monterrey Honduras edition, highly popular then and a favorite of my cousin’s. Smoking it was an incredible experience. The flavors were rich and relaxing, and the serene backdrop of the Pacific Ocean under a moonlit sky enhanced the moment immeasurably. The setting was so captivating it felt almost surreal.
About 20 to 30 minutes into the experience, I began to feel dizzy, prompting me to slow down and savor the moment more gently, or “put it in cruise control,” as the saying goes. There was no rush—just the enjoyment of a truly splendid weekend. It’s an evening I’ll never forget, marked by a significant rite of passage surrounded by family and the tranquil beauty of nature.
Cigar Culture
Cigar Life Guy: You are a retired physician. The medical and cigar worlds don’t always go together. What drew you to the cigar culture?
Dr. Gaby Kafie: This question is thought-provoking, as medicine and cigars don’t typically overlap. Interestingly, during my time in medical school, I first noticed how many of my colleagues sought relaxation through various means, including indulging in cigars and spirits, to decompress from the high stresses of our profession.
On a more serious note, it’s essential to acknowledge that premium cigars have historically not been a significant concern within the medical community, mainly when used in moderation. Many intellectuals and professionals appreciate the refined pleasure of a premium cigar or the enjoyment of finely aged pipe tobacco, neither of which are intended to be inhaled.
For me, cigars offered a unique form of solace during my medical training. On those quiet nights, when everyone else was asleep and I faced hours of complex medical texts, enjoying a premium cigar provided not just company but also improved my focus and concentration. The ritual of smoking, the flavors, and the very act of taking a break helped me digest the dense information more effectively.
Throughout my career as a physician and later as a premium cigar manufacturer, I’ve spent considerable time researching the effects of moderate cigar smoking on the human body. My findings align with the broader consensus that, when not abused and enjoyed in moderation, the risks associated with occasional cigar smoking are minimal to none.
Thus, my draw to cigar culture was not just about the cigars themselves but about the ritual, history, and camaraderie accompanying this ancient tradition. It’s about moderation and appreciation of the craft, which can enhance moments of reflection and relaxation when respected.
The Benefits of a Good Cigar
Cigar Life Guy: What is your take on cigars and their potential benefits?
Dr. Gaby Kafie: This question invites a nuanced comparison that spans various indulgences, like premium cigars, chocolates, or wines, each bringing its form of pleasure and potential benefits, albeit not always in the health sense.
Much like a fine glass of wine or a particular type of Swiss chocolate, premium cigars are part of a lifestyle embraced by those who appreciate the finer aspects of life and the freedom to engage in a storied tradition.
The history of cigar smoking, which traces back over generations, reflects a personal choice and a cultural heritage. For instance, in the early 1900s, there were over 6,000 cigar shops in the United States, a testament to its popularity and integration into social norms.
Today, while the industry, I believe, is heavily regulated (or under threat), including stringent age verification, the essence of cigar culture endures. For many, including myself, cigars represent more than just smoking; they are a conduit for social interaction, fostering conversations and camaraderie across generations. Sitting down to enjoy a cigar can open the door to dialogue, offer a moment of relaxation, and build connections beyond the immediate experience.
As for potential benefits, it’s important to clarify that while cigars are not a health product, they offer psychological and social benefits. Engaging in a thoughtful, leisurely smoke can provide a break from the stresses of daily life, allowing for moments of reflection and a sense of communal bonding. These aspects are often overlooked when discussing cigars, but they play a significant role in why many people cherish this tradition.
Like any adult indulgence, the key to cigars is moderation and understanding. Enjoyed responsibly, cigars can enhance social gatherings, facilitate deep conversations, and serve as a cherished ritual that enriches one’s lifestyle.
Gaby Kafie: Tradition and the Cigar Industry
Cigar Life Guy: Your family has a long history in Central America. Why is tradition so important in the cigar industry?
Dr. Gaby Kafie: Tradition is deeply ingrained in the cigar industry, and its importance can’t be overstated. In many ways, it is the very foundation on which the industry has been built and continues to thrive.
For my family, the Kafie family, tradition is not just a concept but a guiding principle that dictates how we conduct ourselves in business and life.
We are deeply rooted in Central America, a region rich in history and culture, which has significantly shaped the values we cherish and pass down through generations.
Tradition in our family goes beyond preserving customs; it is about upholding a legacy of integrity, hard work, and commitment to excellence. These values have been imbued in us from generation to generation, ensuring that every family member strives to contribute positively to our legacy and the world.
Our commitment to tradition reflects how we approach our businesses, including the cigar industry. Much like our family, the premium cigar industry thrives on the strength of its traditions. It is an industry largely driven by families who have persevered through centuries, maintaining high standards and a dedication to craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Each product we create, whether cigars or coffee, carries our family name—a symbol of quality and trust. This is not just a mark of ownership but a promise of the integrity and the hard-earned reputation that comes with it. In this industry, a name is not just a brand- it’s a representation of history, culture, and continuity.
Thus, tradition in the cigar industry is crucial because it connects the past with the present and paves the way for future generations. It embodies the values, ethics, and principles that have sustained these great families, including ours, enabling us to produce products that people enjoy and trust. This deep respect for tradition is one of the primary reasons I was drawn to the premium cigar industry. It remains a passion deeply integrated into my life and legacy.
The Boutique Cigar Association.
Cigar Life Guy: You are the founder of the Boutique Cigar Association. Tell us about this organization and what it does, particularly how it supports and defends the rights of small cigar lines against FDA regulations.
Dr. Gaby Kafie: As the founder of the Boutique Cigar Association (BCA) in 2016, I saw a need to fill a significant gap in the premium cigar industry. This gap primarily concerned disseminating knowledge essential for starting and sustaining a successful cigar company—a knowledge base traditionally held closely by a few established families. Recognizing the importance of sharing this wealth of information, I felt a profound responsibility to help others who aspire to make their mark in this industry.
The BCA was established to support, educate, and uplift small cigar companies. We have successfully created a platform where emerging businesses can access crucial industry knowledge through a structured curriculum. This includes regular seminars that feature experts discussing important topics like trademark law, cigar importation, licensing, and distribution agreements—all vital for navigating the complexities of the cigar business.
One of our most significant achievements is the establishment of the Boutique Cigar Pavilion at the PCA Trade Show. This initiative provides our member companies with a fantastic opportunity for exposure at one of the world’s largest gatherings for premium cigars. This pavilion has become a permanent fixture at the show, greatly benefiting our members with increased visibility.
The BCA has grown to include over 35 member companies on the advocacy front, allowing us to form a unified voice that actively participates in legislative discussions. This collective effort is crucial for protecting the interests of boutique cigar businesses against often stringent FDA regulations. By collaborating with the Premium Cigar Association and Cigar Rights of America, we can better defend and promote the rights of small cigar lines at both state and federal levels.
Starting and leading the Boutique Cigar Association has not been an easy journey. The fulfillment I derive from seeing small, family-owned businesses flourish in this competitive environment makes all the challenges worthwhile. My joy and contentment come from serving these passionate entrepreneurs and helping them achieve their dreams within the premium cigar industry.
Cigar Industry Challenges Dr. Gaby Kafie Faces
Cigar Life Guy: What is the cigar industry’s biggest challenge today?
Dr. Gaby Kafie: The biggest challenge facing the premium cigar industry today, as I see it, is the presence of significant barriers to entry for new brands, often perpetuated by an industry that, at times, is resistant to welcoming new players. This is a critical issue because the vitality and innovation of our industry depend on the continuous influx of new ideas and participants.
In my decade-long experience within this industry, I’ve observed a certain isolationism from established players who seldom reach out to help or support newcomers. This is paradoxical considering the communal and familial ethos that cigars traditionally symbolize.
At the Boutique Cigar Association, we often deliberate on how we can better support family-owned businesses, helping them gain market share and succeed. Our goal is not just to thrive individually but to foster an environment where every industry member, new or old, feels welcomed and supported.
Another significant challenge is navigating the regulatory landscape set by the FDA. It’s not a question of if but when and how we will be regulated. The key here is ensuring these regulations are fair and navigable, not punitive measures that could potentially drive small players out of business. Therefore, it’s crucial for companies, whether big or small, family-owned or multinational, to unite and advocate for reasonable and manageable regulatory frameworks.
For the premium cigar industry to flourish, it must cultivate an environment of inclusivity and mutual support, ensuring that all stakeholders, especially the newcomers, have the resources and guidance needed to thrive.
Next Up for Dr. Gaby Kafie and the Kafie 1901
Cigar Life Guy: What’s next for you and Kafie 1901?
Dr. Gaby Kafie: Thank you for this engaging question! At Kafie 1901, we are continuously inspired by our rich family heritage. That includes over 100 entrepreneurial and professional members across Honduras, Central America, and the United States. This legacy drives our commitment to excellence and innovation in everything we do.
We’re currently at an exciting juncture, having recently acquired the domain www.kafie.com. Over the next few months, we plan to develop this website into a comprehensive portal that represents The Kafie Companies.
This platform will showcase our diverse ventures and serve as a testament to our family’s enduring entrepreneurial spirit. Our approach is to create something enduring. With every project designed to last a decade and to be easily transitioned to the next generation.
Specifically for Kafie 1901, we are embarking on a few key initiatives. First, rebranding of our coffee products. We are rebranding our coffee line, with the refreshed products expected to be available by mid-summer. This rebranding will align our coffee offerings more closely with our core brand values and aesthetics—next, the development of a new premium cigar blend.
We have meticulously worked on a new cigar blend for the past two years. This blend is crafted with the utmost care to meet the high standards our customers expect from Kafie 1901. We anticipate launching this new premium cigar product early in 2025.
We are thrilled about the future and are deeply grateful for the opportunity to discuss our journey. Thank you for your interest and support.
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Photo credit: Kafie 1901