At a recent event organized by Havana Cigar Club in Zagreb, I had the opportunity and true pleasure to sit down and share a cigar with Mr. Çağdaş Çıldır, Export Manager at Vandermarliere Cigar Family.
In a casual and brief conversation, he recalled his journey into the cigar industry and the moments that shaped his perspective along the way. We touched on what first sparked his interest, the places that left a lasting impression, especially when it comes to cigar lounges, and the ever-relevant question of value: can you still find a really good cigar for under 10 euros? Here's what we found out.
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
Çağdaş Çıldır: My name is Çağdaş Çıldır and I am currently working as an export manager in a company Vandermarliere Cigar Family, where I oversee international markets and distributor relations. I originally trained as a chemist, but my professional path gradually took me into the world of cigars and tobacco, driven by curiosity, pairing, and craftmanship.
“"I earned a title along the way." Master Habanos and practical experience in distribution, sales and manufacturing, including time spent in Nicaragua with the company Oliva Cigar Company.” – Çağdaş Çıldır
When did your story with cigars begin?
Çağdaş Çıldır: My journey with cigars began while I was studying chemistry at university. At that time, I was interested in food, wine and flavors, and I was looking for something that could naturally complement a good meal and a glass of wine. That curiosity eventually led me to cigars, and what started as a pairing experiment quickly turned into a deeper appreciation for the rituals, balance and moments they create.
He also told me about the history. of the Vandermarliere cigar family, which began in 1926, when is Maurits Vandermarliere began making cigars in the attic above his shop in Moen, Belgium. What began as a small, practical business quickly expanded, leading to the opening of the first cigar factory in nearby Heestert just a decade later. Originally a churchman, Maurits discovered in cigar making not just a profession, but a true calling, rooted in craftsmanship and the desire to offer true enjoyment.
Over the decades, the company has evolved through generations, consistently driven by a sense of humility, dedication and passion for the craft. Today, it is led by Frederik Vandermarliere, who continues the legacy established by his father Guido, carrying on the family philosophy of „work hard, play hard.“ Guido himself remains closely involved, contributing his experience and perspective when needed.
A significant milestone occurred in 2016 when the family joined forces with with Oliva Cigar Company, an internationally recognized cigar manufacturer with roots in the United States and Nicaragua. Rather than a simple acquisition, this move represented a partnership built on shared values, merging two distinct traditions and expanding the family’s presence across continents. Despite this growth, the core philosophy remains unchanged: don’t smoke, enjoy.
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Which brands are currently part of VCF portfolio?
Contemporary Crazy: Oliva Cigar Company has 4 internationally known brands. These are Oliva Cigar, Nub Cigar, Cain Cigar from Nicaragua and Aliados Cigar from Honduras.
Do you have any favorites? vitolas a smoking cigar?
Çağdaş Çıldır: My preferences depend a lot on the moment. Number 4 is ideal when time is short, but quality is still important. When I can slow things down, I enjoy Solomon Islands because of their elegant evolution and complexity. And Robusto it remains a constant, let's say classic, balanced and perfectly suitable for almost any occasion.
We asked him how he approaches pairing cigars with drinks like whiskey, champagne, wine or coffee, and Çağdaş explains that for him, it’s less about strict rules and more about achieving harmony. In everyday moments, he keeps it simple, as a light black tea or well-brewed coffee allows the cigar to take center stage and has become a ritual over time. For more sophisticated occasions, he leans toward wine or champagne, appreciating their freshness and balance, which can elevate the cigar without overpowering it. In his opinion, the key is for both the drink and the cigar to naturally complement each other.
When it comes to food pairings, he believes that certain flavors can enhance the cigar smoking experience by reflecting the cigar’s profile, rather than competing with it. Dark chocolate, nuts, aged cheeses, grilled meats, and dried fruits are among the combinations he finds particularly effective, as they reflect the earthy, roasted, sweet, or spicy notes often found in cigars. His approach remains intuitive, pairing lighter foods with milder cigars and richer combinations with fuller blends, always emphasizing that taste is deeply personal. Rather than imposing rules, he encourages exploration, as the best combinations ultimately shape individual preferences and enjoyment.
What trends do you currently see in the cigar industry?
Çağdaş Çıldır: What I see today is a clear return to craft and intention in the cigar world. Cigar lovers are increasingly drawn to premium, hand-crafted cigars, those made with well-aged tobaccos, precise construction, and layered, nuanced flavor profiles. There is also a growing appreciation boutique and small-batch releases, where uniqueness and character are more important than quantity. At the same time, the ritual surrounding the cigar is becoming as important as the product itself, pairing, tasting and taking the time to enjoy the moment. Overall, the trend is unmistakable: slowing down and choosing quality, balance and experience over quantity.
Which cut do you use most often?
“"I usually reach for the flat one (straight) cut. It's classic, precise and allows the cigar to perform exactly as intended. I use a hole punch from time to time (punch) for cutting a cigar, especially when I'm in the mood for a little more focused pull.” – Çağdaş Çıldır
How important is a mentor in the world of cigars, or can everything be learned today? online?Çağdaş Çıldır: There are several good platforms and videos on the internet about cigars and cigar culture. Cigar Academy is a good example of an online learning platform. Although there is a lot of information available on the Internet, not everything can be learned from behind a screen. True understanding comes from experience, watching the tobacco grow, witnessing the fermentation and understanding the craft first hand. This is where knowledge truly comes together, which is why we're always happy to welcome cigar lovers to Nicaragua to share how our cigars are made from field to flame.
Which is the best? cigar lounge Which one did you visit?
Çağdaş Çıldır: Having visited many cigar lounges around the world, it is difficult to single out just one as the best, each has its own character and atmosphere. That said, two lounges have stood out to me recently. Buddha Cigar Lounge in Budapest offers a warm, classic environment where tradition and comfort come together beautifully, while Cigar Club Tokyo impresses with its understated elegance, precision and impeccable attention to detail. I believe both capture the spirit of cigar enjoyment in very different but equally memorable ways.
Can you recommend a good cigar under €10?
“For excellent value under 10 euros, I would recommend Olive Series G Special G for refined short smoking, Oliva Connecticut Reserva Robusto for smooth balance and Olive Serie G Double Robusto if you are looking for a little more depth, and they all provide excellent quality at an affordable price.” – Çağdaş Çıldır
Contemporary emphasizes that good accessories are far more important than many smokers realize, as they quietly shape the entire experience. A sharp, reliable cutter ensures a clean cut and proper airflow, while a quality butane lighter provides a steady, odorless flame that preserves the true flavors of the cigar. On the other hand, a well-made cigar box protects the cigars and keeps them in optimal condition while on the go.
He emphasizes that it doesn't have to be complicated or overly luxurious, but it's worth investing in tools you can rely on. Brands like Xikara i Les Fines Lames they stand out for their precision, durability and thoughtful design, proving that the right accessories enhance the experience without ever taking center stage.
Do you have any advice for someone just entering the world of cigars?
Çağdaş Çıldır: My advice would be to start simple and not rush, because cigars are about experience, not about mastering everything at once. Focus on quality, not quantity: try a few well-made cigars of different strengths and notice what you truly enjoy. There is no need to chase every flavor note; your palate will naturally develop over time. The most important thing is to enjoy the moment.
Thank you Çağdaş for this interview, good luck in the future!
Source: DART.hr
Photos: Çağdaş Çıldır
