Anyone who has at least once stepped into Cigar Lounge Havana 22, he quickly realized that this place is not just a place to enjoy cigars and drinks. It is almost impossible to spend an evening there and not meet Hrvoje Koštić, the man behind the whole story and who Havana 22 operates more as a gathering place for people with similar sensibilities than as a classic lounge.
#CigarTalk has been around for a while, but the idea of making one of the releases with Hrvoje Koštić has been on my mind for a long time. Some conversations simply don't make sense to rush, especially when you know they will come naturally, with a good cigar and the right atmosphere.
That's why, through this conversation, we open up topics from the world of cigars, from beginner questions to details that experienced cigar lovers recognize, and Hrvoje's story with cigars began far from Zagreb, in Cuba in 2013.
“In a picturesque rumeria, I first experienced a cigar with the right ambiance, a drink and chocolate. That's when I realized that a cigar is not just a product, but an experience. I didn't know then that my life would take this direction, but it happened naturally. It's like the cigar found me.” – Hrvoje KoštićA more serious journey began after he met Zdravko Brkić, who brought him closer to the whole cigar culture and gave that initial fascination a deeper meaning.
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Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
Hrvoje Koštić: I am Hrvoje Koštić, kinesiologist, professor of physical education, professional sailor, golf fitness instructor and for several years now a cigar consultant. I am a versatile lover of life, cigars and hedonism. I was born and raised in Germany, and I returned to Croatia at the beginning of my studies, continued my education there, built a career, found love and stayed. In my 48 years of life, I have realized that the secret to happiness is in a good balance, so I live it too. Today I am leading Cigar lounge Havana 22 in Zagreb, I am a consultant in the process of selecting and making private label cigars or selecting cigars for smaller and larger humidors, I hold education courses - cigar schools, I participate in events as a lecturer and leader of interactive workshops about cigars and their pairing with drinks.
Do you have any favorite cigars to smoke?
“Uh, tough question. My favorite vitola is always the one I’m enjoying right now. But recently we’ve been in lounge asked the question: if the world were to end tomorrow, which cigar, which drink, and which song would you choose? My answer would be Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona, with Caroni Rum and the song Two Gardenias for you of Buena Vista Social Club.” – Hrvoje Kostic
When talking about pairing cigars with drinks, Hrvoje doesn't approach it too analytically. After years of experience, he says, he chooses most combinations intuitively, and that approach often proves to be the best. The cigar always comes first for him, while the drink adapts to the moment and the atmosphere. If he's looking for something refreshing, he'll choose sparkling wine, while morning or mid-morning cigars are reserved for coffee.
In his opinion, there is almost no drink that cannot be associated with a cigar, although he admits that there are extremes. As an example, he cites extremely smoky whiskeys from the islands of Islay, such as Octomore, whose smokiness is so dominant that it is difficult for any cigar to compete with it. However, he believes that pleasure is always a personal matter and that everyone should find a combination that suits them. He has a similar philosophy when it comes to food. Dark chocolate is at the top of his recommendations because, as he says, it perfectly complements the flavors of cigars.. More serious dishes like steaks or beef cheeks, but privately he prefers pairings with raw foods like sushi and oysters.
What trends do you currently see in the cigar industry?
Hrvoje Koštić: Cigars are definitely in trend and this can be seen in the fact that more and more people, especially younger people, enjoy cigars. There is a growing demand for luxury handmade cigars. It is interesting that these young people mostly prefer quality over quantity. They may not enjoy cigars every day, but when they do, it's always something of higher quality. Another trend that can be noticed is that since Cuba cannot supply the market demand for Cuban cigars, countries like Honduras and Nicaragua are enjoying increasing popularity here, and I would say in Europe as well.
It may not be entirely voluntary, but since Cuban cigars are not available as much as we would like, we are discovering more and more New World cigars. These cigars are getting better and better and you can find real masterpieces. Another trend I see, especially in our region, is the opening of more and more cigar lounges. People have a need to relax and go somewhere to light a cigar, without it being a smoky cafe where, paradoxically, the smell of the cigar is bothersome. They discovered that cigar lounges a great space for that because of the socializing and community that comes together, so it's more like a living room where you always know someone, unlike pubs and clubs where it's a completely different atmosphere. Cigar lounge is like an oasis of peace in this busy and stressful world.
Cuba is an inevitable topic when it comes to cigars. Have you experienced it firsthand and do you have any stories that stick in your mind?
Hrvoje Koštić: Yes, I have. I was in Cuba and that's where my story of enjoying cigars began. For them, a cigar is more than just a product, and that's what particularly attracted and interested me. Until then, I had only enjoyed a cigar on special occasions, maybe once every two or three months. But something happened in Cuba that changed the direction of my life. I entered a small lounge near the hotel England, where a friend and I just wanted to try the local rums. The gentleman who worked there offered us a cigar. I didn't refuse and that's when that great love happened. Cigar, coffee, chocolate and the whole atmosphere...it's an understatement to say I was thrilled. I can say that that trip to Cuba and that day in lounge changed their lives.
Do you have a favorite brand of cigars and why that one?
“I don't have just one favorite brand, I have three and in this order; La Gloria Cubana, Vegas Robain, his cigar Unique is unique and somehow it fits me perfectly, and Partagas. All three brands make excellent cigars and whenever I can get them, I will take them.” – Hrvoje Koštić
Which cut do you use most often?
Hrvoje Kostic: I mostly use a straight cut, the so-called. straight cut. That's how I feel the cigar the best. In my opinion, especially when I try a new cigar, it's the best option. Although I've used it a lot before V-cut, I realized that in some big rings it changes the cigar quite a bit, and that's why I'm using it less and less. Punch cut He never slept with me.
When asked if there is a cigar that he remembers in particular, Hrvoje says that there are more, but one still stands out to him. It is about Sancho Panza Giant Crowns, a cigar that ceased production in 2006 and which he had only known from photographs until then. At a gathering with a winemaker Mladen Rožanić, he got the chance to light that very cigar from his private collection. The whole day, he says, remained in his memory, from the company and the 15-course meal that Rožanić personally prepared, to the top-notch wines. The cigar only rounded off the experience, which he describes as a true celebration of life, for which he thanks Mladen Rožanić. Speaking about learning in the world of cigars, Hrvoje emphasizes the importance of a mentor. Although knowledge can be built through books and online sources, he believes that without real guidance, one quickly reaches the limit. A mentor, he says, opens the door to the real world of cigars, from the manufacturer to the sommelier and collector, where most learning is through conversation and experience. In his case, the key role was played by Zdravko Brkic, whom he considers most responsible for his development in the world of cigars. He still sees his mentorship as a constant source of inspiration that shaped his relationship with cigars.
Which is the “best”?” cigar lounge Which one did you visit?
Hrvoje Koštić: As far as space is concerned, one of the most beautiful lounges The one I visited was the one in the hotel. Les Trois Rois in Basel, with a beautiful terrace overlooking the Rhine River. And my favorite is Cohiba Atmosphere in Belgrade. I have a lot of friends there. I would say even more than friends, they are like my chosen family. I feel at home there, especially when the weather is nice and we sit on the terrace.
Can you recommend a good cigar under €10?
“"Now we're going to make a lot of people laugh. They've already named me an ambassador." Davidoff Zino cigars because it's my everyday cigar. The price is under €10 and it's a fantastic cigar for me. It has flavor, it's not too complex, it can be enjoyed in the morning and during the day when it's a little warmer, and it's not boring. Another cigar I would recommend is Villa Zamorano Gordo of Maya Selva. It is a little more complex than Davidoff Zin, but still a smooth and fantastic cigar for every day.” – Hrvoje Koštić
How important are a good cutter, lighter, and holster? Do you have any favorite brands?
Hrvoje Kostic: It is important to have a good cutter.. A bad or dull cutter can damage a cigar or not cut it properly, and when that happens, frustration sets in instead of enjoyment. The same goes for a lighter. It is important to use one that has a flame without its own odor, so not a kerosene or gasoline lighter.. Now it's just a question of how much someone wants to invest. Some like to have a nice lighter and cutter, which is completely understandable. There is definitely a difference in quality, especially when we talk about durability. Two brands where the quality-price ratio is fantastic for me Hummingbird i Xikar. They have everything a cutter or lighter needs, and the selection of models is large. Everyone can find something for themselves.
Do you have any advice for someone just entering the world of cigars?
Hrvoje Koštić: To be open-minded and not afraid to ask for advice from people who have been in the cigar world for a little longer about what cigars are like and how to properly prepare a cigar. That way, they will save money and avoid mistakes that are made at the beginning, such as choosing the wrong or too strong cigar, the wrong cut and the wrong way to enjoy the cigar. I wouldn't want anyone to give up because of that and say: “The cigar world is not for me.”
Start with cigar school, in pleasant company or hire cigar sommelier to introduce you to the world of cigars the right way.
Dear Hrvoje, thank you for this pleasant conversation and we wish you much luck in the future!
Photos: Tempus Cigars Source: DART.hr
