What was your first cigar?
If I remember well, it was a Montecristo 2. I took it from my father at the age of 8 and it was terrible.

What is the best thing about cigar smoking for you?
It is the time I take for myself to enjoy the cigar. I create a personal oasis, far away from the stress of the daily routine.

What cigars do you smoke and how many per day?
My favorite cigar is the Patoro XO VA. I smoke at least one per day and also some smaller
ones throughout the day.

What time of the day do you enjoy your cigars?
In the Caribbean, I smoke my first one at about 11 in the morning. That goes wonderfully well with the climate. The next one follows lunch and the last I enjoy with a good glass of rum on the veranda after dinner.

Do you have a favorite cigar for special moments?
After a successful deal, I treat myself to a Cohiba Behike. They are more and more difficult to find, however.

How do you light your cigar?
Because I travel frequently and spend a lot of time on a plane, I use whatever is available - matches or a lighter.

What are your favorite Cigar Lounges?
In Zürich, the Atlantis by Giardino and in Geneva, the Hotel d’Angleterre. I love the colonial style.

Your favorite places to smoke a cigar?
My office, which I have recreated and decorated around my passion for cigars.
5 Hertford Street in London - especially in winter.
St Kitts at our Belle Mont Farm resort, on the veranda of my house. It is a paradise. Pure nature!

With which famous personality would you like to smoke a cigar and what would you speak about?
With John F. Kennedy about the subject 'the power of women'.

Where do you keep your cigars?
In my humidor at home or at the office. When I travel, I use a travel humidor or keep the cigars in the box. When they get too dry, I wet the box and let it dry in the sun. This works wonderfully.

With which drink do you accompany your cigar?
A glass of Zacapa Rum with one cube of ice.

What is your opinion on the international ban on smoking in public places and all the legal restrictions?
It is extremely annoying, especially in New York where I spend a lot of time. I agree that people need to be protected, but I think they should also leave us enough space to follow our passion.

How much money did you spend on your most expensive cigar?
A lot - not for the cigars but for their transport by helicopter! We had been on a mountain hike of several days. I had forgotten the cigars for the whole group and needed to organize them. Quite a task, but it was well worth it.

How would you describe your passion for cigar smoking to a non smoker?
This is impossible. Cigar smoking is a certain style, a way of living,

a passion - either you are ready for it or not.

Women and Cigars?
Very sexy and very attractive!