Laurence Davis, owner of Sautter Cigars in London live at the Light 'em Up Lounge

Topic: The Brotherhood of the Leaf: Stories, Vintages, and the Cigar Community 🔥 Episode Overview Reinhard welcomes the legendary Laurence Davis, owner of Sautter Cigars in London, for a deep dive into the soul of the cigar industry. From his unconventional start buying one of the world's most iconic shops to his passion for rare Cuban vintages and the global camaraderie of smokers, Laurence shares the wit and wisdom of a lifetime spent "on the leaf." 🧭 Key Discussion Highlights 1. The Sautter Origin Story Laurence’s passion was ignited at age 21 with a Montecristo No. 2, a gift from his grandfather for not smoking until his 21st birthday. After 15 years as a loyal daily customer at Sautter in Mount Street, he bought the shop in a handshake deal within 30 minutes of it going on the market. Upon taking over, he discovered a "Willy Wonka" treasure trove of vintage cigars dating back to 1915, 1960, and beyond. 2. The Hunt for Rare and Vintage Cubans Laurence expanded the Sautter footprint by advertising for old Cuban collections, becoming a primary buyer for estates in Switzerland and beyond. Notable finds include a box of Romeo y Julieta from 1937 with a touching wartime note and H. Upmann cigars from 1882 that remain in perfect smoking condition. He emphasizes the "three dimensions" of a great Cuban cigar: a distinct beginning, middle, and end. 3. The "Brotherhood and Sisterhood" of the Leaf The cigar industry is uniquely helpful; Laurence frequently refers customers to competitors like Davidoff or Fox if they have a specific preference he doesn't stock. Cigars act as the ultimate social equalizer, bringing together actors, world leaders, and famous directors like Steven Spielberg to talk as if they’ve been friends for 20 years. Whether in a shop in London or on a beach in Lisbon, lighting a cigar creates an instant bond and kinship with strangers. 4. Modern Media and Education Despite its traditional roots, Sautter embraced YouTube early on after a single video led to a 5,000 pound sale from a customer in Tokyo. Laurence views social media as a way to sit and talk with people who can't physically reach London. He advocates for more educational platforms, noting that 280 steps go into making a single handmade cigar, a process that deserves appreciation. 5. Breaking the "Fat Cat" Stigma and Tax Challenges Laurence critiques the heavy taxation in the UK, which often prices enthusiasts out of the hobby. He argues against the "fat cat" stereotype, noting that in many countries, cigars are an "everyman" luxury meant for relaxation and stress reduction. To support new smokers, he often provides budget-friendly lines and "at-cost" packages to foster community. 6. Personal Preference Over Price A core philosophy: "The best cigar in the world is the one you like." He encourages smokers not to be fixated on brand names or high prices (like Cohiba Behikes) if their personal palate prefers a more affordable stick. Smoking is a personal ritual—whether you chew the end, use a V-cut, or pair it with white wine, the goal is pure individual enjoyment. 💬 Final Thought Cigars are about camaraderie, friendship, and the "honor of the leaf." It is a business of love and stories where the people behind the cigars are just as rich and complex as the tobacco itself. With that — light *em up.