In today’s post, we present the edited transcript of the interview originally featured in the nineteenth episode of the Spotkanie z Dymem podcast. Alex Cigar Dandy for Polski Aficionado – Editorial Edition. Enjoy.
I don’t want to stretch this introduction for too long, and I’d much rather hand things over to our guest right away. Before we do, however, there’s something that deserves to be mentioned.
By the time you reach the end of this interview – assuming you do you’ll meet one of the most fascinating personalities in the cigar world. A man who has become, arguably, one of the most recognizable cigar figures on the internet.
We are, of course, talking about Aleksandar Stipčić, better known as Alex Cigar Dandy.
But this introduction is not really about Alex.
It’s about two extraordinary people without whom this conversation would never have happened in the first place.
So before we begin – while I still have your attention – I’d like to thank Szymon Kwiatkowski from Premium Cigars. Thank you for the invitation, the idea, and for helping bring this entire project together.
This recording, however, would never have happened without Paweł “Pablo” Załęcki from Old Havana Katowice.
After countless hours of preparations, an almost sleepless night, and sheer exhaustion, you still offered to open the lounge early just to give us the perfect setting for this conversation.
I’m genuinely grateful for that, and I wanted to make sure it was said before giving the floor to our guest.
And now – over to Alex.
(And, occasionally, to me asking the questions.)
Alex Cigar Dandy for Polski Aficionado – Editorial Edition
Introduction
Host: Welcome to another episode of Spotkanie z Dymem. In this episode, Mateusz sits down with world-renowned cigar personality Alex Cigar Dandy during his visit to Poland.
The interview took place at Old Havana in Katowice, and throughout this fascinating conversation Alex shares his thoughts on cigar culture, authenticity, lifestyle, social media, and the differences between Europe and the United States.
So grab your favorite cigar, sit back, and enjoy this conversation.
The European vs American Cigar Culture
Mateusz:
How do you see the European cigar scene today compared to the United States?
Alex Cigar Dandy:
They’re two completely different worlds.
In the United States, cigar lounges are often primarily social spaces. People watch sports, talk, drink whiskey and meet new people. The atmosphere is very open, energetic and strongly built around the social experience.
Europe feels different. Here, the cigar itself remains at the center of the experience. Lounges are calmer, more intimate and much more focused on the ritual, aromas and details that come with premium cigars.
In America, cigar culture is built around the social gathering. In Europe, it’s built around the cigar itself.
And honestly? Even though I genuinely appreciate both approaches, I still personally prefer the European style of lounge. It feels calmer, more refined and much more centered around the actual cigar experience.
First Impressions of Poland
Mateusz: What surprised you the most about Poland?
Alex: Honestly, Poland completely changed my perception. Warsaw, Kraków, Katowice, Gdańsk – every city impressed me.
But what surprised me most was the level of professionalism and passion among Polish cigar smokers. People here are deeply interested in cigars. They ask questions, they care about details, they study the culture.
I really didn’t expect such a mature and sophisticated cigar community.
Authenticity and Instagram
Mateusz: Your Instagram presence is huge, but many people feel that what you share is very authentic. How much of your lifestyle is real, and how much is “content creation”?
Alex: Everything you see is real.
The important thing is this: I was living this life long before Instagram existed. I traveled to Cuba before social media. I worked in hospitality before social media. I competed internationally before social media.
Instagram only became a place where I share moments from a life I already loved.
I never wake up thinking: “What content should I create today?” I wake up thinking about enjoying life – cigars, coffee, whiskey, conversation, travel, experiences.
If a moment feels beautiful, I share it.
If not, I keep it private.
That’s the difference.
I don’t want to become a slave to algorithms or trends. The moment social media starts interfering with my cigar enjoyment, I would rather disappear from Instagram completely.
On Being Called an Influencer
Mateusz: Do you consider yourself an influencer?
Alex: Not really.
I hope my work influences people positively, but I never entered this world to become “an influencer.”
There’s a big difference between influencing people naturally through your lifestyle and creating artificial content just to chase attention.
People eventually see what is fake.
My advice is always the same: be yourself. Nobody else can be you. Authenticity cannot be copied.
If people connect with your personality and your passion, then you naturally build a community.
Learning Cigars Takes Time
Mateusz: You’ve spent decades around cigars. What does it take to truly understand them?
Alex: Time.
A lot of time.
I always say that after ten years in cigars, you finally realize how little you actually know.
In the beginning, you collect knowledge – brands, vitolas, factories, limited editions. But knowledge is not understanding.
Understanding comes later.
You need years of smoking, traveling, conversations, experiences, and mistakes.
That’s why I’m very careful with titles like “master” or “expert.” Cigars are too deep for arrogance.
Even today, after twenty years in the industry, I still feel like I’m learning.
Ring Gauge Trends
Mateusz: One trend in the cigar world today that you think is overrated?
Alex: Huge ring gauges.
For me, classic formats are still the best. I love ring gauges around 47 to 50. Double Coronas, Churchills, elegant traditional vitolas.
Very large cigars often lose refinement and balance.
Of course, everyone should smoke what they enjoy, but personally I prefer more classic proportions.
Cigars vs The Instagram Aesthetic
Mateusz: Do you think cigars today are becoming more about aesthetics online than the actual smoking experience?
Alex: Yes – unfortunately.
Social media changed many things. Accessories, cutters, lighters, setups, luxury aesthetics – all of this became more important visually.
But the truth is that the best cigar experience of your life can happen with a simple cigar in the perfect moment.
A cheap cigar with amazing company, beautiful weather, and unforgettable conversation can be far more meaningful than an expensive cigar smoked in the wrong atmosphere.
People online only see the picture.
They don’t see the emotion behind it.
Health, Discipline & Lifestyle
Mateusz: A lot of people wonder how you maintain such good shape while living a cigar and hospitality lifestyle.
Alex: Very simple: discipline.
Before hospitality, I was a professional basketball player. Sport has always been part of my identity.
I train every single day.
Gym, bodyweight exercises, walking, sports, movement – always.
I also try to maintain balance. Cigars, whiskey, late nights – they can all be part of life, but your body needs support.
If you want to enjoy cigars for decades, you need longevity.
Take care of your body, and your body will take care of you.
That’s my philosophy.
Daily Smoking Habits
Mateusz: How many cigars do you smoke daily?
Alex: Usually one.
Maybe two occasionally.
Years ago I smoked much more, but today I prefer quality over quantity. Your palate needs rest.
When you smoke too many cigars in one day, you stop fully appreciating them.
I also prefer smoking earlier in the day – usually before afternoon.
Cuba or New World?
Mateusz: If you had to choose only one: Cuba or New World cigars?
Alex: Cuba.
Without hesitation.
There’s something emotional and spiritual in Cuban cigars that still speaks to me the most.
That said, I enjoy many New World cigars as well. I love exploring.
But if I had to smoke only one category for the rest of my life, it would still be Cuba.
Coffee, Whiskey or Rum?
Mateusz: Coffee, whiskey, or rum with cigars?
Alex: Coffee.
Always.
Straight espresso.
Coffee and cigars are my natural pairing.
Final Thoughts
Mateusz: Thank you for the conversation. It was truly a pleasure.
Alex: Thank you.
And my message to everyone is simple:
Enjoy life.
Be yourself.
That’s all.
Final Thoughts
This is, of course, not the complete transcript. The full conversation would easily run close to a hundred pages, and I simply didn’t see much value in reproducing a raw hour-long interview word for word.
Instead, I decided to present it in a refined editorial format – one that, while not perfect or fully literal, captures the spirit of the conversation and the themes we explored remarkably well.
On a personal note, I have to say that Alex is an incredibly interesting person. After we wrapped up the recording, we still spent another several minutes talking off-microphone, and I genuinely hope our paths cross again somewhere in the future.
This interview and the entire event were made possible thanks to the generosity and support of Szymon Kwiatkowski from Premium Cigars and Paweł “Pablo” Załęcki from Old Havana Katowice. Gentlemen – thank you once again.
And if you’d still like to listen to the full interview recorded in English (complete with its imperfect — but charmingly authentic — Polish transcript), you’ll find it below.
Stay smoky!
If you enjoyed reading this, let me know! Drop a comment or share the post – every bit of support helps others discover my cigar reviews and smoking tips. If you prefer to listen, I co-host a podcast with Piotr Siwiński called „Spotkanie z Dymem” („A Meeting with Smoke”) – currently in Polish, though who knows what the future holds? You can also find me on Instagram, where I share a slice of my cigar life – and a bit more. I always welcome a good conversation. That’s how great connections start – and they often go far beyond just cigars.
Stay smoky!
Mateusz Krzywiecki, @mateusz.krzywiecki, Polski Aficionado, @polskiaficionado
