Cigar Talk with Çağdaş Çıldır

At a recent event organized by Havana Cigar Club in Zagreb, I had the opportunity and genuine pleasure to sit down and share a cigar with Mr. Çağdaş Çıldır, Export Manager at Vandermarliere Cigar Family.

In a relaxed and short conversation, he reflected on his path 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, particularly when it comes to cigar lounges and the ever-relevant question of value: can you still find a truly good cigar under €10? Here's what we found out.

Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

Çağdaş Çıldır: My name is Çağdaş Çıldır, and I currently serve as Export Manager at Vandermarliere Cigar Family, where I oversee international markets and distributor relationships. Originally trained as a chemist, my professional journey gradually led me into the world of cigars and tobacco, driven by curiosity, pairing, and craftsmanship.

“Along the way, I earned the title of Master of Habanos and gained hands‑on experience across distribution, sales, and production, including time in Nicaragua with Oliva Cigar Company.” - Çağdaş Çıldır

When did your journey with cigars begin?

Çağdaş Çıldır: My journey with cigars began while I was studying chemistry at the university. At the time, my interest was in food, wine and flavors, and I was searching 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 ritual, balance, and moments they create.

When asked to elaborate on Vandermarliere Cigar Family, he begins with its origins, which date back to 1926, when Maurits Vandermarliere started crafting cigars in the attic above his shop in Moen, Belgium. What began as a small, hands-on operation quickly expanded, leading to the opening of the first cigar factory in nearby Heestert just a decade later. Originally a church sexton, Maurits discovered in cigar making not only a profession, but a true calling, one rooted in craftsmanship and the desire to offer genuine enjoyment.

Over the decades, the company evolved through generations, consistently guided by a sense of modesty, dedication, and passion for the craft. Today, it is led by Frederik Vandermarliere, who continues the legacy established by his father Guido, carrying forward the family’s “work hard, play hard” philosophy. Guido himself remains closely involved, contributing his experience and perspective when needed.

A significant milestone came in 2016, when the family joined forces with Oliva Cigar Company, an internationally respected cigar maker with roots in the United States and Nicaragua. Rather than a simple acquisition, the move represented a partnership built on shared values, bringing together two distinct traditions and expanding the family’s presence across continents. Despite this growth, the core philosophy remains unchanged: don’t smoke, but enjoy.

Which brands are currently part of the VCF portfolio?

Çağdaş Çıldır: Oliva Cigar Company has 4 internationally well-known brands. These are Oliva Cigar, Nub Cigar, Cain Cigar from Nicaragua and Aliados Cigar from Honduras.

Do you have preferred cigar vitolas for smoking?

Çağdaş Çıldır: My preferences depend very much on the moment. A No. 4 is ideal when time is short but quality still matters. When I can slow things down, I enjoy a Salomones for its elegant evolution and complexity. And the Robusto remains a constant, let’s say a classic, balanced, and perfectly suited for almost any occasion.

We asked how he approaches pairing cigars with drinks such as whiskey, champagne, wine, or coffee, Çağdaş explains that, for him, it is less about strict rules and more about achieving harmony. In everyday moments, he keeps things simple, as light black tea or a well-prepared coffee allows the cigar to take center stage and has become a quiet ritual over time. For more refined occasions, he leans toward wine or champagne, appreciating their freshness and balance, which can elevate the cigar without overpowering it. In his view, the key lies in allowing both the drink and the cigar to complement one another naturally.

When it comes to food pairings, he believes certain flavors can extend the cigar experience by echoing its 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 mirror 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, while always emphasizing that taste is deeply personal. Rather than imposing rules, he encourages exploration, as the best pairings are ultimately shaped by individual preference and enjoyment.

What trends are you currently seeing in the cigar industry?

Çağdaş Çıldır: What I am seeing today is a clear return to craftsmanship and intention in the cigar world. Cigar aficionados are increasingly drawn to premium, handmade cigars, those made with well‑aged tobaccos, precise construction, and layered, nuanced flavor profiles. There’s also a growing appreciation for boutique and small‑batch releases, where uniqueness and character matter more than sheer volume. At the same time, the ritual surrounding cigars is becoming just 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.

What cut do you most often use?

“I most often reach for a straight cut. It’s classic, precise, and lets the cigar perform exactly as intended. From time to time, I use a punch to cut my cigar, especially when I’m in the mood for a slightly more focused draw.” - Çağdaş Çıldır

How important is a mentor in the world of cigars, or can everything be learned online today?

Çağdaş Çıldır: There are several good platforms and videos about cigars and cigar culture online. The Cigar Academy is a good example as an online learning platform. While there’s a wealth of information available online, not everything can be learned behind a screen. True understanding comes from experience, seeing tobacco grown, witnessing fermentation, and understanding craftsmanship first‑hand. That’s where knowledge truly connects, which is why we always enjoy welcoming cigar enthusiasts to Nicaragua to share how our cigars are made from field to flame.

What is the best cigar lounge you have visited?

Çağdaş Çıldır: Having visited many cigar lounges around the world, it’s difficult to single out just one as the best, each has its own character and atmosphere. That said, two lounges have stood out for me in recent times. Buda Cigar Lounge in Budapest offers a warm, classic setting where tradition and comfort come together beautifully, while Cigar Club in 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.

Could you recommend a good cigar under €10?

“For great value under €10, I would point to the Oliva Serie G Special G for a refined short smoke, the Oliva Connecticut Reserva Robusto for smooth balance, and the Oliva Serie G Double Robusto if you’re looking for a bit more depth, all delivering excellent quality at an accessible price.” - Çağdaş Çıldır

Çağdaş 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, odor-free flame that preserves the cigar’s true flavors. A well-made cigar case, on the other hand, protects cigars and keeps them in optimal condition when on the move.

He stresses that it doesn’t need to be complicated or overly luxurious, but it is worth investing in tools you can rely on. Brands such as Xikar and Les Fines Lames stand out for their precision, durability, and thoughtful design, proving that the right accessories enhance the experience without ever taking the spotlight.

Do you have any advice for someone just entering the world of cigars?

Çağdaş Çıldır: My advice would be to start simple and take your time because cigars are about the experience, not mastering everything at once. Focus on quality rather than quantity: try a few well‑made cigars in different strengths and notice what you genuinely enjoy. There’s no need to chase every flavor note; your palate will develop naturally over time. Most importantly, enjoy the moment.

Thank you Çağdaş for this lovely interview, a best of luck in the future!

Pictures: Çağdaş Çıldır