I was there again: at the Cigar Night at the Landgasthof Wartegg in Wigoltingen, hosted by the Urs Urs Portmann Tabakwaren AG respectively from the La Casa del Habano St. Gallen by Urs Portmann. And yes: for the third time. That actually says it all - because if you voluntarily book an evening again, it's not because it was „okay“, but because it gives you that rare feeling every time: Today, everything is just right. This time there were three Cuban cigars and the finest food and service. The Wartegg opened its doors today, 19.01.26, exclusively for us cigar connoisseurs. Sensational, isn't it!

Entry outside: Fire and a perfect first move

The evening doesn't start at the table. It starts outside. „According to good Swiss tradition“, you pinch your arse cheeks together and say: „I can do this!“ A proper fire is burning outside the house, minus 1 degree, and yet the atmosphere is warm. You stand there, breathe in the cold air, hear the crackling - and I light the first cigar served as an aperitif: H. Upmann Half Corona (JUL25) on. It's precisely this contrast that makes the difference: Cold on your face, warmth from the fire, and that quiet grin in your head because you know that the evening is on course.

Tip: H.Upmann history - an innocent victim of world politics

Inside it gets serious: cuisine with precision and character with three courses, well actually four courses

Then it's time to go in - and the Wartegg delivers the kind of culinary delights we are used to here: not playful at any price, but precise, harmonious and elegant. (There was a lot of background noise from the discussing guests, but that's the way it is, everyone had to get through it). And that didn't detract from the atmosphere.

The starters are finely balanced, with clear flavours and clean craftsmanship. Every texture of the tuna is perfect, every flavour seems deliberately placed, not like decoration. And the main course with venison is exactly that Wartegg thing: roasted pink, juicy, carried by a deep jus, with earthy, warm accompaniments - a plate that is simply convincing. Later it becomes lighter and brighter, lemony and chocolaty, and the cheese comes as a calm, confident final chord. All in all: food that doesn't distract, but carries the evening.

After the starter: El Rey del Mundo - and the evening picks up speed

After the starter, it's time for the second cigar: El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme (OCT25). It's that moment when you realise how the room has changed - from „arrived“ to „in the middle of it all“. Conversations begin, laughter breaks out, glasses clink, and the cigar does exactly what it's supposed to: It gives the evening rhythm.

Tip: El Rey del Mundo history - The fascinating masterpiece brand of the 19th century

Guests, conversations, humour: exactly the kind of evening I love

But what really puts this evening in a class of its own for me are the people. Wonderful conversations with the guests - not this superficial small talk, but honest, interested, lively. It was also right funnyHumour, good sayings, that relaxed lightness that arises when everyone has the same denominator - enjoyment, curiosity, time.

Cigars, Cuba and reality: when an evening suddenly takes on depth

And then the inputs from Thomas Portmann and Yannick Goetschy (Intertabak AG). The two don't just talk about the cigars - they provide context. And suddenly a Cigar Night becomes an evening that resonates. They talk about the situation in Cuba, about how people live there, how fragile many things are and what everyday life is like.

One sentence stuck: Whether the Habanos Festival this year is currently at 50:50 - because there is not enough oil to generate enough electricity. That's the reality that people tend to forget from here. And that's exactly why such conversations are valuable: you don't just smoke Cuba - you understand Cuba a bit more. We will see.

Finale after the main course: Bolivar - the crowning glory with finesse

And then, after the main course, comes the finale, which is the final highlight of the evening: Bolivar Presidente Edition Regionales Suiza 2013 (OCT13). This is not a cigar that wants to be nice. It comes with presence, depth, even a bit of power - and that's exactly why it's perfect as a crowning glory. You sit back and think: Okay. That's exactly what a degree should look like.

Conclusion: Why I keep coming back - and you would understand

It was my third time here - and every time I go home with that feeling that you can't plan: warm, calm, inspired. Fire outside, class inside, conversations, humour, depth - and cigars that are not just „good“, but Memories. Once you've sat through an evening like this, you'll know why I'm coming back. And why I'll do it a fourth time.

By the way: The Cigar Night in June 26 is almost fully booked. Yesterday there were only 5 places left.