Gilbert de Montsalvat SIGNATURE: On 28 March 2023, the new SIGNATURE cigar line from Gilbert de Montsalvat was presented in a grandiose pre-release at The Chedi Andermatt. The brand was the result of a collaboration between author Thomas Brunnschweiler and brand owner Raymondo Bernasconi. But the genesis was bumpy: „It'll be a flash in the pan, Bernasconi won't last long!“ was the rumour at the time. But Bernasconi is still on the cigar parquet and others are no longer. The author and brand owner Bernasconi, who was celebrating his birthday that day, were also present.

Once upon a time... and still is!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RAYMONDO!
Gilbert de Montsalvat SIGNATURE and The Chedi Andermatt
Tasting notes
Resources on the topic
Culinary, Photo impressions

Photos: The Royal Cigar Company (unless otherwise stated).

Once upon a time... and still is!

Gilbert de Montsalvat SIGNATURE pre-release at The Chedi Andermatt — Thomas Brunnschweiler, the author of „The Pope of Geneva“ and his protagonist is called „Gilbert de Montsalvat“.

Author Thomas Brunnschweiler created the character of Gilbert de Montsalvat in his story „The Pope of Geneva“ from the book „Perpetuum fumabile: Cigars make history(ies)“ in 1999. Bernasconi came across the story one cloudy Sunday and was initially depressed because the hero of the story could neither smell nor taste. But eventually he recognised the message behind it: Trust your own judgement and don't listen to the opinions of „popes“.

Gilbert de Montsalvat - the cigar - was born

And so the idea was born to create a cigar brand with a twinkle in its eye that would stand out from other brands. The development of the cigar began in 2006. The Gilbert de Montsalvat brand was officially founded on 1 April 2008 and has enjoyed great popularity among cigar lovers ever since.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RAYMONDO!

The photo on the cake (below) was taken in the Dominican Republic in the cigar factory where the Gilbert de Montsalvat is made. Left: Tim-Martin Weber (Executive Assistant Manager, The Chedi Andermatt) and on the right: Raymondo Bernasconi (brand owner of Gilbert de Montsalvat and owner of The Royal Cigar Company, Basel).

The Chedi Andermatt has its own master confectioners who create true masterpieces. One cake in particular, which was served for Raymondo Bernasconi's birthday, was an incredible taste experience. The cake was not too sweet and had an impressive variety of flavours. A special highlight was the edible photo that the pastry chef team had printed on their own edible photo printer. Guests who enjoy sweet treats should definitely try the desserts at The Chedi Andermatt.

Gilbert de Montsalvat SIGNATURE and The Chedi Andermatt

The presentation of the new SIGNATURE cigar line at The Chedi Andermatt was attended by a small group of around 15 people. Late in the evening, Brunnschweiler read a short story from an as yet unpublished book in which Gilbert de Montsalvat met Fidel Castro while travelling the world. The story provided plenty of entertainment and once again showed the ironic and humorous side of the Gilbert de Montsalvat brand.

The first-class ambience of The Chedi Andermatt, which is known for its exclusive „The Chedi Cigar Circle“ events, provided the perfect setting for the presentation of the new cigar line. With an outstanding 32-course menu in small bites and first-class drinks, the guests' physical well-being was also catered for.

With its new cigar line, the Gilbert de Montsalvat brand once again proves that it stands for quality and exclusivity. With a wink and a lot of humour, it sets itself apart from other brands and captures the hearts of cigar lovers.

Tasting notes

I had the opportunity to take part in this event and try the different formats such as the „Chubby“, the „Short Robusto“, the „Robusto“ and the „Gordo“. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for the generous invitation. The „Chubby“ stood out the most for me personally and offered an outstanding flavour experience.

The taste of the SIGNATURE line is characterised by aromas of cedar and other wood, nuts, cocoa and, above all, coffee beans. A pleasant light acidity rounds off the flavour profile. While some participants spoke of a slight sweetness, I could not personally confirm this. As with any cigar, the sense of taste varies from person to person and everyone perceives the flavour slightly differently.

However, it should be noted that the cigars only arrived in Switzerland a few days before the event and still need some acclimatisation. I recommend storing them in a humidor with cellophane for around 14 days to realise their full potential (perhaps even longer).

Overall, the new SIGNATURE line from Gilbert de Montsalvat offers a balanced flavour profile with a wonderful balance of strength (3/5) and finesse.

As an experienced cigar lover, I can say with certainty that the new SIGNATURE line from Gilbert de Montsalvat is a highlight for cigar lovers. Fans of the brand will be delighted, because SIGNATURE offers everything you would expect from a first-class cigar: a balanced flavour profile, perfect workmanship and an excellent aroma.

But even cigar lovers who are not yet familiar with the brand should definitely take the opportunity to try the SIGNATURE. The unique combination of balanced flavours makes these cigars a wonderful pleasure experience.

I look forward to lighting my next SIGNATURE and immersing myself in the world of Gilbert de Montsalvat.