Zwahlen-Hüni Cigares Tobacco in Gstaad; Habanos cigars and high-quality clothing are available here. There are even cigar slippers - handmade in Great Britain. I spoke to managing director Sérgio Araujo.

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The fascination of Habanos cigars

„I love cigars!“ says Sérgio Araujo. In his brief introduction, I can already tell that he is a connoisseur who greatly appreciates the craftsmanship of the cigar. He muses: „The immense amount of work that goes into it, from the field to the finished cigar, which I then light up and enjoy at my leisure. What a wonderful product!“

He pauses briefly and continues: „We are Habanos Specialists, which means we are allocated slightly more Cuban cigars than specialist retailers who don't have Habanos status.“

In 2019, Zwahlen-Hüni AG took over the tobacco business from Mr Fuhrer, who retired. Then, in March 2020, the lockdown came. „We were allowed to sell tobacco products in the shop, but nothing else. So no lighters, ashtrays and the like,“ says Sérgio Araujo. „But we were allowed to send and deliver such products. Back then, there were travellers who stayed here in Gstaad for several weeks and months because they didn't know how they would be allowed to return to their country. That was a strange situation.“

Here you can find Zwahlen-Hüni Cigares Tobacco

„A premium cigar is not a machine-made product,“ says Sérgio Araujo. „When I treat myself to a cigar, I first ask myself: How much time do I have? I choose the size of the cigar according to this criterion. I relax and let my thoughts run free. I look at it, feel it, cut it, then I take a cold draw and light it. During this ritual, I think about the person who rolled this cigar. During the smoke, I often think about the process of making the cigar. I really appreciate this product because it is true craftsmanship and it is hard work that goes into it. We shouldn't forget that.“

Gstaad and the global clientele

I wonder who buys cigars in Gstaad anyway? „Mainly guests who own a property here, as well as local connoisseurs,“ Sérgio Araujo explains to me. „They stay here in a hotel or have a house. They spend a few weeks here in Gstaad and stock up on cigars.“ The winter season lasts from around mid-December to the beginning of March. The summer season starts in mid-June and ends around mid-September.

„There are also sporting events in the summer months. The village is full of people. A great atmosphere!“ he explains.

The cigar slipper

When I saw the photo, I thought it was a really cool idea. I can really recommend them - real quality work. But better buy them one size bigger. My size 41 is a bit too tight on the foot. Simply fantastic. So from now on I'll be walking up and down my lounge in style, with a cigar... what a picture! ?

Customers understand the shortage of Habanos cigars

„Because we have globally travelling customers, they know that Habanos cigars are currently in short supply. They understand this and buy what is available. Of course, every now and then there are customers who want a certain brand in a certain format and leave without buying anything,“ says Sérgio Araujo. „Our customers mainly buy Cuban cigars. Of course, we also have cigars from other countries here.“

His three favourite Cuban cigars are: Partagas E No. 2 / H. Upmann Magnum 54 / Cohiba Robusto.