Cuban Cigars: The Passion, History, and Art of An Exclusive Interview with Jean-Marie Jenaji Jay

Jean-Marie Jenaji Jay is more than a cigar collector; he is a historian of Cuban cigars with a collection spanning decades. In this exclusive interview with Cigar Keep, Jean-Marie shares his journey into the world of Cuban cigars, offering insights into collecting, aging, and the experience of smoking a fine cigar.

Growing up in Aleppo, Syria, in a household where smoking was common, Jean-Marie’s introduction to cigars happened early. At nine years old, he took a Romeo y Julieta Coronitas, hid it away, and eventually worked up the courage to smoke it.

"I set the scene, homework on the desk, music in the background, a cup of hot chocolate. I cut the cigar, somehow correctly, and lit it," he recalls.

The experience was short-lived.

"By the third puff, I was dizzy. I dropped the cigar into the hot chocolate and passed out on the bed."

When he woke up, the room reeked of cigar smoke. "I waved a wet towel around, trying to clear the smell. No one noticed. That was my first cigar experience, a disaster really, but it left a mark."

As a teenager, he and his friends sought out Cuban cigars, influenced by stories from friends whose fathers were stationed in Cuba.

"They told us about the land, the soil, the people. Cuba wasn’t just about cigars, it was about culture, history, and craftsmanship."

This connection deepened when he moved to Lebanon, where cigars were an essential part of social life. With figures like Muhammad Zidan elevating cigar culture in the region, Jean-Marie’s appreciation for Cuban cigars grew even further.

Jean-Marie’s collection is the result of decades of careful selection and patience. For him, collecting isn’t just about value, but about the experience each cigar provides.

"A cigar’s worth isn’t in its rarity, it’s in the experience it gives you. The taste, the draw, the memory it creates."

While he favors Partagás Shorts and Partagás Serie D No. 4, the legendary Partagás 898 doesn’t appeal to him.

"It’s a fantastic cigar, but it’s not for me. That’s the beauty of cigars. It’s not about chasing what others value, it’s about discovering your own taste."

One of the biggest shifts Jean-Marie has observed is the transformation of Cuban tobacco itself.

"The original Cuban black tobacco is gone," he says. "The soil, the climate, the cultivation methods, they were different. That’s why vintage Cuban cigars smoke differently. It’s not just the age, it’s the DNA of the tobacco itself."

He explains that Cuban cigars from the 1950s and 1960s are entirely different from modern ones, not just due to aging but because of the unique tobacco that was grown at the time.

For Jean-Marie, smoking a cigar is about more than just lighting up, it’s about the moment, the cut, the light, and the first draw.

"It’s not about smoking for the sake of smoking. It’s about the moment. A great cigar demands your attention and rewards it with complexity and balance."

For him, the experience is not just about the rarity.

"The best cigar is the one you enjoy at the right moment with the right company. That’s the true art of smoking."

Jean-Marie sees himself not just as a collector, but as a steward of cigar culture. His passion is rooted in history, personal experiences, and an appreciation for the craftsmanship behind Cuban cigars.

"You don’t own a cigar collection," he says. "You’re a steward of it. And the greatest reward is sharing it with others."

Jean-Marie’s expertise on Cuban cigars, from their history to the nuances of aging and smoking, makes this interview essential for any cigar enthusiast. Watch the full interview with Jean-Marie Jenaji Jay on Cigar Keep.

An Interview with Jean-Marie Jenaji Jay - Cigar Keep Ambassador

In this exclusive interview, Cigar Keep sits down with Jean-Marie Jenaji Jay, a longtime cigar collector, connoisseur, and proud Cigar Keep ambassador. With years of experience and a deep passion for the world of fine cigars, Jean-Marie shares his insights on cigar collecting, aging, and the art of enjoying a perfect smoke. Join us as we explore his personal collection, discuss what makes a great cigar, and gain invaluable knowledge from one of the most respected voices in the cigar community. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of cigars, this conversation is filled with wisdom and inspiration.