The next essential is something I’m rarely without: a travel case of cigars and more specifically, EGM Cigars. It’s less something I carry and more a habit I’ve built, a ritual that marks a trip as properly started.
My introduction to EGM came in 2023 on my second Alexander Kraft Monte Carlo rally through Provence in the South of France. Mr Kraft had with him a selection of his very own branded cigars made by EGM. My cigar journey was very much in its infancy - and in the grand scheme of smoking, it still is. But in recent years, renowned luxury brands (cigars included) all experience the same temptation - rising costs, falling quality. It’s the same story over and over: a heritage name that coasts on reputation while the product quietly slips.
EGM is the opposite. It was founded by Ettore Gabriele Moraschinelli (EGM, a realisation I made far later than I’d like to admit), someone I now consider a good friend: we try to meet for a smoke wherever our calendars align around Europe. EGM prides itself on crafting all-Dominican puros, rolled entirely by hand at the ABAM factory in Santo Domingo with tobacco from the Cibao Valley. That shows in the consistency, which I value above almost anything when I’m travelling. Whether I light one in London or Rome, I know exactly what I’m getting. In a hectic travel calendar full of uncertainties, being able to control minor factors of my life and ensure reliability in daily rituals is a very pleasing experience.
The visual identity of the brand has a restrained, “quiet luxury” feel that I’m naturally drawn to. There’s no gaudy band or shouting gold foil, just a clean monogram and boxes you want to keep afterwards. It fits a theme of this series: I’ve never liked owning what everyone else has. A Cohiba is recognised across the room. An EGM gets a second look and a question - the number of strangers who’ve struck up a conversation after seeing me with an EGM is too many to recount here.
As for what’s in the case, my rotation usually consists of :
Maduro for the long smoke pre-dinner. The latest addition to the EGM line, the Maduro collection features an American-grown Broadleaf wrapper - dark in appearance and naturally oily, which brings a distinctive sweetness, depth and richness to every Maduro vitola. A firm favourite.
Petit Encanto for the shorter smoke if time is of the essence. This medium-bodied cigar is perfect for time-pressed moments or for parties - on some occasions when the conversation is really flowing, smoking 3 a night is no hard feat. Usually I carry a box of 5.
Cigarritos for all occasions or the cafe visit. Carrying a tin of cigarritos wherever I go around the world always gives me a sense of connection to the world of refinement I love. Whether I’m in a five-star hotel or a simple AirBnb, this provides a small moment of escape.
If you’re averaging a flight a week, as I am, a good travel case and a box of something reliable will serve you far better than chasing scarce Cubans at duty free. The brand is growing quickly, with a US debut this year and new distribution in France, so get acquainted while it still feels like a well-kept secret.
Happy smoking!
Azzam