Sausage party.

The aforementioned two words are synonymous with cigar smoking, as well over 90% of all cigar smokers are male. Since at least when Columbus first brought tobacco back to Europe, the world of cigars have been unquestionably a male-oriented one.

But that’s changing as of late, and women are now playing a big role in redefining what it means to be a true cigar lover from a much needed woman’s perspective.

Cuz this just in: women enjoy cigars too – today more than ever before.

Boys club: cigars have primarily existed within a male domain for a very long time.

Recently we had the opportunity to ask one of the cigar world’s leading female cigar influencers what it’s like being a woman who loves cigars, as well as discuss what led her toward the hobby in addition to her latest initiatives to curate a better cigar culture for other women – and all of us lovers of the leaf.

SEX SELLS, BUT WHO’S SMOKING?

These days, Instagram is rife with more and more female cigar smoker profiles that primarily utilize an angle of sex appeal to capture male followers – and as we’ve stated, we think there’s essentially nothing wrong with that. Guys aren’t about to tire of seeing a lovely face shrouded in a cloud of cigar smoke any time soon. We’re visual creatures at the core and it’s a guilty simple pleasure, I guess.

However, for serious cigar enthusiasts, we need more than just a pretty face and a stogie, and with an increasing amount women embracing the hobby today, they’re looking for a leading curator who’s one of their own – and an authentic aficionado to boot.

Octavia (center) at She Smokes Too event with LA SOTL Iben Wills (@sistersinsmoke) (right)  & Houston-based Spades Cigars owner, Crystal Grant (@sweethabana) (left)

Thankfully, there’s Octavia Toliver; a gal who’s certainly easy on the eyes, but also backed by a deep appreciation and understanding of the ritual and craft.

…for serious cigar enthusiasts, we need more than just a pretty face and a stogie, and with an increasing amount women embracing the hobby these days, they’re looking for a leading curator who’s one of their own – and an authentic aficionado to boot.“

OCTAVIA TOLIVER, HERFICIONADO

Octavia Toliver, well known on Instagram as @HERficionado, stands out as a female vanguard who is making waves in curating and shaping a finer cigar experience for the benefit of other women instead of simply trying to fit in within the typical, tired old realms of the male-heavy cigar world. Her moniker is an interesting yet appropriate amalgamation of three key words: her (self explanitory), herf (defined as a group of cigar smokers enjoying cigars), and aficionado (defined as a person who is very knowledgeable about an activity, subject or pastime).

One smokin’ gal. Photo credit: ShootMiaShoot Photography

Octavia has become recognized for curating cigar events quickly growing in popularity known as She Smokes Too and Smoke In The City, which see cigar enthusiasts dress up and flock to upscale ‘cigar friendly’ lounge settings to mingle, sip fine spirits and enjoy cigars in style. To top it off, she’s a partner in Atlanta Cigar Week (which just celebrated it’s 4th successful year) and Dubai Cigar Week which had a successful upstart last year. Octavia’s star has quickly elevated with other cigar smoking women, who view her as a leading curator for all Sisters Of The Leaf.

A real cigar smoking woman’s woman.

In this instalment of our Leading Ladies of the Leaf Series, THE GENTLEMAN’S FLAVOR had the opportunity to talk smoke with one of the cigar world’s fastest rising female influencers; getting a woman’s perspective on what it’s like being a woman who loves cigars, as well as discussing her recent initiatives in uniting cigar loving women and all of us lovers of the leaf.

THE GENTLEMAN’S FLAVOR: How did you first discover cigars? Was it love at first sight, or did they take awhile to take resonate with you? What were some early cigars that really struck a chord with you back then?

OCTAVIA: I was introduced to them on a date with a guy I no longer remember. [laughing] I only remember the lounge and the cigars. I immediately fell in love with the cigars and the atmosphere! As I ventured out, someone recommended that I try a Perdomo Champagne 10th Anniversary. I tried other cigars occasionally, but that was my go-to stick for years.  

TGF: When you started enjoying cigars, did you ever feel like you were somewhat alone as a female in what’s typically seen as a man’s world? If so, how did that make you feel?

OCTAVIA: Yes, at the time that I began, there were very few women in the lounges I would go to. It was extremely awkward and I felt more uncomfortable than not. I always felt like I was not wanted there by most, and those who DID want me there only wanted to gawk at me. I wasn’t there for attention so it became more of a nuisance than it was worth, so it caused me to step back. Fortunately, people are a bit more welcoming now.

Photo credit: ShootMiaShoot Photography

TGF: Are some men still foolishly questioning your authenticity? How do some men react when they realize that you’re every bit as passionate and serious about the cigar ritual as any man out there?

OCTAVIA: Most people don’t question my authenticity anymore. I think I’ll always get the stragglers who have their opinions about me simply because of who I am or the way that I look – but I’m ok with that. But, most men are surprised how they LOVE a beautiful and intelligent woman who also enjoys cigars! It’s like the cherry on top of an ice cream sundae – a bonus! I am so proud of all my sisters of the leaf out there representing the culture so well!

TGF: What made you want to reach out to other women to embrace the cigar hobby with She Smokes Too?

OCTAVIA: I really just wanted to give women a different experience than I had when I began my journey. I wanted them to be able to learn, experiment with, and enjoy cigars without the intimidation and condescension factor that is sometimes present at the more male-dominated spaces.

Octavia’s events draw big crowds with solid turnouts of guys and gals. Photo credit: Maduro Len

TGF: What can one expect to see at a She Smokes Too event? What differentiates it from a typical cigar herf?

OCTAVIA: [Laughing] Women! Lots of beautiful women from all different walks, dressed to the nines, with cigars in one hand and oftentimes, a scotch, cognac – maybe a bourbon in the other! [laughing] It’s also just a really fun event in beautiful cigar-friendly spaces complete with lively music with men and women mixing and mingling!

At She Smokes Too SOTL’s come out in force. Photo credit: ShootMiaShoot Photography

TGF: Do you have any advice for women who are intrigued about cigars but are maybe afraid that’s its seen as ‘too masculine’?

OCTAVIA: It’s 2020 and gender roles are more fluid than ever. No one would ever look at me and call me masculine. I am one of the most feminine women you’ll ever meet. I smoke cigars in silk dresses and 5-inch heels. The imagery on my page has been inspiration to so many women who previously felt the same way – their words. Now I see them out in cigar lounges more than me. [laughing] That makes me feel good!

TGF: What’s your go-to spirit (and brand) to pair with a cigar and why?

OCTAVIA: I have a few honestly. I like a nice single malt scotch when I am in a more quiet setting. This allows me to really appreciate the flavors the whiskey brings out in the cigar. I like Glenlivet or Johnnie Walker. If I am in a more lively environment, give me an Old Fashioned or a Martell margarita. [laughing]

TGF: Tell us about Atlanta Cigar Week & Dubai Cigar Week? How did this come about?

OCTAVIA: Atlanta Cigar Week is a 7-day cigar festival in Atlanta that highlights the vast cigar culture in our city! We have over 100 shops and lounges here, which makes Atlanta a very unique cigar city! I am one of its co-founders, and September 14th to 20th will make our 4th year! During Atlanta Cigar Week (ACW), we execute 10 completely different events that incorporate cigars, spirits, fashion, and other lifestyle elements. The events are held at both cigar lounges as well as cigar-friendly venues such as W Hotel rooftop as one example.

Most of the events are open to the public, but we have also implemented a few private events that are more intimate. This makes for a great opportunity for sponsors and partners to engage with a more targeted audience.

ACW pretty much grew from our desires to showcase what our city has to offer! Dubai Cigar Week was the same. I had done a She Smokes Too event in Dubai a few months earlier, and we decided to duplicate ACW there! The goal was to bring people from the states over to experience the rich cigar culture there!

Cohiba’s Sean Williams hosting and accepting Atlanta Cigar Week award at 3rd Annual ACW Black Out event.

TGF: Paint a picture of your ‘ideal cigar smoking experience’.

It’s a beautiful Summer night. I am at a rooftop lounge smoking under the stars, listening to soft mood music, and enjoying conversations with other like-minded and well-dressed people. Halfway through the evening, the mood music shifts to a more upbeat feel! The well-dressed people are now on their feet dancing the night away with drinks in one hand, cigars in the other! Perfect!

TFG: You’re stranded on a desert island and you can only bring ONE cigar? What do you bring?

OCTAVIA: Wow that’s a tough one but I would have to bring a Drew Estate L40! It’s such a nice full cigar with flavor that excites the palate over and over again. TGF

Follow HERficionado on Instagram at @herficionado. Facebook: facebook.com/HERficionado/. Atlanta Cigar Week: atlantacigarweek.com.