Big Cigar, which is situated in the city of Maple, Ontario (slightly north of Toronto), has been dutifully serving cigar lovers for over 30 years.

Recently, we spoke with Jay Hong, a manager-turned-owner who’s developed a loyal base of customers through providing careful curation, education, a very wide selection, and a serious passion for fine, handmade cigars and beyond.

Jay Hong in Maple, Ontario’s Big Cigar

HOUSE OF HORVATH: Jay, when did you decide to become a tobacconist and what motivated you to do so?
JAY HONG:
I was a manger of the store before I fell in love with cigars. I used be a heavy cigarette smoker, but I quit for good after I started enjoying cigars.

HOH: When did Big Cigar first open its doors to the public? 
JH: We originally opened in 1993. We started with a hybrid store back then. We had one cabinet at the beginning.

Big Cigar went from one cigar cabinet decades ago to a very deep humidor selection today

HOH: The Canadian standardized packaging of cigars undoubtedly makes things challenging for a Canadian tobacconist. How has your location managed to adapt and evolve during the implementation of this erroneous government mandate?
JH:
The cigar band is its identity and also an authentication for the brand. However, for a true cigar smoker, the ultimate goal is to smoke cigars that they want. As long as we can supply cigars what they want, they will smoke regardless of the packaging. Smoking a cigar is not just the act of smoking, it is also very social. Lots of customers complained at the beginning, but they are used to the plain packaging now.

HOH: What’s your favorite spirit or drink pairing with a cigar, and why do they work so well?
JH: I love pairing my cigars with whisky! To me, it’s a perfect, complimentary flavor match.

HOH: What’s your best-selling Cuban cigar brand?
JH:
Romeo y Julieta.

HOH: What’s your best-selling non-Cuban cigar brand?
JH: My Father.

HOH: Amongst all the brands you sell, which brand seems to have the biggest “cult following”?
JH:
My Father, hands down. 

HOH: It’s Rapid-Fire Question Time! Please give short answers.
Perdomo or LFD? Perdomo. Connecticut or Maduro? Maduro. Cameroon or Mexican San Andres? Mexican San Andres. Fuente or Padron? Fuente. My Father Le Bijou 1922 Torpedo or The Judge? The Judge. Nicaraguan or Cuban? Nicaraguan. Dominican or Honduran? Honduran. A cigar with an espresso or with a tall coffee? Espresso. V cut or straight cut? V cut. Churchill or Corona Gorda? Corona Gorda. Perfecto or Lancero? Perfecto. Cuban Bolivar or Cuban H. Upmann? Bolivar.

HOH: What’s your personal favorite cigar accessory and why?
JH: The Arturo Fuente Story Ashtray. A beautiful and luxurious design at a good price.

A selection of cigar accessories for every need can be found at Big Cigar

HOH: Back when you discovered cigars for the first time, was there a certain cigar that really made a big impact on you, and if so, what was it?
JH:
It was a Guantanamera Cuban cigar. An inexpensive cigar in a good size that was precut cigar for beginners.

HOH: If you could smoke only one cigar brand for the rest of your life, what would it be, and why?
JH: I like My Father Cigars. They always give me satisfaction. Great quality at a great price.

HOH: How would you explain the difference between a cigar and a cigarette to someone who doesn’t know the difference between the two?
JH:
First, cigars are a hand made natural product without chemicals. Second, we do not inhale its smoke like people do with cigarettes. Lastly, you can enjoy cigar for a long time with people. It is not just a smoke, it’s an enjoyable, social act with like-minded people.

HOH: Thanks for serving Canadians for decades, Jay, and thanks for the interview. 
JH: It’s my pleasure, as always. 

To find a trusted tobacconist near you, visit our Store Locator; the most complete database of Canadian tobacconists.

Big Cigar is located at 9421 Jane St. Unit 121, in Maple, Ontario, Canada and can be reached at 905 303 8488 or bigcigar1993@gmail.com.