Ethiopian-born and -raised, Dawit has been owner and manager of TG Cigar in Washington’s Chinatown for more than four years.
How long has the store been open?
Since 2006.
Do you roll cigars?
No, I don’t. I order the cigars. But we do have a man that comes twice a year that rolls cigars. This year, he’s gonna be here in May, and then in December.
How much does the most expensive cigar you have in the store cost?
Thirty-four dollars and 95 cents.
Do only rich people smoke cigars?
The majority are with higher income. I’ve had different customers. The quality and the amount of cigars they smoke, though, varies with income.
What about women? What kind of cigars do they smoke?
For them — sweet cigars. But I’ve had women come and buy full-bodied cigars, too. Everybody has their own interest, taste.
How about the beginners? Any particular recommendation for them?
They have to start with light- to medium-body cigars. And after three to four cigars, they will know what they like.
What is your preference?
The full-bodied cigars.
How can they recognize a good from a cheap cigar?
It’s the smell. Good ones smell like tobacco. Cheaper ones, they smell like tobacco too, but not that well, the smell is much lighter.
What are the top producers of cigars right now?
Dominican Republic — people love the cigars from there. And Nicaragua, too.
What’s the difference between a punched cigar and a cut one?
From the punched one the smokes goes deep, straight into the throat. With the cut one, you’ll have more smoke in your mouth, smoother down the throat.
— Hristina Ninova
