This isn’t the first time around the cigar company block for Philip S. Zanghi III, founder of Debonaire cigars. Zanghi also founded Indian Tabac Cigar Co. during the cigar boom of the 1990s. Shortly after that, Rocky Patel became a partner. The two men grew the brand to be one of the best-selling of the mid-1990s. Zanghi eventually sold his portion to Patel to pursue other areas of the cigar business.
Eventually, Zanghi founded Debonaire, where he wanted to do more than creating cigars that are enjoyable to smoke. He wanted to transmit a philosophy of positivity. Zanghi has stated that Debonaire is a way of life, the “betterment of oneself, the pursuit of authenticity.” He goes on to explain that cigars are a catalyst to the conversation, that the time we spend together smoking and talking is time away from our phones and time spent with real-life people. Huh. Imagine that.
Debonaire cigars debuted in 2013, and for cigars based on a philosophy of bettering oneself, Zanghi selected the highest quality tobacco and production techniques he picked up along the way. Zanghi calls these techniques “tobacco alchemy.” There’s a ton of things happening with “tobacco alchemy,” including using steam and distilled water to remove ammonia and impurities like pesticides and fertilizers, et cetera. The idea is to clean the tobacco, so it has a clean taste on the palate.
Debonaire results from two decades of research and development to “produce the finest premium cigar on the market today.” They use only the best, darkest, air-cured tobacco from the Dominican Republic and Central America. Attention to every detail is key to Debonaire. The company employs tobacconists with over 150 years of combined experience.
One of the finest Debonaire cigars is the Debonaire Daybreak Connecticut, which uses an aged Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper to add a creamy finish to this mild stogie. Another is the Debonaire Habano, which utilizes Dominican and Nicaraguan long-fillers to power this medium-full strength slow burner that produces rich flavors of peppery spice, cocoa, and honey.
