DIDIER HOUVENAGHEL

Didier Houvenaghel is a Belgian agricultural engineer internationally recognised for his pioneering work in premium cigar science and culture.

One of the few Europeans to specialise in agronomy at Cuba’s University of Pinar del Río, he acquired first-hand experience in the Vuelta Abajo region, immersing himself in the soils of San Luis and San Juan y Martínez, where he developed a rigorous and innovative approach to cigar agronomy, post-harvest processes, fermentation, ageing, blending, tasting, and culture.

While working in Sustainable Development for the European Commission Research Directorate, Didier  further deepened his understanding of cigar cultures across Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua. This extensive research culminated in the publication of his first book in 2005 titled Le Cigare, de la Culture a l’Art (Editions du Gerfaut, 2005, 168 pages); later expanded into The Cigar, from Soil to Soul, a 318-page reference book released in its second edition in 2022 and now widely regarded as a definitive authority on premium cigars.

In 2001, Didier moved to Nicaragua, where he collaborated closely with respected figures such as Arsenio Ramos Mendez and forged lasting relationships with renowned producer A.J. Fernández. He founded the Nicarao brand and later developed La Preferida, La Ley, and Furia boutique cigar lines praised worldwide for their balance, depth, and authenticity. Today, his cigars are distributed in more than 35 countries across four continents.

Committed to cultural transmission, Didier’s work is featured selectively in independent publications and appreciated by discerning connoisseurs. Beyond production, he actively shares cigar culture through seminars, private tastings, and specialised events across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, while contributing technical articles to respected cigar media.

Didier’s work in premium cigars is guided by a simple conviction: culture, time, and balance can help create rare and meaningful moments of shared pleasure, understanding, and humanity.

In 2022, Didier was elected World Cigar Ambassador by Cigar Journal, recognising his scholarly contribution to the industry. He continues to explore sensory culture beyond cigars particularly in spirits, champagne, gastronomy, tea, and chocolate through projects with his publishing house, Myosotis Pte Ltd.