Editor's Note: If you’d like to learn more about Ben or Dissident Cigars, please join us in the Virtual Lounge tonight (Saturday, June 27) at 5:30pm EST to chat with Ben himself at this link. 

What’s the Ben Holt story?

I grew up a military brat living in different places. Joined the Marines when I came of age & continued that travel. It was in the Marines that I got into cigars.

Got out, went to college & began working at a cigar shop. My time working in a shop really grew my appreciation for tobacco & I jumped in. I was a rep for awhile, using that time to grow my knowledge & building relationships.

An opportunity arose for me to have my own brand & I took it. Now I’m here trying to utilize that all that knowledge & experience. 

What did you see in Dissident that made you want to acquire the brand?

I really liked the idea behind it. I think it really spoke to a different demographic than is usually the norm in the cigar industry. I saw a potential in it to be a bridge for a new generation of cigar enthusiasts to get into the industry. 

What does it mean to be Dissident?

It means to challenge the status quo. Breakaway from the norms & try something different. Change up the perspective & try something different & new.  

There are a whole lot of experiences out there to be had. Try those experiences out. Get out of the comfort zone & go for it. 

Which tattoo means the most to you?

Probably the one on my knuckles. It’s “Sans Paix” which means “without peace”. It’s my outlook on life.

Life is not peaceful. It’s not meant to be peaceful. There are always challenges to overcome & conflicts to resolve. Embrace them. It’s what life is about. If you don’t have challenges to overcome or conflicts to resolve, then you ain’t living. 

How would you describe the cigars in your new Dissident lineup from Oveja Negra to someone that’s never smoked it before?

They are all very different from one another, but all are very flavor focused. They are medium to full in flavor & body with a concentration on quality tobacco. 

Soap Box is a little complex. A medium body with a unique spice & some cream flavors. It’s a cigar you can definitely smoke throughout the day.

Bloc is more on the full side which is very cocoa forward & a salty finish.

Home is very much Esteli, spice & dark fruit. 

If you were to liken your brand to a fictional character, which would it be?

Tyler Durden from Fight Club. That’s what I would liken Dissident to. He was not at all concerned about the norms. Reckless maybe, but rebellious to the core. 

Outside of cigars, what are your other hobbies?

I like to collect vinyl records. I have over 500 in my collection so far.

But I’m also a big foodie. I like trying new foods. It’s one of the many things I look forward to when I’m out on the road. 

Have you learned any new talents during the Coronavirus lockdown? 

No new skills. Just been trying to strengthen the old ones.  

What are some of your favorite cigar memories?

There are so many. But one that really stands out was the 2019 PCA / IPCPR Trade Show. It was the year I launched Dissident. I got to do it with people that I came up in the industry with, worked closely with & have tremendous respect for. It’s a memory I cherish greatly. 

View Dissident Cigars