Heritage
From Philippopolis to the present day.
"Sapere aude"
— Horace
Founded upon the seven hills of one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, our club draws its name — and its temperament — from a place that has watched empires pass.
It is from this layered history that our club draws its spirit — a reverence for tradition, an appreciation for the finer things, and an understanding that true elegance is timeless.
Our club was established by a small circle of cigar aficionados. It all began as a gathering of friends from all walks of life united by a shared appreciation for fine cigars, thoughtful conversation, and timeless traditions. Over time, this informal circle evolved into an organized cigar club with its own governance, more than 50 paid members, and a growing community of gentlemen who value refinement, camaraderie and culture.
Soon Gentlemen's Club Philippopolis started rapidly growing and evolving — a Sofia chapter is currently in development — while at the same time maintaining strict admission rules. Each candidate must adhere to the Club's policies of cultivating gentlemanly conduct, etiquette, and elegance among its members and guests while promoting the culture and knowledge surrounding cigars, fine spirits, coffee, and gastronomy. Through tastings, lectures, cultural events, and meetings with cigar manufacturers and industry experts, members deepen their appreciation for the craftsmanship and traditions behind these arts. We strive to make cigar culture more popular and teach gentlemen the 'art of slow living'.
Gentlemen's Club Philippopolis emerged in a time when cigar culture was at its infancy in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe as a whole. Our organization was the first legally established cigar club in Bulgaria and remains as such to this day. The club is currently working on a long-term plan to expand its operations abroad and establish more chapters in other European countries, defying language barriers and sometimes letting 'the smoke do the talking instead'.
Notable events which Gentlemen's Club Philippopolis has participated in include meetings and cigar presentations with Christian and Vivian Eiroa (Eiroa Cigars), Oscar Valladares (Oscar Valladares Cigars), Tom Lazuka (Asylum Cigars), Freddy Molina and Steven Kron (A.J. Fernandez Cigars), Rocky Patel (Rocky Patel Cigars), Pedro Gomez (Drew Estate Cigars), Jose Blanco (Arturo Fuente Cigars), Christopher Mey and Craig Cunningham (Esteban Carreras Cigars), J.C. Newman (J.C. Newman Cigars) and more. In addition we organize and participate in regular whisky, rum and wine presentations. Each year we organize a major event in autumn open to all major cigar aficionados and industry professionals in Europe.
Furthermore, Gentlemen's Club Philippopolis has great club relationships with cigar organizations in Bulgaria and throughout Europe: KD Leaf Diaries (UK), Cigar Club Luxembourg, Smoke Society Macedonia, Cigars Club Yatrus (Bulgaria), Cigar Nomads Sofia (Bulgaria). Our club ambassadors — one in France and one in Belgium — are always working on expanding our contacts with cigar aficionados even further.
Our partners and sponsors include all major cigar and premium alcohol distributors in Bulgaria such as: Kaliman Caribe, Best Cigars, Delion, Aficionado, Corojo Club, Valentino Siesto, Azteca, Leaf Brothers and more.
Gentlemen's Club Philippopolis Coat of Arms
The Gentleman's Code
Our club's code is not a set of rigid rules, but a shared philosophy of character, respect, and the art of living with dignity.
A Word Given is a Law Kept
A gentleman builds trust through his actions. His word carries the weight of a binding contract, and a commitment made is a commitment kept—without exception.
Universal Respect
True character is revealed in how one treats others, regardless of their status, rank, or background. A gentleman leads with courtesy, patience, and consideration.
Discretion and Honor
What is shared within the club remains within the club. We guard the personal and professional confidence of our fellow members, valuing discretion above vanity.
The Art of Listening
Considered conversation requires more listening than speaking. A gentleman seeks understanding, respects differing viewpoints, and engages in thoughtful dialogue without hostility.
Understated Elegance
True style is a matter of restraint, not display. Genuine refinement never demands attention—it is quietly evident in demeanor, etiquette, and attention to detail.
Reverence for Craftsmanship and Tradition
We honor the time and mastery behind a fine cigar, an aged spirit, and enduring friendships. We learn to pause the rush of modern life and embrace The Art of Slow Living.
Fellowship and Solidarity
Our club is a sanctuary of camaraderie. Every member strives to be a pillar of support for the community, bolstering his peers and fostering an environment of trust and integrity.
The Club was started for the convenience of those who are not averse to comfortable chairs and the latest periodicals. — Sir Arthur Conan Doyle