Urs Stephan Alder: A Life in Cigars and Code

It begins, as many of the finer things in life do, with ritual. The cut, the light, the slow exhale of something aged to perfection. For Urs Stephan Alder, cigars have never been mere indulgence; they are punctuation marks in the story of a life spent balancing precision with pleasure.

For over three decades, Alder navigated the high-pressure corridors of Zurich’s technology sector—part IT specialist, part lecturer, part author, and the architect of the largest training computer center in Switzerland. His was a world of sharp logic and structured thinking, a place where efficiency reigned supreme.

But even the most exacting minds require reprieve, and for Alder, that came in the form of a well-aged cigar. Smoke curling against the backdrop of servers and seminar rooms, each drawing a reminder that life, at its best, is a matter of pace.

Now retired, Alder’s passion for cigars is no longer a footnote but the main narrative. He has amassed a collection that is both extensive and deeply personal—cigars chosen not for their exclusivity but for the memories wrapped within them. He speaks of them not as objects but as old acquaintances, each with its own story to tell.

La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No. 2—the first cigar he ever smoked with his father. A shared moment, a passing of the torch, its matured specimens now offering a sweetness layered with nostalgia.

Then there is the H. Upmann Magnum 56 Edición Limitada 2015, a cigar of particular sentiment: the band from this very edition inspired the wedding rings he now shares with his Cuban wife—a fusion of love and legacy rolled into a single vitola.

Alder’s selections speak to a palate that values refinement over trend:

• H. Upmann Half Corona – For when time is fleeting but a moment of indulgence still calls.
• Juan Lopez Selección No. 2 & Ramón Allones Specially Selected – Robustos known for their balance of character and cost.
• Partagás Lusitanias Gran Reserva Cosecha 2007 – A cigar of undeniable presence, its multidimensional aroma unfolding like a well-composed symphony.

But if one cigar embodies Alder’s philosophy, it is the Saint Luis Rey Double Corona. It is, in his words, a revelation—nutty yet smooth, earthy yet refined, with coffee and chocolate undertones that refuse to be hurried. It is a cigar that demands presence, much like Alder himself.

What sets Alder apart is not just his knowledge, but his reverence. He understands that cigars, like stories, are meant to be savored. Now free from the constraints of deadlines and data centers, he has turned his attention to sharing his experience with those who appreciate the craft.

He is not merely a collector, nor just an aficionado; he is a storyteller, and every cigar he smokes is another chapter in a life well lived.

Perhaps the best way to sum up Alder’s journey is through a simple truth—some men measure success in numbers, others in titles.

Alder? He measures it in moments, wrapped in aged tobacco and set alight with intention.

Urs Stephan Alder - Cigar Keep Ambassador Interview

In this Cigar Keep Exclusive Interview, we sit down to chat with Urs Stephan Alder, cigar enthusiast and ambassador of Cigar Keep. Join us as we sit down with a true cigar connoisseur who has been cultivating a private collection of cigars for over 30 years. We'll dive deep into the rich history, personal stories, and expert tips from someone who lives and breathes cigars. Light up a cigar and enjoy, this is a must-watch for every cigar lover! 📌 Subscribe for more interviews, insights, and everything cigars! #CigarKeep #CigarLifestyle #UrsStephanAlder #MasterOfHabanos 🔸 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Cigar-Keep: https://www.cigar-keep.com/user/cigar-land/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usa.cigar.land/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cigarland Blog: https://cigar.land 🎬 ADDITIONAL VIDEOS https://www.youtube.com/@cigarkeep/videos