About Us

Luca Cominelli

Director of CigarsLover Magazine and founder of CigarsLover.com.

He graduated in engineering from the University of Brescia, where his passion for cigars first took shape and eventually inspired the creation of an online portal—the foundation of what would become CigarsLover.com.

A keen traveler, he finds inspiration in exploring new places and staying connected with nature. His love for discovery fuels both his work and personal life. He is also passionate about whisky and appreciates fine wine, often enjoying both as a way to slow down the passage of time.

Michel Arlia

Deputy Director of CigarsLover Magazine, he oversees marketing activities and contributes to the organization of blind tastings.

Based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, he has a deep passion for slow smoking and is constantly seeking out new products from around the world.

Beyond cigars, he is enthusiastic about craft beer, skateboarding (which he once practiced professionally), and basketball. Music is another of his passions, and he enjoys playing the guitar in his free time.

Mario Amelio

Photographer and designer of CigarsLover Magazine.

With a master’s degree in Advertising and Marketing Photography, he brings not only technical expertise but also a refined artistic vision that shapes the magazine’s distinctive style.

Photography, however, is only one of his passions. Whenever he can step away from the rush of daily routines, he seeks refuge in nature, where he finds renewal and inspiration. Equally meaningful to him is working with wood, a craft passed down from his father, and one that connects him to both tradition and creativity in a deeply personal way.

Simone Poggi

Author at CigarsLover Magazine.

He also reviews and rates some of the best cigar lounges worldwide and is an active member of the tasting panel.

A nuclear physicist, he has a strong passion for Latin dance and enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and discovering unique culinary pairings.

Vincezo Salvatore

Author for the Spirits and Taste sections.

Born in Bari, he is a specialized translator and a PhD student in comparative literature at the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, where his research focuses on Italian, Germanic, and Anglo-American topics.

Passionate about wine, beer, gin, whisky, and gastronomy, with a particular interest in the history of nutrition, he has been smoking cigars and pipes since 2004. In 2012, he earned his AIS Sommelier certification and has since completed additional courses in professional tasting.

He enjoys traveling, exploring bookstores and restaurants, practicing oriental disciplines, and running. Dividing his time between Ann Arbor, Berlin, and Bari, he is always in search of new experiences and pleasures to discover.

Austin Crowe

Author at CigarsLover Magazine, Austin oversees all English-language content and serves on the blind tasting panel.

Austin is an American attorney living in Missouri. He enjoys world traveling, education, and playing with his dogs.

He believes that a good cigar pairs well with just about anything life has to offer.

Nelson Campos

Author at CigarsLover Magazine.

He oversees the website’s technical support and contributes as a member of the tasting panel.

Originally from El Salvador and raised in England, he is now based in Geneva, Switzerland. His international background and expertise bring a unique perspective to both the technical and editorial sides of CigarsLover.