23A St James's Street
London
SW1A 1HD
Passed: 14th August 2024
Learning and experiencing every facet of the industry. Cigars are the modern day campfire. Gathering individuals/strangers of different life experiences from all corners of the planet in one sitting. The rest that follows is exactly what I enjoy most, the atmosphere of the cigar lounge and humidor. The lounges are dedicated spaces for strangers from all backgrounds to gather and enjoy a moment. To network, share opinions, tell stories and even argue but surely it all takes place with a cigar in hand. The inviting smell of a humidor and the welcoming ambience of any cigar space will leave the beginners in awe and the "aficionados" forever curious.
The bands and packaging. I am always drawn to the typography, the layout, the ornate habilitaciones of cigar boxes, the sleek presentation, all orchestrated with intent, highlighting the mastery of the craftsmanship. This caught my attention as a kid walking past my first cigar store abroad and with that, the curiousity grew. Now, a little older, and embedded within the industry, this fascination persists. Especially, the inherent cohabitation of vintage and current production cigars within one space. With the vintage and current designs you witness the evolution in real time.
The H.Upmann Majestic on my first solo trip abroad. I don't remember how it tasted but the cigar's aroma is my Madeleine de Proust and brings me back to this fond discovery of rolled up bunches of tobacco.
Three pieces of advice: 1. Don't let the price determine the quality. 2. Consider the time you have to taste a cigar, like all of life's pleasures there is no rush. 3. As simple as it sounds, eat food before a cigar, it will enhance the tasting experience.
Fonseca No.1 - Francisco had style in tobacco blending and clothing. Diplomaticos No.2 - The sole vitola of the brand in current production, increasingly harder to find. Tasty. Saint Luis Rey Regios - a taste slept-on by many, and its ageing potential recognised by very few. Any of these cigars after a nice meal with a guava daïquiri make it for me!
Too early to say. However, I've aspired to become a Master for a long time. Reaching this career-defining milestone will have a beneficial impact. Studying for the Masters gave me a solid foundation to grow upon and it continues to develop into other areas of the industry. The building starts now. Architecting humidors and curating spaces for cigar enthusiasts across the world? Maybe.
James J Fox
Read MoreDavidoff of London
Read MoreBirley Cigars
Read MoreNo.10 Manchester Street
Read MoreThe Emory
Read MoreBirley Cigars
Read MoreThe Emory
Read MoreAnnabel's
Read MoreC.Gars
Read MoreBirley Cigars
Read MoreLa Casa del Habano James J Fox in Harrods
Read MoreJames J Fox (Selfridges)
Read MoreC.Gars the City
Read MoreThe Peninsula London
Read MoreEdward Sahakian Cigar Shop & Lounge
Read MoreThe Connaught
Read MoreHunters & Frankau
Read MoreFumar
Read MoreGeorge Club
Read MoreCasa del Habano at Pall Mall
Read MoreC.Gars
Read MoreMark’s Club
Read MoreAlfred Dunhill
Read MoreHavana Cigar Exchange
Read MoreAlfred Dunhill Ltd.
Read MoreTomtom Cigars & Coffee
Read MoreSautter Cigar - Mayfair
Read MoreThe Emory
Read MoreBirley Cigars
Read MoreNo.10 Manchester Street
Read More*There are also a number of Masters of Havana Cigars working in private members clubs that are not listed here.
