So it’s coming up to the end of 2023 and as usual at this time of year I always tend to look back at the year that’s about to pass and think about the year ahead. This year has been crazy bonkers for me especially in terms of my cigar journey, my self confidence (which I always feel a bit wet in writing about, but feels important to mention) and the cigar experiences I’ve encountered.
It’s crazy to think that it was three years ago now since I started this blog!
During that period, I considered myself a complete novice in the world of cigars, having barely sampled the extensive range of both Cuban and non-Cuban/New World cigars. My experience with cigar venues and events was also quite limited. Too bleeding nervous to walk into any of the amazing cigar venues that are out there! Fast forward to today and I’m sat here in Hamburg on one of many trips visiting a range of different cigar venues each and every day smoking some marvellous cigars. (Of course I’ll write up a post about that in the new year!).
Looking back…
During the first year (2021), I set myself a cigar challenge to smoke as many cigars as possible from the A-Z of cigars in ‘The Cigar Companion: The Connoisseur’s Guide‘. I did pretty well getting through approx 1x cigar from 43x different cigar brands in total. You can see that complete list and my ratings for each cigar I smoked here. The second year (2022) was all about venturing out to as many different cigar stores, bars, terraces and lounges in London. In this third year (2023), I’ve continued to explore various venues in London, Europe, and the US, averaging at least one visit per month as a minimum. As of my last count in August (with a few more likely to be added now), I’ve been to 27 different cigar shops, bars, terraces, and smoking lounges since the launch of my blog. I’ve also tried to meet as many different folk in person, from our amazing cigar community (especially after feeling a bit ‘billy no mates’ with no one to attend a cigar venue with initially), and have generally been saying ‘yes’ to as many opportunities as I can, trying to overcome the extreme anxiety I get when I do anything cigar related – which I think I’m doing alright at.
Am I a cigar novice now? Definitely not. Am I cigar aficionado? Definitely not, there’s others out there that know far much more than me! Am I cigar enthusiast? and a bit of a cigar geek? – 💯 yes!
Highlights of 2023
I started off the year celebrating Cigar Club LDN’s 4th anniversary event at Bosidales in Canary Wharf – which is always a huge success and the opportunity to bump into some hardcore cigar enthusiasts – a great way to meet new cigar friends if you’re just starting out! Matt does a superb job running this club check out his website at: https://cigarclubldn.com
In March I went to Barcelona and of course during that trip I had to stop off at a couple of cigar stores including Estanc Duaso. Interestingly I didn’t find many cigar venues out there but there is a Tabac store on literally every street corner, most selling cigars that will make your eyes water – sooo cheap compared to the UK. Plus there are many places outdoors in the sunshine you can relax with a cigar.
Next up was the incredible launch of Arturo Fuente: Since 1912 book by Aaron Sigmond at Maison Assouline followed by cigars at JJ Fox. I think this was one of my favourite events of the year – the crème de la crème of the cigar industry were there and it was an utter privilege to be in attendance – got to hang out with Carlito Fuente too – such a legend in the cigar world!
The King Cigar Lounge in Los Angeles
Being made to feel very welcome at The King Cigar Lounge in Los Angeles in April – when they heard I was a cigar enthusiast from the UK, they immediately invited me into their special members cigar lounge – very kind! And had an array of cigars.
The Melody Whisky Bar with Paul & Syafiera 🙏
The launch of the JJ Fox House blend cigar – the team really enjoyed one of my recent blog posts about their store and invited me to this exclusive event – it was such a pleasure to attend! Especially as it’s the oldest cigar store in the world!
Meeting Juan Marintez of Joya Cigars at the launch of the Cinco de Cinco at JJ Fox
Enjoying cigars at Alfred Dunhill – where Nic Wing took us back in the day, on that legendary Cuban Cigar Walk – big shout out to Rhys for sorting that out 🙏
Smoking Hiram and Solomon cigars at Farrants and getting a tour of the store afterwards with David 🙏
The Por Larranaga 47 cigar launch at Sautters
Got to sit in those special seats too…
Meeting Nick Hammond of Around The World In 80 Cigars – his new book comes out in 2024
Herfing with other cigar smokers at a Cigars Unlimited in Chelsea
The biggest compliment having an article published about my cigar journey by Cigars Unlimited
Surrey Cigars excellent cigar dinner in Guildford, Surrey with James & Roy Summers
Visiting the excellent Surrey Cigars cigar lounge
And of course this current trip to Hamburg visiting some of the finest cigar spots – but more about that next year!
Soo many amazing new memories created this year. I prob need to purchase a few new suit jackets too – looking back at all these photos! And as I look forward to 2024 – I just want to say a big thank you 🙏 for taking the time out to join me in this cigar journey – reading my posts interacting with me online and in person – teaching me new tricks and telling me about new cigars and cigar venues to try out. I really appreciate it!
Looking ahead…
I hope to smoke more amazing cigars , visit more amazing cigar venues (this recently slipped out of mouth – ‘I’d like to visit EVERY SINGLE cigar venue across the UK – but I don’t want to break the bank haha – who knows I might achieve it one day) and continue to meet more of the cigar community as my journey continues. I’ll also continue to post my adventures when doing so 🙏
I wish you all a healthy and happy new year and here’s to 2024 🥂
Leave a Reply