It is my unimpeachable pleasure to reconvene with you here, my most gracious and esteemed online audience. In the spirit of discovery and exploration I have spent the past three days trailing the Northern shores of this great country’s CGars LTD / Dominique of London empire and its subsequent territories. After a ten-day period of navigating my way through the Southern shores of this mighty conglomerate, my superiors felt that it was entirely appropriate that I venture into the North of England, to witness the inner workings of the different branches located in Chester, Liverpool and Leeds. Albeit with a very different attitude and approach, based on my lack of familiarity with these great cities, I was still very enthusiastic and optimistic about the opportunity to continue my exploration of this exceptional brand.

The first stop on my escapade into this unknown domain was Chester. A compact yet vibrant, adorably picturesque city in the North West of England, boasting two thousand years of history with a twist of modern charm.

This historical landmark destination is the home of the largest store in the Dominique Ltd UK retail portfolio. Divided into three product-specific spaces, this location holds a Turmeaus Tobacconist (specialising in the finest New World cigars and pipe tobacco, including paraphernalia) alongside a La Casa Del Habanos (specialising in a wide selection of standard production and rare Habanos SA Cuban cigar brands). The two outlets are interlinked by an emporium of fine spirits including whiskies (Scotch, Irish, Bourbon, Japanese and Indian), gin, vodka, rum and even a limited selection of port wine. All the perfect accompaniments for a fine cigar be it New World or Cuban. Sooner or later you will begin to realise that this supplier of all products related to tobacco and fine spirits, prides itself on stocking a wide variety of options, putting the power of choice in the consumers hands.

So as not to overwhelm patrons with the incredible selection available at this location, the highly experienced corps of attentive staff offer the customer a quality of support second to none. After my experiences at the London stores, the London office and the Norfolk warehouse, where I had the chance to acquire a wealth of knowledge in the areas of pipe tobacco and whisky, I was able to offer a modicum of support to the team at Chester. It was a joy for me to aid members of the general public in their acquisitions, to fulfil a sense of duty that comes with the role and honour the trust that the customers placed in my ability to guide them.

It was like witnessing the amalgamation of all three London boutiques, with every facet of those individual entities present in this singular establishment, including an awe-inspiring sampling lounge beset in a thirteenth-century medieval undercroft. This was by far my favourite feature of the boutique located within Chester’s historical ‘Rows’ of Watergate Street.

A statement not to be taken lightly considering the fact there were so many aesthetically eye-pleasing factors to this site. The medieval vaulted storage-room-style ‘New World’ walk-in humidor with its stone-vaulted ceiling, wood-panel floors, cabinets and display racks. The large, elegantly spacious, wood-rich La Casa Del Habanos walk-in humidor, not to mention a well-stocked ‘La Casa Del Habanos’ whisky bar, serving drams of the finest brands on the market. This includes the brand’s own Stalla Dhu and a variety of ‘Old Fashioned’ cocktails ranging from whisky to bourbon and even rum-based versions of the most popular cigar pairing accompaniment being served in lounges across the country.

Before the end of my shift I had the honour and privilege of sampling a Montecristo Especial No. 1 in that beautiful medieval crypt, accompanied by a whisky-based ‘Old Fashioned’ cocktail and I must say it was a sampling experience like none other. A charming Victorian-style stone checkerboard floor laid the foundation for a tastefully curated gathering chamber, decorated with plush furnishings and boasting a 13th-century arcade centralised by a single stone-vaulted column. This splendid exhibition of exquisite stone masonry from that iconic period contributed immensely in accentuating the entire sampling experience, that one may liken to being inside a museum. The walls were clad with photos of iconic cigar smokers, primarily Fidel Castro, the self-proclaimed father of the Cuban revolution.

I was fortunate to secure some rare finds in both humidors, one of those being the Orchant Seleccion Oliva Serie V Maduro Toro, a beautifully delectable treat but the highlight of my acquisitions was the rare and hard to find LCDH Partagas Salmones. I also picked up an Alec Bradley Orchant Seleccion ‘Orchie’, a Don Pepin Robusto and a Kristoff Cigars Rustic Robusto. I decided to take the latter to a venue called Bar Lounge, situated five minutes’ walk away from the store, and a prime location for the Turmeaus store’s New World cigar tasting and pairing events. It was here that I met an extraordinary character, a gentleman who was a loyal patron and regular attendee at these events, who was ironically also named Christoff who happened to be smoking... yes you guessed it, a Kristoff cigar. We spoke for some two or three hours, sipping Old Fashioneds and sharing our stories and life experiences. This is when I came to find out that as well as working in finance he was an avid ‘reenactment artist’ who spent his spare time and money dressing, acting and performing in reenactments of battles as a Viking.

I was sure of it before but this particular encounter solidified my belief that the appreciation for a good cigar is one of those pastimes that brings people from different walks of life together.

The following morning I found myself en route to the next stop on this educational tour, the Merseyside city of Liverpool, famous for being the birthplace of pop culture as the home of the iconic band The Beatles.

This legendary and historic port location, known for being one of the friendliest cities in the world, is also home to a Turmeaus Cigars and Whisky branch, situated inside the Albany Building on Old Hall Street, that boasts the largest walk-in humidor in the UK and potentially the whole of Europe. It also features a spacious, stylish and sophisticated sampling lounge adorned with custom-made leather seats. The interior design of this establishment exudes both warmth and character, the combination of which provides a welcoming atmosphere akin to the characteristics of the city it resides in.

Aside from the grandiose layout and design elements, in my humble opinion the most distinguishing asset is by far the team of experts working within the walls of this location. I witnessed a continuous display of excellence coupled with a down-to-earth easiness that allowed customers of all distinctions to feel at home. A particular instance that struck me was when an 87-year-old gentleman with epilepsy came into store to purchase his usual supplies. After doing so, he came and found the manager, who showed him kindness and compassion. With no introduction he brandished a wallet-sized, end-of-year portrait photograph of a child and proclaimed that it was his granddaughter and how he was so proud of her. Moments like these are surely a testament to the level of trust and respect placed upon the members of staff by their regular patrons. This goes beyond the level of sterling personal service into the realm of exemplary, bespoke unanticipated value.

If one premium cigar and whisky specialist in the historic Albany Building on the renowned ‘Old Hall Street’ wasn’t enough, how about two? How about a fully immersive live music lounge experience right next door? Enter The Puffin Rooms.

An exquisitely appointed and intimate establishment, renowned for its exceptional live jazz performances, the venue cultivates an atmosphere of refined elegance and understated luxury.

Its interior evokes the romance of a bygone era, seamlessly blending opulence with warmth to create an inviting yet exclusive retreat in the heart of the city.

The Puffin Rooms boasts an impressive collection of over 200 rare and distinguished whiskies, thoughtfully curated to appeal to both connoisseurs and curious enthusiasts alike.

Complementing this is a sophisticated cigar-sampling lounge, offering patrons the opportunity to indulge in a carefully selected range within a setting designed for comfort and discretion.

Guests may also enjoy an inventive cocktail menu crafted with precision and flair, alongside a selection of artfully prepared small plates that reflect both quality and creativity.

Attentive, knowledgeable service further elevates the experience, ensuring that each visit is characterised by impeccable hospitality. Altogether, The Puffin Rooms presents an ideal destination for a romantic and distinguished evening, where fine taste, ambience, and artistry converge.

It was here that I spent the evening after my shift at Turmeaus with a team of wonderful professionals, enjoying a rare treat, the first ever Irish Regional release from Habanos SA, the Punch Nectarés in a Magnum 50 vitola.

On this occasion I had the profound privilege of speaking to the man charged with the responsibility of coordinating the importation of fine spirits for the CGars/Dominique London brand as well as directing the operations of the Northern stores including the Puffin Rooms branch in Edinburgh and the Mash Tun hotel in Scotland’s coveted Speyside whisky region.

As I have found with many of the individuals within this organisation, this gentleman’s role is multi-faceted and even extends to the realm of product management, design and development. It is very reassuring to know that the spirit of going above and beyond the call of duty extends to all members of this company beginning with those in the highest positions of command.

It sets a standard that all employees are expected to uphold and maintain, adding value to the brand, its name and reputation.

I sat in the tasting lounge and I listened with keen interest, before being beautifully serenaded by the resident lounge singer. In the most remarkable display of technological sophistication, her performance could be seen through the brilliance of a mirror that converted to a monitor displaying the live activity in the neighbouring lounge area.

In all my years of enjoying pairing and tasting events, I have never experienced the feeling of enjoying a cigar accompanied by a cocktail while appreciating live music. If that wasn’t enough, this masterful musician, songstress and hostess accepted requests via WhatsApp messages, from a menu of songs she had handed out prior to her performance.

There were at least one hundred songs on this list on top of which she was able to perform unlisted songs at the behest of her audience. A quite magnificent spectacle of showmanship.

I retired to my lodgings for the night to prepare for my commute to my final destination on this expedition of the Northern Frontier, which would be Leeds.

The Leeds location was conveniently located in close proximity to the main train station, approximately a ten-minute walk to be exact.

I thoroughly enjoyed my walk which gave me the opportunity to take in the sights, the spirit and vibrance of this charming city centre.

On my way to the store I passed luxury boutiques belonging to the likes of Patek Philippe, Cartier and Mulberry, such sightings gave me the impression that I was certainly entering the posh part of town. The identity of these luxury high-end establishments and their presence in the local vicinity complements the Leeds branch in a way that gives credence to its own existence as a purveyor of luxury goods.

Widely known for its intimate, relaxing atmospheric design, the multi-level haven for connoisseurs, aficionados and enthusiasts looking for the finest, most exclusive brands of cigars, fine spirits and champagne, this location is still considered to be somewhat of a hidden gem to many of its loyal patrons.

While I was on site I encountered at least two different customers who were pleasantly surprised by its existence and appreciative of the products on offer.

The ground floor serves as an exquisite showroom showcasing an impeccable quality of products while the upstairs sampling lounge is considered to be one of the most comfortable in the country. Aptly decorated with plush leather seating and complemented by a fully stocked cocktail bar serving the most premium drinks. The manager at this location is not only an expert in spirits and tobacco but also has extensive hospitality experience. These attributes make for the perfect balance of the necessary skills required to create an environment where the CGars culture of dedicated excellence is able to thrive.

The Turmeaus Leeds store holds a distinctive position within the company’s portfolio as the only lounge to host weekly events. Originally scheduled on Thursdays, these gatherings are now being transitioned to Fridays to better accommodate clientele and enhance attendance.

This location demonstrates an exceptional level of dedication to the presentation and promotion of both established and newly introduced products. Its consistent commitment to curated showcases and engaging experiences sets it apart within the wider CGars / Dominique London estate, reflecting a standard of enthusiasm and professionalism that is truly unparalleled.

Along this elaborate road of discovery, a few things have been consistent in every stop along the way. The diligence and adaptability of the various personnel, the exceptional quality and management of a vast range of products as well as the reliability and efficiency of the services being provided.

Alas, my time on the road had come to its inevitable end and I was homeward bound.

There are few things in this world that I find more attractive than the exhibition of care and consideration. It signals safety and trust, highlights quiet strength but most importantly it indicates long-term compatibility and success.

The careful consideration that goes into maintaining the integrity of each company location including the warehouses did not go amiss. Neither did the acute attention to detail displayed by staff when serving customers or supporting each other.

I witnessed attentiveness and an uncompromising sense of self-awareness up and down the chain of command that was nothing short of inspiring. With all things considered I would have to say I feel privileged to be in a position to learn more about the business and provide support to this excellent team of seasoned professionals.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time chartering the Northern territories of this flourishing organisation and I let it be known on many occasions that if cover support was ever needed in any of the three stores I visited, I would be more than happy to make the pilgrimage once again.

I’d like to thank Olly for giving me the opportunity to follow up my original article, documenting my experiences during my induction process, with this concluding piece.

It’s now that time again for me to bid you adieu, my most gracious and distinguished online audience.

To the masters of the universe and mere mortals alike, keep your spirits poured, your tobacco alight, and the culture of appreciating the things that appreciate with time alive.