Party Time!

It’s definitely party season in the cigar trade! Kicking off with the outrageous ‘Spectator Cigar Awards’ event at Boisdale Canary Wharf on Sunday evening. For the full story and photos see here.

I had the privilege of handing out the Cigar Maker of the Year Award to Oliva Cigars and didn’t they deserve it! They make wonderful cigars and the popularity of this brands seems to be increasing month on month. First rate blending and quality at an affordable price. Who could ask for more?

Michelle and I hosted a fabulous table of friends and clients for this star studded black tie event. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kelsey Grammer were amongst the A list celebs in attendance to name a few. A decadent evening of splendid food and libations and magnificent cigars that went on till around 1 a.m.

mitchell and michelle sampling latest UK Regional Edition

Last night Michelle and I went to the UK regional edition Por Larranaga Sobresalientes launch party together with Steve Johnstone from Robert Graham Ltd. The event was held at the Churchill cigar terrace on Portman square. Canapés, champagne and mojitos and H. Upmann Half Coronas (smoking very well indeed) followed by a speech by Jemma Freeman who announced the winner of the Silver Chaveta Award for this year was The Vintage House (congrats!)

The latest regional edition did not disappoint. Distinct Por Larranaga flavours and a delicious smooth balance of flavour and light to medium strength. The cigars we sampled had flawless constructions and vein free wrappers. The cigars have the same beautiful gold band as the now iconic Por Larranaga Magnificos UK regional edition.

Packaged in boxes of 10 and limited to 5000 numbered boxes, these cigars are available from today at our La Casa del Habano – Chester and will be available at Turmeaus cigar shops and online from this Friday. As ever I guarantee the best prices in the UK 🙂

After the launch party we chilled out at the fabulous Sahakian Cigar Lounge at the Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge and enjoyed BHK54’s paired up with Mortlach.

Tomorrow I’m off to Havana for the Partagas Festival. Now this should be a very happy occasion as I love getting together with aficionados who celebrate the brand of Partagas from all over the world but sadly one of the regular ‘ faces’ on the scene passed away way too young having been unwell for the last year or so. Massimo Di Giovanni was one of the nicest chaps I have met since I have been involved with Havana cigars and was also very heavily involved in the organizing of the Partagas Festival every year. His inimitable style as auctioneer for the charity auction always ensured that the maximum amount of money was raised. I will miss him dearly. (article continues below)

Massimo_Di_Giovanni

Not long to go before the Vintage Cigar Auction on the 1st December which will be held at Boisdale Belgravia. Plenty of action expected and no doubt some lucky bidders will bag a bargain or two.

If you haven’t booked already there are still a few places available for the dinner event and we are also hosting pre auction hospitality at the Bulgari Cigar lounge on the 30th November from 6pm. Shoot me an email if you would like to be added to the guest list

Next blog report when I’m back from Havana,

Peaceful puffing,

Mitchell