A Night Among Legends: The Cigar Smoker of the Year Dinner 2023

What a sensational evening it was at the Cigar Smoker of the Year Dinner and Awards 2023, hosted magnificently at Boisdale of Canary Wharf. As the cigar community’s crème de la crème gathered, the air was thick with anticipation and the finest smoke.

The guest list read like a who’s who of the cigar world and beyond. Sharing laughs with the legendary Ray Winstone and witnessing his impromptu cigar lighting on stage was a highlight. His stories, especially the ones about Michael Caine, had us all in stitches.

The evening’s cigars were a selection of the finest: Drew Estate Liga Privada Seleccion De Mercardo Toro from Nicaragua, the smooth Davidoff Signature No. 2 from the Dominican Republic, the commemorative Charatan 160th Anniversary Special Edition Churchill, the classic Por Larranaga Petit Coronas from Cuba, and the award-winning Regius Serie Limitada Wide Churchill from Peru. Each cigar was a masterclass in flavour and craftsmanship.

Speaking of Regius, it was a proud moment seeing Genaro from Inka Cigars collect the award for Akhil Kapacee’s Regius Cigars. It’s always a pleasure to see good work recognised.
A personal surprise of the night was finding a Cohiba Piramides Extra in my pocket – still wondering how that got there! It was the perfect unexpected addition to an already remarkable evening.
Now, let’s talk winners. It was a parade of excellence, with Boveda clinching the Cigar Accessory of the Year and Colin Cameron, a dear friend, rightfully earning the Cigar Communicator of the Year.
The Cigar Spirit of the Year went to the exquisite Hine Cigar Reserve XO Cognac, and Adam Lajca of The Connaught was named Cigar Sommelier of the Year. Davidoff was honoured as Cigar Producer of the Year, and the Churchill Cigar of the Year was deservedly awarded to the Por Larranaga 47 from Cuba.

The Davidoff Cigar Chef of the Year went to Andrew Turner, a true culinary artist. The Cigar of the Year was the Charatan 160th Anniversary – a masterpiece of blending. In the sports arena, Derek Chisora was named Cigar Sportsperson of the Year, and the ever-creative Pete Waterman took home the Cigar Musician of the Year. Ray Winstone’s Lifetime Achievement Award was a testament to his enduring passion for cigars. And finally, Dougray Scott, with his heartfelt speech, was a fitting recipient of the Cigar Smoker of the Year.

The charity auction concluding the event was a resounding success, demonstrating the generosity of our community. It was a night of celebration, reflection, and camaraderie. As we lit our cigars and shared stories, the sense of unity in our love for the leaf was palpable. Here’s to the winners, the nominees, and everyone who makes the cigar world such a fantastic place to be. Until next year, keep those cigars burning!