For centuries, sommeliers have been an emblematic figure pigeonholed in the world of wine, but who gradually carved out a path in the world of spirits, liqueurs, teas, and tobacco.
In the past, these figures were also responsible for serving the most important personalities in palaces, meeting demands that were not limited solely to wine. They were responsible for pipe tobacco, cigars, coffee, tea, cheeses, and many other gourmet products.
Creating great experiences is nothing new; rather, it is an activity that has taken on a broader meaning and is becoming increasingly demanding. People’s tastes have changed, and the volume of available products has increased significantly. Therefore, today sommeliers require a much higher level of preparation to satisfy all their clients’ needs.
The study of each product a sommelier wishes to master is much more accessible now, thanks to digital tools, books, schools, and the great professionals found around the world.
The cigar and Habano sector has always had great diversity among its consumers, as it can range from low-income individuals living in tobacco towns who consume the finest tobacco, to those who inhabit palaces; leaders, artists, politicians, and countless personalities. Precisely at the highest levels, the rigorous demands of selection, the art of lighting, and the preservation of cigars go hand in hand with an expert sommelier to create a better experience.
Nowadays, a great wine taster must know that their training is just beginning when they experience the foundation of knowledge—the winemaking world—with their taste buds. Their background will be complemented over time by other highly interesting products such as cigars, spirits, coffee, tea, chocolate, cheeses, and other gourmet goods.
The current trend consists of creating experiences that include tobacco as part of a ritual that can be guided by the producer, but can also be led by an expert sommelier to offer a great experience through pairing dinners or tastings accompanied by various wines, spirits, chocolate, or coffee.
That is why we sommeliers now hold a great responsibility when suggesting a fine cigar to accompany an afternoon, a dinner, the closing of a deal, or a moment of pleasure. We must consider the smoking time, the strength, the flavors, and the aromas, in addition to including two or three drink options and perhaps even food pairings.
It is also important to highlight that what is now called a cigar sommelier is an expert in their cellar or humidor, and will take the necessary care for the preservation of humidity, temperature, and aging for each of the available cigars, besides being able to recommend the ideal smoke.
So, let yourself be guided by your sommelier, accept their recommendations, and dare to live a new experience.
