The mission of the alumni from the Global SOTL Movement’s Certified Cigar Master Sommeliers School is to foster a community by providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development.
This network allows them to connect with other cigar enthusiasts, as well as to meet and engage globally through the platform: https://www.sotlglobalmovement.com/sgmsommeliers
In addition to networking opportunities, SGM –in collaboration with Humo Latino– presents brief profiles of certified sommeliers, available in both Spanish and English, to spread the experience and passion of the graduates, who serve as inspiration for aspiring sommeliers.
Read in the magazine (rotate your device for a better reading experience):
Every two months, SGM organizes virtual tastings and exclusive networking events for alumni, featuring a special guest, and will provide the cigar to be tasted, if available in their country.
These meetings include guest speakers such as cigar brand owners, Master Blenders, and experts in various aspects of the tobacco culture. This gives alumni the chance to sample different cigars and learn about their origins, flavors, and pairing options, all from the comfort of their homes.
At the same time, it provides a space for graduates to connect, share experiences, and build relationships in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. Join the Global SOTL Movement to promote the value of the Sommelier Course and let’s continue to elevate, together, the knowledge for the appreciation of cigars!
CCST Patricia Khalaf
Better known in the tobacco world as The Queen of Ash, Patricia Khalaf is a 48-year-old entrepreneur and owner of Casa Aficionado Premium Cigar Lounge, a venue located in Delaware, Ohio, USA.
For her, obtaining the Cigar Sommelier certification was another way to expand and share her knowledge with clients and employees, especially in such a competitive sector.
She considers that the Cigar Sommelier Certification Program driven by the Global SOTL Movement (SGM) is an excellent way for novice and experienced smokers to learn about cigar manufacturing processes and numerous aspects of the industry in general.
Additionally, as a member of the SGM Advisory Council, Patricia has encouraged many others to enroll in the program offered by Tobacconist University –from clients to colleagues, and even her fiancé– thus preparing them in this field.
CCST Nicole Townsend Murff
Nicole Murff is a retired educator from the Detroit Board of Education, where she worked for 20 years with children on the autism spectrum and with special needs. She now dedicates her retirement life to RIVIAN, an electric vehicle company, and to the tobacco groups Pretty While Puff N™️ and Gentlemen While Puff N™️.
She resides in Detroit, Michigan, USA; a diverse city that warmly welcomes cigar smokers. She notes that in her area there is a wide range of Cigar Lounges, cafés, and social events dedicated to tobacco. All of them bring together many fantastic people who work towards the growth of the industry.
She says her drive to become a Cigar Sommelier stemmed from the members of Pretty While Puff N™️ and other MGS members, who often asked questions about different cigars, their descriptions, and how to pair them; their various sizes, aromas, and flavors; the different origins of tobacco, and everything that enriches conversations among smokers.
Thus, in the SGM and Tobacconist University Program, she found an excellent way to educate herself, acquiring a lot of knowledge in a short time. Nicole gained confidence to advance in her goals, answer questions within and outside her groups, and make recommendations.
An active SGM member, she participated in the Chicago Cigar Week; will be part of Cigar Queens Of Midwest, from October 12 to 13 in Chicago, and an Ambassador at the Dallas Smoke Fest, next November. August 11 marks the first anniversary of the Pretty While Puff N™️ group.
CCST Danny Nippers
As a spare parts salesman for an international truck dealership, Danny enjoys visiting a Cigar Lounge in every city his work takes him to and uses the opportunity to smoke and socialize with other enthusiasts.
Although his hometown, Ocala, Florida, USA, lacks significant tobacco activity, it is an hour away from Tampa; a place he frequently visits to buy and light a good cigar.
Driven by a passion for premium tobacco, Danny sought to gain more knowledge, and inspired by Patricia, The Queen of Ash, found his opportunity within the certification program offered by SGM; an experience he describes as amazing and filled with wonderful people.
