Christmas Gongs

THE GOOSE is loosening its belt another notch; we’ve already been subject to incessant festive muzak for weeks on end; and the annual cigar shindig in Canary Wharf has come and gone in a whirl of whisky, awards, glamour and gladhanding.

It must be Christmas.

Each December, Scottish restaurant Boisdale holds its now revered Cigar Smoker of The Year Awards. Don’t be misled by the spangly dresses, the celeb spotting or the fancily-named awards, which shift and change year on year like an eddy of unruly cigar smoke. This night is really just an excuse to get the UK cigar world together with some high spending pals and paint the town a glossy shade of lipstick red.

If you’ve never been, it’s a lot of fun; raucous, loud, increasingly drunken as the night wears on. As well as a slap-up meal, free flowing wines and live music galore, you get the chance to smoke a few cigars on the glittering narrow outdoor terrace, although usually in sub-zero temperatures, which takes the edge off a bit. This year though, a blast of hot air from Donald Trump offered a pretty mild evening, so guests stayed later – and smoked and drank more.

The winner of the prestigious Cigar Smoker of the Year gong was none other than the arch antagonist Piers Morgan, who delighted in telling the gathered crowd how many people he had upset in recent times and then admitted he only smokes “four or five cigars a year.” Quite how that qualifies him for cigar smoker of the year was lost on many; but as we’ve already said, this shindig isn’t about award integrity – but getting on with a smoky night and raising some money and some press coverage.

Don’t forget that cigars, and the paraphernalia that surrounds this most wonderful of hobbies, make for fantastic Christmas presents. Cutters, lighters, ashtrays, cigar cases, humidors and more all are gratefully received by lovers of the leaf. We all really appreciate a cigar gift because it strikes at the very heart of what we love and it shows you have really tried to buy something we will like – not just something you would like to buy.

And of course, we should also give an honourable mention to NICK HAMMOND‘s Around The World in 80 Cigars two-book travelogue series, which continues to fly from the Sautter shelves like proverbial hotcakes. It’s the perfect thoughtful gift for the cigar lover in your life and also the perfect read for a few festive days off, with its humourous adventures from all over the world and Nick’s thoughtful take on cigars and what – not to mention who – makes them great.

We remain at your service to revive you with a welcoming smoke when you need one and to offer you sound cigar advice, whatever your cigar competency, proficiency or pocket.

And we are proud to be your traditional local cigar merchant – a friend, an oasis, a space of honesty, integrity and humour. Drop in and say hello, we’d love to see you.