NICK HAMMOND reports from a glittering launch party for the latest Cuban Limited Edition cab off the rank…
I’D FORGOTTEN what it’s like to truly revel in the moment, if I’m honest. Over the last couple of years, my travelling muscles had atrophied to such an extent that I’d sort of forgotten how to do it. I made such a fuss about arranging my PCR test, packing a suitcase; I used to fly home one night sometimes and jump aboard another plane the next morning without thinking much of it.
OUT of one calamity and straight into another – seems to be the way of things these days, doesn’t it? Just as Covid is pushed off the front page, Mr Putin decides he wants his 15 minutes and we’re back once again in the stormy seas of uncertainty.
THERE was a time when a change of seasons brought about a slew of cigar articles on what smokes went with what particular time of year. Many of these had been pilfered, poached and pillaged to such a degree that they were a real magpie’s hoard of gold nuggets buried amidst an avalanche of flowery bullshit.
IT sometimes feels like the cigar industry is moving away from its foundations. Just like oysters – which were once the mainstay of London’s poor, providing cheap, nutritious food on the doorstep and are now the bastion of high-end restaurants – cigars are now seen in many quarters as the ultimate accessory; a benchmark of luxury and success that only the rich can afford to enjoy.
So here we are; up and running once again, thank the Gods.
Society in general is getting back into gear and Sautter is no different. The Mount Street store opened its doors last week and among the first through them was the British Heavyweight boxer Derek ‘Del Boy’ Chisora, who pulled up a chair in the Sautter socially distanced outside seating area and enjoyed a smoke with his pals.
As well as the ‘everyday’, current production Cuban cigars we love so much, there has been, for some years now, some additions to the family that are well worth checking out. Habanos SA, the state-owned company behind the worldwide promotion of Havana cigars, came up with some good money-making ideas to make more of their market share and entice cigar lovers to part with ever more of their hard-earned readies.
There things that naturally go as well with cigars as fish does with chips or Lennon does with McCartney. Think cigars and Scotch, cigars and Cognac, cigars and coffee, cigars and celebrations. There are also things that may need a bit more shoehorning together, but nonetheless work. Ever tried a Cuban cigar with good vanilla ice cream, for instance? Amazing.
Sautter Cigars is London’s leading retailer of Cuban cigars. Cuban cigars are our heritage and they’ve been our passion since the 50s.
The wonderful “New World”, a term given to any cigars originating from any country that isn’t Cuba! We hand-pick a selection of our favourite brands from around the globe.
Have you seen our humitrunks? Vintage designer luggage converted into breath-taking humidors! Browse our accessories to find a deep treasure trove from the last 60 years.
Cigars are so much more than tobacco, they are a way of life for us and our customers. This section is home to everything from events to slippers and all in between!
