Behind the scens of a cigar sommelier

When people hear the title cigar sommelier, their minds often go to luxurious lounges, perfectly lit cigars, elegant pairings with rum or whisky, and sophisticated conversations. And yes—there is beauty, prestige, and sensory pleasure in this profession. But behind the scenes, before that cigar is lit and enjoyed, there is an immense amount of work, dedication, and unseen detail that makes the experience seamless and extraordinary.

This article is a collaboration with Danays Leon Sanchez who is a well-respected cigar sommelier and owner of Sperlinga Cigars. The article is created to give you a deeper insight into the hard work and professional knowledge of a cigar sommelier.

Table of Contents

The Glamour and the Grit

Being a cigar sommelier is not just about knowing cigars. It’s about mastering the art of experience. That includes technical knowledge, cultural awareness, hospitality skills, and the ability to anticipate and meet the expectations of a diverse and often demanding clientele.
People expect you to show up polished, well-versed in cigar construction, history, regions, pairings, and etiquette—and to do it all with elegance and charm. But they rarely see the preparation, the long hours of research and training, the handling of logistics, or the emotional labor behind delivering a flawless sensory journey.

The Pros of the Profession

Human Connection: One of the most rewarding aspects of this job is guiding someone to discover a cigar they fall in love with or crafting a pairing that evokes a memory or emotion. Cigars are a social bridge—they connect people across generations, languages, and cultures.

Cultural Depth: This is a profession rooted in tradition and culture. Every cigar has a backstory that spans geography, history, craftsmanship, and personal passion. You’re constantly learning and evolving.

Creative Freedom: Whether it’s designing a sensory event, creating new pairings, or educating a curious crowd, the role allows space for expression and innovation.

Unique Lifestyle Access: As a cigar sommelier, you gain entry into private lounges, elite tastings, international festivals, and collaborations with high-end brands in spirits, fashion, and gastronomy.

The Challenges You Don’t See

Always “On”: There’s no off-time when you’re in front of clients or the public. You are the face of the experience, and you must bring your best self every single time.

Underestimated Workload: The elegance of the end result often hides the complexity of the preparation: sourcing products, curating selections, coordinating events, and managing time zones, preferences, and details.

Pressure and perception: You have to navigate demanding clients and high standards. It’s a delicate balance between luxury service and authenticity.

Stay calm: In a world where opinions are many and prejudices about people can slip out from customers, it is important to be able to control your emotions. As in all industries where service is at the center, you should be able to deflect conversations, reduce conflicts between people and, despite this, maintain a high professional standard. In addition to all the knowledge previously mentioned, it is good to know some psychology to be able to respond to tough situations. Even if it happens rarely, it is good to know if it does happen. We work with people, it would be strange if sometimes conflicts did not arise.

What People Expect You to Know

Clients and collaborators expect cigar sommeliers to have a deep and nuanced understanding of:

Tobacco regions, fermentation, aging, and rolling processes

Cigar anatomy, vitolas, wrappers, strengths, and aromas

Pairing cigars with rum, whisky, coffee, wine, chocolate, and gastronomy

Rituals, etiquette, and cigar-smoking customs from around the world

Industry news, emerging brands, and collector editions

Public speaking and hosting events with grace and accuracy

Is There a Real Career in This?

Absolutely—but it’s not linear. It’s a career you build through entrepreneurship, visibility, and credibility. As a cigar sommelier, your path might include:

Working in high-end lounges, resorts, or clubs

Serving as a brand ambassador or consultant

Leading tastings, workshops, or private experiences

Launching a business that fuses cigars with gastronomy, travel, or luxury services

Writing, judging, or educating in global cigar circles

In my case, I created Tastings Tours & Events, where we specialize in curating immersive sensory experiences involving cigars, spirits, chocolate, coffee, and culture. (Danays Leon Sanchez)

What It Takes to Succeed as a cigar sommelier? (Beyond Knowledge)

To thrive as a cigar sommelier, you need much more than technical skills. You need:

Empathy – to understand what your client truly seeks and create an experience tailored to them

Discipline – to keep learning, refining your palate, and showing up consistently

Presence – your energy and confidence are as important as your cigar list

Elegance – how you carry yourself matters in this lifestyle-driven profession

Curiosity – the world of cigars evolves, and so must you

Patience and Diplomacy – especially when dealing with opinionated or inexperienced smokers

Final Thought

Before anyone lights a cigar, there is an entire world behind it. From the hands that nurtured the tobacco plant to the rollers who shaped it, the master blender who imagined it, and finally to the sommelier who pairs it with meaning—there’s a chain of passion, intention, and artistry.
As a cigar sommelier, I see it as my role to honor that journey and elevate the experience for every person who chooses to light up. Because every cigar is more than smoke—it’s a story waiting to be told. /Danays Leon Sanchez at Sperlinga cigars