The Summertime Smoke 2025: A Festival of Cigars in the UK
7 August 2025 by Ellie
This summer marked a truly historic moment for the UK cigar scene: the very first cigar festival of its kind, The Summertime Smoke. Co-hosted by Bright Leaf Distribution and Havana House, the event took place at the prestigious E.J. Churchill Shooting Ground in Buckinghamshire, offering a full day of premium cigars, masterclasses, food, drink, and community.
Unlike a regular cigar sampling event, The Summertime Smoke was a full-scale outdoor festival, inspired by major international gatherings such as The Big Smoke in the US.
“Summertime Smoke was designed to elevate the UK cigar experience — to connect people not just with the cigars, but with the stories and craftsmanship behind them,” said Paresh Patel, festival organiser. “Our teams’ dedication made that vision a reality.”
The Venue
Nestled in the Chiltern Hills, E.J. Churchill Shooting Ground provided the perfect backdrop. While shooting took place elsewhere on the estate, the festival was centred around The Pavilion and The Sharpshooters Shed; relaxed, stylish spaces ideal for the UK’s first cigar festival of this size.
The grounds, which date back to 1891, offered a welcoming mix of tradition and open space, with outdoor seating, shaded marquees, and a buzzing festival atmosphere.
Cigar Exhibitors & Guests
We were proud to welcome an exceptional line-up of cigar makers, brand representatives, and industry figures from both the UK and abroad. Exhibitors included:
Alongside the cigars, guests could explore accessories from S.T. Dupont and VSB Accessories, as well as discover the perfect cigar pairing with Takamaka Rum and Nikka Japanese Whisky.
The Experience
Each ticket included whisky and rum samples, BBQ and cigar masterclasses, as well as a festival pack containing exclusive offers, a 3D-printed cigar case, cutters, lighters, and five cigar cards. Guests used these cards to collect cigars directly from brand stands, encouraging meaningful conversations with the people behind the blends, and allowing guests to choose which cigars they’d love to try.
The festival began at midday, with guests welcomed to the Pavilion and given time to explore the exhibitor booths before joining masterclasses, tastings, and activities throughout the afternoon.
Cigar Masterclasses
A highlight of the day was the series of cigar and spirits masterclasses, held in The Sharpshooters Shed, a cosy lodge setting. Sessions included:
Rocky Patel with Nikka Whisky
George Frakes (1573 / Foundation Cigars) with Nikka Whisky
Jose Manuel Blanco (La Galera) with Takamaka Rum
Jeremy Casdagli (Casdagli Cigars) with Takamaka Rum
Each 45-minute session offered insights into the history, craft, and industry of cigars, as well as providing great pairings for cigars.
For those who couldn’t attend, here’s a closer look at some of the cigars and stories that made the masterclasses so memorable.
Rocky Patel – A Career Retrospective & Cigar Regulation Discussion
Rocky Patel shared his journey from lawyer to one of the world’s most influential cigar makers, explaining how he built his company to ensure consistent quality. His talk also covered the challenges of regulation in the US and Europe, and the legal battles that have helped protect premium cigars in America. This was particularly important to consider while we are currently facing the generational smoking ban.
George Frakes – The History of Cigars & Foundation’s Philosophy
George Frakes delivered a history-rich session, taking guests from the ancient Olmec cigar traditions through to Europe’s adoption of tobacco, and the cultural role of cigars in the UK from the 16th century onward. He also explored Foundation Cigars’ ethos of blending history, culture, and craftsmanship into their ranges.
Midway through the afternoon, guests gathered for a BBQ buffet lunch, the perfect complement to an afternoon of cigars and conversation.
Extra Experiences
For those seeking extra experiences, the festival also offered:
Clay shooting sessions with expert instructors.
Live cigar rolling demonstrations from a Cuban Cigar Roller.
Opportunities to meet retailers, lounge owners, and fellow cigar enthusiasts from across the UK.
A Community Gathering
The Summertime Smoke wasn’t just about cigars; it was about people. From passionate brand owners to retailers and everyday cigar lovers, the event created a unique space for the UK cigar community to come together and celebrate their shared passion!
Looking Ahead
For us at Havana House, co-hosting the UK’s first cigar festival alongside Bright Leaf Distribution was a proud and unforgettable moment. The success of The Summertime Smoke 2025 shows that the UK cigar community is not only thriving but hungry for more opportunities to gather, learn, and celebrate.
We look forward to building on this momentum and hope to see The Summertime Smoke become an annual fixture on the cigar calendar. Until then, thank you to everyone who joined us, and we’ll see you at the next one!
Do Actors Really Smoke?
14 February 2024 by Ellie
The world of screen acting is a fascinating one, and some actors go to long lengths to get into the character they’re playing. But to what extent are actors willing to go to make their performance believable?
From the iconic scenes of Peaky Blinder’s Thomas Shelby going over his thoughts whilst lighting up a cigarette to Breakfast at Tiffany’s Audrey Hepburn standing outside her apartment elegantly smoking, and even Don Vito Corleone being frequently seen with a cigar in hand in The Godfather – it prompts a big question when it comes to showbiz. Do actors really smoke, or are they faking with prop cigarettes?
The History of Smoking in Movies
In the early days of cinema, around the 1920s and 1930s, smoking became a prevalent feature on-screen, reflecting its popularity and ‘coolness’, as well as the social aspect of smoking in society that was popular at that time.
The portrayal of smoking in on-screen productions was also influenced by the tobacco industry’s advertising and sponsorship, which associated smoking with desirable qualities like sophistication and allure. Directors and producers integrated smoking into their productions to enhance the appeal and relatability of their characters, as well as to capitalise on the glamour of smoking.
Smoking on-screen was also used, and still is today, as a narrative tool to convey a range of emotions, the social status of a character, and personality traits, making it an integral part of character development and storytelling. Smoking adds a layer to an actor’s characterisation – making for a captivating performance we all want to watch!
In the critically acclaimed television series, Breaking Bad, the character Jesse Pinkman, portrayed by Aaron Paul, is often shown smoking cigarettes. Jesse’s smoking habit serves as a visual cue to his troubled and rebellious nature. Throughout the series, Jesse’s relationship with cigarettes evolves – reflecting his emotional state and character journey.
What Do Actors Smoke on Set?
There are many alternatives that actors use for cigarettes on set, and with production laws changing in favour of the health and safety standards for everyone on set, actors usually smoke fake cigarettes, or what’s known as ‘prop’ cigarettes, in today’s productions.
What are Prop Cigarettes?
Prop cigarettes are made specifically for smoking in film, television, and even theatre productions to create the illusion of smoking without the health risks associated with traditional tobacco cigarettes.
These props resemble real cigarettes in appearance, such as our Honeyrose London White Cork Cigarettes, but don’t contain any tobacco or nicotine so that they won’t produce any harmful smoke.
They come in various forms, including pre-rolled cigarettes, cigarette holders, and even electronic cigarettes that emit vapour instead of smoke. Fake cigarettes for movies mimic real cigarettes’ size, shape, and colour – ensuring a convincing portrayal on camera or stage.
What are Prop Cigarettes Made of?
Unlike real cigarettes, prop cigarettes are entirely tobacco-free. Instead, they’re made from herbal blends, often containing marshmallow root, red clover flowers, rose petals, honey, and fruit juices.
The Benefits of Smoking Prop Cigarettes
Firstly, fake cigarettes allow actors to convincingly portray smoking without exposing themselves to the health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine use. Using non-toxic ingredients in prop cigarettes provides a safe and controlled environment for actors and fellow crew members working closely with performers to perform smoking scenes without compromising the well-being of themselves and others around them.
However, there have been cases of actors smoking real cigarettes, or in this case, genuine cigars, in favour of method acting. Whilst there are alternatives for actors smoking on-set, Garry Oldman smoked £30,000 worth of cigars when playing Churchill in the World War II film Darkest Hour. And unfortunately, he did end up getting nicotine poisoning from all those cigars – no wonder!
Prop cigarettes also help production crews comply with legal restrictions and regulations surrounding smoking in workplaces. In many cases, smoking bans prohibit the use of tobacco products indoors, making prop cigarettes a practical solution for creating smoking scenes without violating the law.
If you’re a fan of cigars or cigarettes, why not visitHavana House and explore our collection today and immerse yourself in the world of smoking aesthetics?
How to Celebrate Oktoberfest in the UK
9 October 2023 by Ellie
Oktoberfest, the Bavarian beer festival, has transcended its origins in Munich and has become a celebration of German beer, food, and camaraderie globally. In recent years, the United Kingdom has wholeheartedly embraced the spirit of Oktoberfest, welcoming beer enthusiasts and revellers to partake in the festivities.
If you’re looking to experience the spirit of Oktoberfest right here in the UK, you’re in luck! We’ll walk you through the essential elements of celebrating Oktoberfest in the UK, from finding the best events to embracing the rich traditions and delicious cuisine that make this festival so special. So, dust off your lederhosen and prepare your steins because Oktoberfest in the UK is an unforgettable experience waiting to happen.
What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is a famous annual beer festival held in Munich, Germany. It typically takes place in mid-late September and runs through the first weekend in October, although the dates vary slightly from year to year. The festival has a history dating back to the early 19th century and has since become one of the world’s largest and most well-known beer festivals.
Oktoberfest is known for its variety of traditional German beers, usually served in steins. Alongside the beer, Oktoberfest offers a wide range of traditional Bavarian foods, including sausages, pretzels, roast chicken, sauerkraut, and various regional dishes.
Visitors can enjoy live music, typically provided by traditional Bavarian oompah bands and other performers. There are also amusement rides, games, and cultural events. Many attendees and staff at Oktoberfest dress in traditional Bavarian clothing, such as dirndls for women and lederhosen for men.
While the Munich Oktoberfest is the most famous, similar Oktoberfest celebrations are also held in other cities around the world, often featuring German beer, food, and culture.
How Much is Beer at Oktoberfest?
The exact price depends on the specific type of beer you choose, but the official Oktoberfest prices of beer in Munich for Oktoberfest 2023 is between €12.60 and €14.90. Oktoberfest certainly isn’t the cheapest experience for beer lovers, which is why many people are hosting events taking place in the UK, whether that’s an official gathering or a party at home!
Hosting an Oktoberfest party in the UK is a fantastic way to bring the vibrant spirit of this traditional German festival to your home.
To host a successful Oktoberfest celebration, you’ll want to set the stage with the right ambience. Decorate with quintessential Oktoberfest elements such as blue and white streamers and rustic wooden accents reminiscent of Bavarian beer halls.
When it comes to the centrepiece of any Oktoberfest party—beer—curate a selection that showcases a variety of German brews. Look for Märzen-style lagers to offer your guests a traditional tasting experience.
The culinary delights of Oktoberfest are equally important. Serve up a feast of traditional German fare, including succulent bratwursts, soft pretzels, tangy sauerkraut, and savoury schnitzels.
Entertainment plays a significant role in capturing the festive essence of Oktoberfest. Curate a playlist that blends traditional German music and folk tunes with contemporary hits.
Incorporate fun activities to keep your guests entertained. Organise contests like stein-holding competitions and sausage-eating challenges to add an element of friendly competition.
German Beers for Oktoberfest
You can’t celebrate Oktoberfest without German beers! Whether you’re throwing a party or just enjoying a casual drink at home, these are some of the best German beers for Oktoberfest you can find in the UK.
To be considered an official ‘Oktoberfest’ beer, only beer conforming to the German beer purity law and brewed within Munich can be served at the Munich Oktoberfest. There are only six breweries that meet that criteria that can officially call their beer Oktoberfestbier: Spaten Brauerei, Hacker-Pschorr, Paulaner, Hofbräu, Augustiner, and Löwenbräu.
Hofbrau Oktoberfest Beer
Hofbrau brews this beer specially for the festival. It is a 6.3% full-bodied and rich brew, with a yellow-golden colour and white head. The Hofbrau Oktoberfest beer offers a bitter flavour with a hoppy dry finish and an aroma of sweet malts, plus notes of grass, grain and hay. This beer pairs well with Oktoberfest foods, but will be just as enjoyable on its own too!
Spaten Oktoberfest Beer
The Spaten Oktoberfestbier was created in 1872, becoming the first official Oktoberfest beer. It has a deep golden colour with a fluffy head, and offers a medium-bodied sip with the perfect balance of hops, bready malts and soft caramel notes.
Paulaner Oktoberfest Beer
Specially brewed for Oktoberfest, more than one million of these Paulaner beers are served at Oktoberfest each year. It is full-bodied and slightly hoppy, with a golden yellow colour. The Paulaner Oktoberfest beer is easy to drink and delicious.
Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Beer
The history of Munich’s Hacker-Pschorr goes all the way back to 1417 and even plays a leading role in the foundation of Oktoberfest, when Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria asked them to brew a special beer for his Wedding in 1810. That party became the annual celebration, and the festival is still held on land donated by Joseph Pschorr, who was brewmaster at the time.
Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Beer is considered one of the best – it’s slightly sweeter than the other Marzen beers – with biscuity and toffee malts. Yet it still has a good earthy kick with spicy hop notes and a tangy bitterness within this pale amber-coloured beer.
Lowenbrau Oktoberfest Beer
Lowenbrau’s Oktoberfest beer is a true celebration of Bavarian brewing. Enjoy a biscuity flavour with some soft spices, herbs and citrus. It boasts a bready, slightly herbaceous nose with a subtle sweet-malt undertone. The Lowenbrau pours as a clear golden yellow with a tall white head and offers a light, crisp finish.
Augustiner Oktoberfest Beer
Founded in 1328, Augustiner is Munich’s oldest independent brewery. The Augustiner Oktoberfest Beer is an authentic limited edition beer brewed in wooden barrels, imparting a sweet taste. Pouring a warm straw colour, the Augustiner Oktoberfest Beer offers aromas of biscuit, bread and grassy hops.
Oktoberfest Events UK 2023
From late September through October, there are lots of Oktoberfest events in the UK. Here at Havana House, we host our own Oktoberfest celebration each year to enjoy the best German beer alongside a perfect cigar pairing and traditional treats.
Havana House Davidoff Cigar and Oktoberfest Beer with Currywurst Event
Join us in our Windsor Cigar Courtyard on Friday 20th October 2023, for our annual Cigar and Oktoberfest Beer with Currywurst Event. The Oktoberfest beer will be freshly poured from our Paulaner Oktoberfest Keg and will be available by the Stein! Enjoy it alongside our homemade Currywurst, a very traditional German Beer Snack!
No Havana House event would be complete without a cigar, so we’re pairing the Paulaner with a fantastic Davidoff smoke – the Davidoff Nicaraguan Box Pressed Toro. To make the experience even more special, we will be joined by Anthony from Davidoff, who will be presenting our cigar for the evening!
Cigars and many other brands of German Oktoberfest Beer will be available to buy on the night!
Last week we held our inaugural Clay Pigeon Shooting and Cigar Event at EJ Churchill Shooting Ground in High Wycombe. Although the British weather was against us, we had a fantastic time, smoked some incredible cigars and shot a lot of clays.
We split into three groups to have our introduction to shooting by the incredible instructors from EJ Churchill, followed by a coffee and cigar break and then onto the big competition! With 40 shots each, we embarked on a masterclass of clay pigeon shooting, with Steve, Ross and James winning the individual prizes from each team. Then we finished the day off with a delicious lunch put on by the Team at EJ Churchill!
A thoroughly good day was had by all, thanks to the fantastic hospitality of EJ Churchill; this will definitely become an annual Havana House Event from now on!
Cigars to Enjoy While Clay Pigeon Shooting
Of course, no Havana House event would be complete without cigars, and we had some fantastic smokes to enjoy on the day – the Cavalier Black Label Toro from Honduras and The Partagas Serie D No.4 – a Cuban Classic!
Cavalier Black Label Toro
The Cavalier Black Label Toro offers a rich, complex and spicy flavour profile with a solid medium-bodied strength. As we smoked the Toro, notes of red pepper, chestnuts, wood, and dark chocolate became noticeable. The robust flavours of this cigar top out at a flawless medium-bodied experience.
As a Toro format, the cigar measures 6″ x 54. It originates from Honduras and is wrapped in a Mexican San Andres wrapper.
Partagas Serie D No.4
The Partagas Serie D No.4 is both powerful and popular. The D No.4 Robusto is one of the top-selling Cuban cigars – strong and full-bodied, presenting aromas of wood and spice in equal doses.
As a Robusto format, the cigar measures 4 7/8″ x 50. It is a true Cuban classic with a Corojo wrapper.
If you’re looking for cigar smoking events in the UK, check out our upcoming events and join us for fantastic smoking and drinking experiences with fellow cigar enthusiasts.
First CSWC Time Chase of the Season Begins at Havana House
20 April 2023 by Ellie
The Cigar Smoking World Championship (CSWC) 2023 season is off to a fantastic start, with the first Time Chase event of the season starting at Havana House Hove.
Jobey Ashcroft won the Havana House UK 2023 Time Chase in Hove, providing the first official time of the CSWC 2023 season, with a smoke time of 1 hour, 7 minutes and 32 seconds. Jobey is a novice to the competition, making this an even more impressive feat!
The first Time Chase of the season was a nail-biter, and it foreshadows what we may anticipate this season: high stakes. While Jobey was able to smoke the cigar for 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 32 seconds, the runner-up, Josh Packham, had a time of 1 hour, 7 minutes and 19 seconds, making this an incredibly close race! Sarah Saunders, CSWC’s official judge, provided a terrific competition.
The CSWC Top 20 list is now open and will be published soon to reveal who will be going through to the final of the Cigar Smoking World Championship, where the 2023 winner will be determined.
Speaking of the event, CSWC Founder Marko Bilic said:
“The United Kingdom has risen to the top of the CSWC rankings. Sarah Saunders performed a miracle there by promoting the CSWC and the idea behind it. She was successful in conveying the thrill of the CSWC to UK cigar enthusiasts, who enthusiastically welcomed the notion of the slow smoking challenge.”
The Cigar Smoking World Championship is an international competition in the “slow smoking” of cigars.
What is the CSWC?
Competitors compete in how slow they can smoke their cigar, with time penalties given for such things as breaking their ash or burning the competition ring (cigar band).
Since 2019, the official competition cigar is the CSWC Rocky Patel Mareva, which is 5 ⅛ inches long, with a 42 ring gauge.
CSWC Events at Havana House
Josh Cotton from Havana House says: “We are always so excited to support Sarah and the CSWC. Hove’s event was a fantastic start to our CSWC season, and everyone did fantastically, especially as they were all first-timers to the competition! Well done, Jobey, on the win.”
CSWC Qualifying Event at Havana House Windsor
We are hosting another CSWC qualifying event at our Havana House Windsor Store on the 3rd of May 2023. We will again be joined by Sarah Saunders (Official CSWC UK Judge and Founder of the Women’s International Cigar Club), who will be guiding us through the competition.
The ticket to the event includes the Rocky Patel CSWC Mareva Championship cigar, as well as a choice of either the Rocky Patel Quarter Century Robusto or La Galera Imperial Jade Robusto. There will also be a sampling of Brugal Rums from The Dominican Republic, including the Brugal Añejo Superior and Brugal 1888 Double-Aged Rum.
New UK Cigar Smoking World Championship Record Made by Havana House Director Paresh Patel
9 September 2022 by Ellie
We certainly know a thing or two about smoking cigars here at Havana House, and with a new UK record for slow smoking at the CSWC qualifiers under our belt thanks to our Director, Paresh Patel, it’s safe to say we’re pros!
We’re excited to share that Havana House Director, Paresh Patel, has set a new UK record at the Cigar Smoking World Championship qualifier! Paresh managed to enjoy his cigar for an impressive 2 hours 10 minutes and 59 seconds at the qualifying event held in Windsor in July 2022.
Not only is this a new record for the UK, but it also meant that Paresh was in the top 20 competitors in the world, coming in at position 13 in the slow smoking qualifiers, meaning he was able to compete in the Cigar Smoking World Championship final.
The Cigar Smoking World Championship (CSWC) was first held on the 10th November 2010 in Split, Croatia. The Championship intends to celebrate passion and love for great cigars, and has only grown in popularity since its conception by Mark Bilic.
Since the first World Championship, the CSWC has been headed by Mark Bilic alongside Mareva Vice President Ivana Vrdoljak to bring cigar lovers together across the world.
Unlike other races of competitions, the aim of the CSWC is to see who can smoke a cigar for the longest time, meaning that the slowest smoker wins!
CSWC Rules
To keep the competition fair, there are a few rules that need to be followed for the CSWC:
All participants receive the same cigar that they picked themselves from the box.
Participants may only use items provided by the organiser. These items include a cigar cutter and a box with two long matches.
The winner of the competition is the person who smokes the cigar for the longest period of time without having to relight it.
The competition will be judged by two judges and penalty points may be awarded throughout.
CSWC World Champion of 2022
The winner of the CSWC for 2022 is Borys Szkodzik from Poland, who smoked the competition cigar in 3 hours 20 minutes and 3 seconds.
Havana House Windsor Cigar Cruise
24 June 2022 by Ellie
Havana House was excited to host the Windsor Cigar Cruise again after two years without being able to join together for this celebration of cigars. The Havana House Cigar Cruise is an annual tradition for cigar lovers in the UK to meet and enjoy great smokes, drinks, and time with fellow aficionados, and we are thrilled to be able to hold this event again in 2022.
We have held the Havana House Windsor Cigar Cruise for 15 years, and each year hundreds of cigar lovers join us for a cruise down the River Thames for a night of cigar smoking, drink sampling, tasty canapes and live music.
As we entered the boat, guests were provided with a welcome cocktail before heading to the open top deck to enjoy a great smoke with like-minded aficionados. Below the deck, you could find our mobile cigar shop and have the chance to sample drinks from brand ambassadors.
On the cruise we enjoyed some incredible smokes from Rocky Patel – Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Petit Belicoso Cigar, Rocky Patel Disciple Robusto and Sixty by Rocky Patel Toro.
Sad you missed out? Don’t worry! We’re having another cigar cruise on Friday 19th August, so join us if you didn’t make our June cruise or want to go again.
For guests with a Cigar Ticket, the evening will come with two specially selected cigars – one from Cuba and one from the New World – which have a value of over £55, making this a great value occasion for cigar lovers.
Speaking of the cruise, Josh Cotton, our Brand Development Manager, said:
“We were so excited to welcome our wonderful customers back on the Cigar Cruise after 2 years. The Havana House Cigar Cruise is always an outstanding event, and this year was no exception. The weather was perfect, we smoked some fantastic Rocky Patel Cigars, and we can’t wait to see more familiar faces and hopefully some new faces at our next cruise on the 19th of August!”
Havana House at the ProCigar Fest 2022
2 March 2022 by Ellie
At the end of February 2022, the ProCigar Festival made a return in the Dominican Republic. The ProCigar Festival is one of three main cigar events in the premium cigar industry, and celebrates the handmade smokes and culture of the Dominican Republic.
As part of the festivities, the cigar factories in the Dominican Republic were opened to the public to offer an insight into the manufacture of cigars in the Dominican Republic.
During the ProCigar Festival, the days are filled with exciting trips to the tobacco fields and tours of cigar factories, while nights are packed with lively cigar dinners, where delicious Dominican smokes can be enjoyed in the presence of the cigarmakers.
ProCigar Festival 2022
The 2022 ProCigar Festival took place on February 22nd-25th, commencing in Santiago.
As well as tobacco field and cigar factory tours, guests of the festival were invited to insightful workshops and seminars to discover more about the cigar industry, while being lucky enough to try out some new and unreleased cigars.
Paresh Patel, the owner and Director of Havana House, was lucky enough to be in attendance of this year’s ProCigar Festival in the Dominican Republic.
Paresh states: “The ProCigar festival this year was an amazing chance for me to meet lots of different people in the industry, meeting old friends and making contacts with new faces that we will hopefully be working with in the future!”
ProCigar Gala Dinner
The ProCigar Fest hosts a gala dinner each year with an auction to raise money to support charities and organisations in the Dominican Republic. In 2022, all proceeds raised were donated to the Voluntariado Jesús con los Niños (A non-profit organisation for sick children), the Hospicio San Vicente de Paul (A retirement home for low-income elders) and A Home for my Family (ProCigar’s charitable initiative to provide housing for industry employees).
This year, nearly $350,000 was raised during the auction.
September marked the 200th Independence Anniversary of Honduras and Central America, so we hosted a ‘Dos Cientos’ event to celebrate. We enjoyed a unique selection of Honduran and Nicaraguan cigars supplied by Tor Imports to mark the occasion. The event took place on the evening of Tuesday, 21st September, in Windsor.
We were honoured to have the Ambassador of Honduras, H.E. Iván Romero Martínez, Dean of the Latin American Diplomatic Corps, join us for the event.
As well as sampling some of the finest Honduran and Nicaraguan cigars, we indulged in a selection of rum and coffee, which pairs impeccably with the tastes of Central American smokes.
What Did We Smoke?
A special occasion calls for a special cigar, and we certainly picked out some of the best! We started with the Alec Bradley Prensado Churchill, which was awarded 1st place in Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of 2011.
This cigar was followed by the Drew Estate Undercrown Sungrown Robusto, which was fantastic to smoke alongside a spectacular glass of Flor de Caña Rum 12yrs, and award-winning Honduran speciality coffee.
Independence of Honduras
This event was to commemorate the independence of Honduras, which occurred on 15th September 1821.
Prior to their independence, Honduras had been colonised by Spain in 1524 and were part of the Spanish Captaincy General of Guatemala, which controlled Central America. On September 15th 1821, “The Act of Independence of Central America” was signed in Guatemala City.
In 1838, the modern state of Honduras was formed.
Celebrating Honduras
It was fantastic to celebrate this remarkable milestone in the fascinating history of Honduras, a country with an identity forged over thousands of years of settlement, conquest, federations, empires, and republics. Today, it is an extraordinary, multi-ethnic, multilingual, and multicultural melting pot.
Shaped by an astounding geography and lush nature and inhabited by a vivacious blend of Native Americans, Spanish, British, African, and other Europeans, who have lived and mixed together for centuries, all contributing to one of the most welcoming, colourful and joyous cultural tapestries on earth.
If you would like to join us for future events like this one, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook for our latest updates.
Cigar Smoking World Championship 2021 Grand Finale and Winner
27 September 2021 by Ellie
The Cigar Smoking World Championship (CSWC) has concluded for another year. The 2021 contest ended with the grand finale hosted in Split, Croatia, where Henrik Krisstenson from Sweden was announced World Champion.
For the uninitiated, the point of the CSWC is to smoke a cigar for as long as possible – the longest time wins! While this may sound a bit like watching paint dry, it’s actually a thrilling experience to see, and you’ll be at the edge of your seat watching the cigars slowly get smaller!
Krisstenson won with an amazing time of 2 hours 42 minutes and 07 seconds. Boris Szodziak from Poland came in second place, with a very close time of 2 hours 41 minutes and 50 seconds. It all came down to 17 seconds!
Klaudia Ide, also from Poland, came in third place with a time of 2 hours 22 minutes and 55 seconds.
Qualifying Rounds
Prior to the grand final, qualifying contests were hosted around the world to send the best aficionados for a shot at the World Champion title. Here at Havana House, we hosted a qualifying event of our own, with Etan Patel taking the winning spot with a fantastic time of 1 hour 8 minutes and 46 seconds.
Etan Patel went on to compete in the grand final in Split, Croatia, where he came 8th out of 16 and gained a new personal best time.
CSWC 2021 Cigar
This year, the CSWC partnered with Rocky Patel to produce the cigar that was used for the competition. The official competition cigar was the Mareva (Corona), which measures 5 1⁄8 x 42 ring gauge.
If you’d like to give the challenge of slow smoking a cigar a go, then you can try it out with the official CSWC cigar Rocky Patel Cigar Smoking World Championship Mareva Cigar, which was also awarded No. 9 in Cigar Journal’s Top 25 of 2020.
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