Finding the very best hand-rolled tobacco is a task that requires knowledge, international connections and a sophisticated, trained palette. The Spear’s index of the best cigar experts collates the names to know for (U)HNWs looking for the most high-end advice they can get on cigars.
These advisers cater to collectors, investors and cigar enthusiasts alike, offering advice on a range of questions including sourcing rare stock, building a collection or enjoying cigars as part of a broader lifestyle.
They typically start by understanding the client’s previous experience and expectations, to understand whether clients are looking to invest, collect or entertain. Not only that, but many advisers prefer to sit down and smoke a few cigars together with their clients to get a sense of personal taste.
Their expertise often extends into custom humidors, long-term storage and international sourcing, as they often have access to rare or vintage stock through their exclusive networks.
As with other luxury assets, the best cigar experts know that reputation, access and trust are paramount, from understanding the culture around cigars to connecting that knowledge to the needs of a highly discerning clientele.
Spear’s has curated the list below to feature the leading individuals who can ease the process of sourcing the best cigars and arranging the finer details for their (U)HNW clients. Many of them have acquired the sought-after Master of Habanos qualification, requiring written and practical exams on the variety, manufacture and storage of fine Cuban cigars.
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- Methodology
- The best cigar advisers: some names to know
- The best cigar advisers: the complete list
- Contact us
Methodology
Each year, the Spear’s Research Unit reassesses and refreshes its rankings of the leading providers in each sector by gathering data from and about the advisers and firms themselves, assessing submission forms, collating nominations, carrying out peer reviews, reviewing data from third-party sources, gathering references and recommendations, canvassing experts and conducting hundreds of interviews.
Advisers are evaluated using a proprietary scoring system that assigns different weightings to certain attributes. These scores feed directly into each new set of rankings in the Spear’s Indices. Each of these indices are published first online (according to the research calendar) and then in print. Print publication takes the form of the annual Spear’s 500 directory, which includes the top advisers in every index.
[See also: A guide to The Spear’s 500: Everything you need to know]
Each featured adviser is profiled on spears500.com. The site allows users to search the Spear’s database of more than 4,000 entities to find one (or more) to meet their specific requirements by filtering for specific attributes such as an adviser’s location, their specialist expertise and information about their client base.
The best cigar experts: some names to know
George Frakes
- Focus: Independent cigar consultancy
- Ranking: Top Recommended
- Firm: Independent
George Frakes is one of the names behind cigar importer 1573, but in parallel runs an independent advisory service. When advising clients, he says, ‘I purposefully don’t align myself with any particular retailer or brand.’
Frakes previously worked at James J Fox and Sons, where he looked after high-net-worth hospitality sales and rare cigars. New clients come through word of mouth and recommendations; he also trains at butler service training schools.
Read George Frakes’ full profile on Spears500.com
Jasim Ahmed
- Focus: International cigar enthusiasts
- Ranking: Top Recommended
- Firm: Jasim Ahmed
Jasim Ahmed is an award-winning cigar influencer and mentor who is increasingly catering for an international audience of cigar enthusiasts.
As a certified Master of Habanos in the UAE, Ahmed is qualified to induct people into the world of fine cigars, and works with La Casa del Habano in Dubai to help aficionados select the perfect smoke. But it’s through his social media that he is finding a much larger audience.
Read Jasim Ahmed’s full profile on Spears500.com
Valentino Bau
- Focus: Cigars, whiskies and cognac
- Ranking: Top Recommended
- Firm: The Arts Club
Valentino Bau is the manager of the Oscuro cigar lounge at The Arts Club, the exclusive London private members’ establishment at 40 Dover Street in Mayfair.
Bau has worked in Europe’s finest hotels, including the Grand Hotel des Bains in Venice, and restaurants such as the three-Michelin-star Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire, where he first became familiar with fine spirits and cigars, becoming a Mousquetaire d’Armagnac in 2018.
Read Valentino Bau’s full profile on Spears500.com
The best cigar experts: the complete list
Click on the individual names to be directed to more detailed profiles of each adviser on The Spear’s 500 website. The table is ordered by ranking and then alphabetically by surname.
Contact us
- To apply for inclusion in The Spear’s 500, complete our submission form.
- For further information about rankings, please email research@spearswms.com; we aim to respond to all queries within two working days.
- For commercial enquiries and questions relating to enhanced profiles, please contact Commercial Director Shady Elkholy: shady.elkholy@spearswms.com
- To keep up to date with the Spear’s 500, subscribe to our magazine, newsletter and follow Spear’s on Linkedin and Instagram.
- If you have missed calendar deadlines for our research cycles in 2025, you can still register your interest for updates about upcoming research and rankings.
- Click here to order a print copy of The Spear’s 500.
