Finding the very best hand-rolled tobacco is a task that requires vast knowledge, international connections and an expert palette.
Spear’s has curated the list below to feature those who can ease the process of sourcing the best cigars and arranging the finer details for their high-net-worth 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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Best cigar experts: names to know
George Frakes – New addition
Firm: Frakes Cigar Consultancy
George Frakes is one of the names behind 1573, importers of Havanan and Nicaraguan cigars, but in parallel runs an independent advisory service. New clients come through word of mouth and recommendations, as well as training butler schools in the way of cigars.
Read George Frakes’ full profile on Spears500.com
Jasim Ahmed – Recommended
Firm: Independent
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Ahmed is a cigar influencer and mentor based in Dubai with an impressive social media following whom he introduces to cigars and the culture that surrounds them. He offers online cigar courses for groups of up to 10 friends, aiming to dispel misconceptions about cigars.
Read Jasim Ahmed’s full profile on Spears500.com
Valentino Bau – Recommended
Firm: The Arts Club
Valentino Bau manages the Oscuro cigar and fine spirits room at The Arts Club in London. He has worked in top European hotels and restaurants, and became a Master of Armagnac in 2018.
Read Valentino Bau’s full profile on Spears500.com
Methodology
In selecting and ranking the best cigar advisers, the Spear’s Research Unit conducts extensive research of the market, including interviews with well-informed observers, industry insiders and of course the advisers themselves. These take place both face-to-face, and on video and telephone calls. Candidates for inclusion are asked to fill in a form to provide data and a description of their work and client base. In finalising its selections and rankings, the Spear’s Research Unit employs a proprietary methodology that includes a weighted scoring system. This takes into account factors including an adviser’s standing, reputation, client base, recommendations and testimonials, the firm they represent, their level of engagement with the process and certain industry-specific criteria.
Best cigar advisers: 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.
Find out more
To explore all the Spear’s indices, and to use our find-an-adviser tool to identify the private client adviser who is right for your specific requirements, go to the Spear’s 500 website.
To receive relevant research updates from Spear’s – and thereby give you and your firm the best chance of being included in future Spear’s indices – please register here. If you are an adviser featured in an index and would like to update your profile or provide additional information, please email research@spearswms.com. If you are not featured but would like to be, please fill out our form.
