On Monday 1 December, Boisdale once again became the London capital of cigar culture as aficionados from around the world gathered for the Boisdale Xerjoff Cigar Smoker of the Year Awards 2025, in partnership with Santa Rita.

Now in its thirteenth year, the awards have grown into the most prestigious cigar event outside Havana and the leading cigar awards in the UK, celebrating the finest cigars, producers, communicators, sommeliers, master blenders and cigar smokers on the international stage.

Hosted by Tom Parker Bowles and Ranald Macdonald, the sold-out black-tie evening brought together the great and good of the cigar world alongside global film stars, artists, writers, business leaders and the London commentariat. Guests included Omar Lye-Fook, James Cosmo, Lawrence Dallaglio, Ferne McCann and David Haye.

The evening opened with a drinks reception featuring Penn Croft Village Sparkling 2022, Penn Croft Village Sparkling Rosé 2020, Glencadam Reserva PX Glasgow Mule with Artisan Fiery Ginger Beer, Glencadam Reserva Andalucía Old Fashioned and Innis & Gunn craft beer.

Guests then sat down to a three-course dinner, including dry-aged fillet of beef with braised beef cheek pie, paired with Santa Rita wines. Entertainment came courtesy of Ladyva, performing her world-renowned boogie-woogie on the Yamaha grand piano, followed by a special performance from Mr Frank Sinatra and Miss Nancy Sinatra.

The charity auction raised an impressive £35,558.95 for Dallaglio RugbyWorks, Clan Donald Lands Trust Charity and The BREDS Treasure Beach Foundation, supporting an area of acute need following Hurricane Melissa. The auction included more than 90 lots, ranging from vintage cigars and rare cognacs to fine wines, art and exclusive experiences.

A live auction highlight was a gourmet Taste of Scotland lunch for 12 at Boisdale, hosted by Lawrence Dallaglio, David Haye, Tom Parker Bowles and Ranald Macdonald, which sold for £12,000.

The Winners

The 2025 awards celebrated the full breadth of cigar culture, from craftsmanship and connoisseurship to hospitality, sport and lifetime achievement.

Cigar Accessory of the Year
David Kelaty of Mantis Cigar Accessories

Cigar Spirit of the Year
Andrew Sinat of Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky

Cigar Communicator of the Year
Aaron Sigmund

Cigar Sommelier of the Year
Antonio Lo Iacono of The Beaumont Hotel

Best Value Cigar of the Year
Mitchellero Nicaraguan Robusto

Cigar Newcomer of the Year
Charatan Claro Half Churchill

Limited Edition Cigar of the Year
Davidoff Winston Churchill Limited Edition 2025, The Artist

Robusto Cigar of the Year
Vegueros Centrofinos

Cigar of the Year
Oliva Serie V Double Robusto

Cigar Producer of the Year
Fuente

Cigar Master Blender of the Year
Pete Johnson

Cigar Guardian of the Year
Joshua Habursky of the PCA

Cigar Lifetime Achievement
Christian Eiroa

Cigar Chef of the Year
Enzo Oliveri

Cigar Sportsman of the Year
Lawrence Dallaglio

Cigar Smoker of the Year
Randolph Churchill

Cigars of the Evening

Guests received a remarkable selection of cigars to enjoy throughout the evening, including Macanudo Emissary España Robusto, Charatan London Claro Half Churchill, Davidoff Winston Churchill Robusto, Mitchellero Robusto, Gurkha 10th Anniversary Toro and Vegueros Centrofinos.

VIP and Premium guests also received Tatuaje 7th Corojo, CLE Connecticut Robusto and the award-winning Oliva Serie V Double Robusto.

It was a night of smoke, sparkle and serious connoisseurship, with Boisdale raising a glass, and a very fine cigar, to the people who keep the culture alive.