Summertime Smoke 2025: a celebration of cigars, craft and community
A summer to remember
On Saturday, 2 August 2025, cigar lovers from across the UK and beyond converged on the EJ Churchill Shooting Ground in High Wycombe for the Summertime Smoke – Festival of Cigars. Held from midday until 7 p.m, the event was the first large‑scale consumer cigar festival on British soil. Organisers had spent two decades hosting smaller events and cultivating a loyal community. Their passion and experience culminated in a one‑day festival that promised to be “unforgettable”—and judging by the sold‑out crowd, it delivered.
An immersive tasting experience
The festival offered attendees a rare opportunity to explore the world of cigars. Each ticket included five premium cigars worth over £150 and a goodie bag. Guests could stroll between exhibitors, sample exclusive blends and learn directly from the master blenders who created them. Whether newcomers or seasoned aficionados, everyone was invited to “immerse [themselves] in the culture, craftsmanship and passion” of cigar making.
Meeting the people behind the cigars was a highlight. The brand ambassador area allowed visitors to chat with industry legends and rising stars. Rocky Patel, the lawyer‑turned‑cigar‑mogul who launched his first cigars in 1995, was on hand to discuss his ever‑growing portfolio. From Chateau Diadem, co‑founders Emily Sahakian and Thierry Farah explained how they combine a refined palate with deep tobacco knowledge to create luxury blends. Abe Flores of PDR Cigars, who returned to his Dominican roots after a career in technology, shared stories of growing up on a tobacco farm and eventually running his own factory. Roy Sommer, the head of Davidoff’s UK operations, recounted how the company evolved from Zino Davidoff’s Geneva shop to a global luxury powerhouse.
Several exhibitors underscored the festival’s international flavour. José “Jochy” Blanco of La Galera described how his fourth‑generation Dominican family oversees every stage of production, from cultivating tobacco to rolling cigars. Romy & Fouad Kashouty of Hiram & Solomon highlighted the brand’s roots in Masonic brotherhood and its expansion into Nicaragua, inviting attendees to “pull up a chair, sit back, light up”. George Frakes, UK distributor for Foundation/1573 Cigars, recounted how he fell in love with the brand in 2016 and now extols its balanced flavours. Lewis Seymour represented Arturo Fuente, sharing the century‑long story of a family that recovered from fire and moved production to the Dominican Republic, eventually creating the famous Opus X. Becky Moss‑Allison from Gurkha Cigars discussed the brand’s luxurious offerings and the legend of Kaizad Hansotia buying the rights to “Gurkha” for $149.
Food, drink and masterclasses
The festival wasn’t just about cigars; it was about pairings and hospitality. A curated cigar & drinks sampling section paired premium cigars with hand‑selected rum and whisky, showing how different spirits can accentuate flavour notes. BBQ and food trucks lined the venue, offering everything from hearty grilled meats to lighter dishes. With live music and a relaxed open‑air setting, the event felt more like a summer party than a trade show.
Attendees who wanted to deepen their knowledge could register for optional masterclasses. Each session was limited to 30 guests to maintain an intimate feel. Rocky Patel taught a masterclass on blending and ageing cigars; George Frakes explained the complexity of Foundation cigars; José Manuel Blanco of La Galera provided insight into Dominican tobacco; and Jeremy Casdagli shared the heritage of Casdagli Cigars. These classes allowed enthusiasts to ask detailed questions and taste limited‑edition blends under expert guidance.
The festival also offered optional clay‑shooting experiences at the EJ Churchill grounds. For novices, instructors taught safety and technique while guests enjoyed 25 clays and cartridges in a 45‑minute lesson. The world‑class shooting venue—used by Team GB athletes and boasting six disciplines—added an adventurous twist to the day.
A celebration of community
With demand “expected to sell out fast”, tickets were indeed snapped up—the event showed as out of stock by festival day. The limited spaces created a friendly, intimate atmosphere where strangers struck up conversations over cigars and whisky. People came from all walks of life: corporate professionals, hospitality workers, long‑time collectors and curious newcomers. What they shared was a love of cigars and a desire to meet the people who craft them.
Throughout the day, the sense of craftsmanship, culture and community was palpable. Organisers described the festival as “more than just a festival—it’s a celebration”, and the atmosphere proved them right. Moments like hearing Jochy Blanco speak about the rolling room (“La Galera”) or learning about the philanthropic work of the Fuente family reinforced that cigars are as much about stories as they are about smoke.
Summertime Smoke 2025 was more than a gathering; it was a landmark moment for British cigar culture. After years of planning, the organisers delivered a world‑class festival that brought together leading cigar houses, master blenders and enthusiasts under one sun‑dappled sky. Guests left with arms full of cigars and hearts full of memories, eager for the next chapter in the UK’s growing cigar scene.
For those who missed out, Cigars Unlimited plans to carry forward the festival’s spirit by hosting tastings and events throughout the year. Keep an eye on our calendar—if the success of Summertime Smoke is any indication, Britain’s cigar renaissance is just getting started.