An Ambassador Answers

Cigar Keep's global community requires legendary figures from all over the world to join us in spreading the news and championing the cause of togetherness. This time, the one and only Tom Chamberlin answers our questions.

1. What kickstarted your passion for cigars?

That would be the fault of Nick Foulkes. I worked for him many years ago and he told me as if I were Ophelia to his Hamlet, he beckoned "get thee to the Sahakians" and off I went. A roller from Cuba happened to be in store, and after introducing myself to Eddie and telling him why I was there, he swiped one of the freshly-rolled cigars, took me across Jermyn Street to Francos, taught me how to light it, smoke it and appreciate it. This was akin to having Jonny wilkinson show me how to kick a rugby ball, Shakespeare teaching me to write or The Proprietor showing me how to survive a week behind enemy lines. Then I went to Cuba for a week, and my fate (the good kind) was sealed.

2. What is your favorite cigar?

This is a complex question as my desert island cigar is the Ramon Allones Gigantes. I am excited every time I take one out of the humidor. But the greatest smoke I ever had was the Cohiba Majestuosos 50th anniversary. Genuinely life changing.

3. Do you have a favorite lounge or terrace to smoke in?

Mark's Club is my club, and the terrace there has been host to some of my best smoking moments. I also love the Edward Sahakian Cigar Shop at the Bulgari Hotel. A genius indoor riposte to anti-smoking legislation.

4. What is your most memorable cigar moment?

A friend was leaving for America on a military posting. A group of eight of us gathered at Mark's Club and had the most wonderful evening with plenty of cigars smoked and leaving far too late for our own good.

5. What cigar do you think is underrated?

Cohiba Siglos III, IV and V