Desmond Sautter – the cigar aficionado’s favourite uncle

James Leavey talks to one the industry’s most enduring personalities

Ten years ago, Desmond Sautter handed me a pre-Castro Havana in Monte’s cigar-themed restaurant, which at the time was a short walk from his illustrious cigar shop in London’s Mayfair. It was easily the best cigar I have ever smoked, before or since.

Although we’d never actually met, Sautter was delighted that my first tobacco-related article, in the Daily Express, had featured a large photo of him and had suggested we celebrate the event with lunch, at his expense.

I didn’t realize that enjoying my first rare Havana after a fine meal with a man who is the epitome of London’s old school of traditional cigar merchants would prove to be a major career move, yet it was one of the singular events that heralded a decade of writing articles, columns and books on cigars – and took me around the world.

Nowadays, the cigar aficionado’s favourite uncle can usually be found behind the counter of his Mayfair shop three days a week, tastefully attired in his trademark dark blue pinstriped suit, striped shirt and tie. That’s if he’s not out lunching with his old friend, Edward Sahakian, who runs Davidoff of London.

Such is Sautter’s expertise, affability and love of cheerful banter, diplomats, tycoons, Hollywood movie icons, and royalty have beaten a path to his small but cosy cigar shop for over 25 years.

They also like Sautter because he is discreet, and never discusses his exalted clientele. And then there’s the fact that Sir Winston Churchill once lived upstairs, from 1900 to 190.....

To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Cigar Buyer to have every issue delivered direct to your door.

By James Leavey

Section : Cigar Interviews

Page number : 14

Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 2 on 01/11/2004.

This article is 54 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.



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	Desmond Sautter – the cigar aficionado’s favourite uncle James Leavey talks to one the industry’s most enduring personalities Ten years ago, Desmond Sautter handed me a pre-Castro Havana in Monte’s cigar-themed restaurant, which at the time was a short walk from his illustrious cigar shop in London’s Mayfair. It was easily the best cigar I have ever smoked, before or since. Although we’d never actually met, Sautter was delighted that my first tobacco-related article, in the Daily Express, had featured a large photo of him and had suggested we celebrate the event with lunch, at his expense. I didn’t realize that enjoying my first rare Havana after a fine meal with a man who is the epitome of London’s old school of traditional cigar merchants would prove to be a major career move, yet it was one of the singular events that heralded a decade of writing articles, columns and books on cigars – and took me around the world. Nowadays, the cigar aficionado’s favourite uncle can usually be found behind the counter of his Mayfair shop three days a week, tastefully attired in his trademark dark blue pinstriped suit, striped shirt and tie. That’s if he’s not out lunching with his old friend, Edward Sahakian, who runs Davidoff of London. Such is Sautter’s expertise, affability and love of cheerful banter, diplomats, tycoons, Hollywood movie icons, and royalty have beaten a path to his small but cosy cigar shop for over 25 years. They also like Sautter because he is discreet, and never discusses his exalted clientele. And then there’s the fact that Sir Winston Churchill once lived upstairs, from 1900 to 190..... To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Cigar Buyer to have every issue delivered direct to your door. By James Leavey Section : Cigar Interviews Page number : 14 Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 2 on 01/11/2004. Subscribe Buy this issue More from this issue Preview other issues This article is 54 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements. Copyright Cigar Buyer © 1999-2009. All rights reserved. To use or reproduce part or all of this article please contact us for details of how you can do so legally.