On Monday 2 December 2024, the unmistakable scent of fine tobacco filled the air at the legendary Boisdale of Canary Wharf in London, as cigar aficionados, industry figures and celebrities gathered for the twelfth annual Santa Rita Boisdale Cigar Smoker of the Year Dinner & Awards.
A sold-out, black-tie spectacle, the evening was a glittering tribute to the artistry, craftsmanship and community of cigar culture – honouring producers, communicators, chefs, musicians and, of course, the ultimate accolade: Smoker of the Year.
The Atmosphere & Highlights
From the very first pop of Champagne corks, the mood was set. Guests were welcomed with a lavish reception featuring Boisdale Premier Cru Champagne, Flor de Cana 18-year rum, and Highclere Castle gin, enjoyed amid laughter, conversation and a haze of the world’s finest cigars.
Inside the elegant halls of Boisdale, overlooking the sparkling skyline of Canary Wharf, sophistication met exuberance. Cigar lounges buzzed with conversation, Santa Rita and Vina Carmen wines flowed freely, and guests were treated to live performances – from a captivating Edith Piaf tribute to an upbeat boogie-woogie piano set that had the audience on its feet.
Adding purpose to pleasure, the evening’s charity auction raised £55,000, benefiting the International Churchill Society, the Sovereign Art Foundation, and the Lord of the Isles Galley Charitable Trust – a powerful reminder that passion and philanthropy can go hand in hand.
Among the glittering crowd were household names such as Piers Morgan, Ray Winstone, Kelsey Grammer, alongside ambassadors, business leaders and cigar-industry icons, all gathered to toast a year of success and craftsmanship.
The Awards: Celebrating the Best in the Business
The highlight of the evening was, of course, the presentation of awards recognising excellence across the cigar world.
Winners of the 2024 Santa Rita Boisdale Cigar Smoker of the Year Awards included:
- Communicator of the Year: Ana Lopez, Hunters & Frankau
- Sommelier of the Year: Blue Curran, The Emory
- Producer of the Year: Plasencia Cigars, Nicaragua
- Newcomer of the Year: Casa 1910 Revolutionary Edition Cuchillo Parado Robusto, Mexico
- Robusto of the Year: Davidoff Grand Cru Robusto, Dominican Republic
- Churchill Cigar of the Year: Romeo & Julieta Wide Churchill, Cuba
- Cigar of the Year: E.P. Carrillo Encore Majestic, Nicaragua
- Spirit of the Year: Tomintoul Cigar Malt
- Chef of the Year: Niall Keating
- Sportsperson of the Year: David Haye
- Musician of the Year: Paul Oakenfold
- Smoker of the Year: Piers Morgan
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Mitchell Orchant
The applause that followed was more than celebration – it was recognition of the craftsmanship, creativity and camaraderie that define the global cigar community.
Why It Matters to the Cigar Community
This is far more than a glamorous evening. The Santa Rita Boisdale Awards capture the very essence of cigar culture – craftsmanship, heritage and human connection. Each year, the event unites producers, retailers and connoisseurs in shared appreciation, proving that cigars are not just luxuries but expressions of artistry and tradition.
For enthusiasts across the UK, it represents the spirit of what cigar enjoyment is all about – conversation, culture and community wrapped in rich tobacco aroma.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Santa Rita Boisdale Awards
The countdown has already begun for the 2025 Santa Rita Boisdale Cigar Smoker of the Year Dinner & Awards, returning once again to Boisdale of Canary Wharf on Monday 1 December 2025.
If 2024 is any indication, next year’s celebration promises another unforgettable evening of fine cigars, refined company and enduring memories – continuing the legacy of what is now recognised as the most important cigar celebration outside of Cuba.
Last Puff
The Santa Rita Boisdale Cigar Smoker of the Year Dinner & Awards is more than an event – it’s a celebration of everything cigars represent: luxury, craftsmanship and shared passion.
The 2024 edition brought together the great and the good of the cigar world in a remarkable fusion of smoke, style and sophistication. With anticipation building for 2025, the Boisdale tradition continues to capture the imagination of cigar lovers across the UK and beyond.
Explore our full range of premium cigars at Simply Cigars and celebrate the art of fine smoking year-round.er as an enthusiast, retailer or industry professional—this is one of the must-attend nights of the year.