Date: August 12, 2006
129 Walham Green Court
Moore Park Road
London SW6 2DG
Proprietor: Adrian Lesley
It’s raining this morning and I decide to grab a taxi from Mayfair over to this store just off Fulham Road. The sign on the front door says it will be a late opening today because the staff is on vacation. Around 10:55am Adrian, the proprietor, shows up with his cute dog and apologizes for keeping me waiting.
Adrian (and the dog!) welcome me into the store along with another regular. It’s a tidy, contemporary space with a great walk-in humidor. The regular settles himself down in a plush chair as Adrian warms the espresso machine. We exchange pleasantries and I begin with my standing opening line…. Do you have any aged Cubans?
From that one question, what followed was a fascinating education and journey of discovery into aged Habanos. Adrian is not your average tobacconist. He is a passionate aficionado, and is extremely well-connected in the international cigar community. He travels each year to Cuba, is a regular at the auctions and has extensive relationships at all levels of the industry. The store is dotted with photographs of rollers, factories and Adrian standing in tobacco fields in Cuba.
The location of the store is within walking distance of the exclusive Habanos distributor in the UK, Hunters & Frankau.
I was invited into the humidor and he opened up his personal lockers to share what has been maturing over the years. I’m astounded, not just at the age of the cigars, but the quality. He takes the time to demonstrate how he selects the “best of the best”. It’s a fascinating lesson in smell, feel and inspection from cap to tip.
At his recommendation I make some Limited Edition selections as well as a box of Trinidad Robusto Extras. As we are winding up the selections, he asks, “Would you be interested in some pre-revolution cigars…. My jaw drops…. Erhhhh, sure I stutter….
He shows me a collection that are dated from 1945. Punch Inimitables and Hoyo de Monterey Serie C’s. Both are extremely rare and in great condition. Would I be interested in purchasing? Needless to say I will be reviewing these in future reviews if I can acquire them.
I spent an hour and half with Adrian and his dog in this great store. I will definitely keep in contact with him and make future visits as this has been one of my best retail experiences.
+44-207-386-9000
http://www.cigarsunlimited.co.uk/
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