Tunbridge Wells may be a far cry from Cuba, but Julien Foussadier, cigar aficionado and head barman at the local Hotel du Vin, has just been named UK champion in the Habano Sommelier competition for cigar sommeliers. He will now compete at the international finals in Havana in 2006. Emily Manson reports
Where did you train?
I did some basic training with Hunters & Frankau but also learnt a lot from books. I went to Cuba for the first time last year. I learnt so much about the whole process and visited the factories - the smell is just unbelievable. When I came back I felt ready for the competition and wanted to move forward in the cigar business. I keep trying to smoke as many different types as possible to keep increasing my knowledge.
How do you choose the right cigar for each person?
It's like being a wine sommelier. You need to know the guest's budget, taste and how long they want to smoke. I go through each brand and explain to customers that Cohibas are too full for some people - their aroma is like roasting coffee beans, whereas a Monte Cristo is sweeter and more nutty, with a hint of chocolate.
How did it feel to win the national finals?
It was very exciting, as it was a very difficult competition. There was a general exam testing your knowledge and then we had to pick a spirit from a list and match it with a cigar and explain our reasoning. I picked a 25-year-old Calvados from Adrien Camut and put it with a San Cristobal La Fuerza cigar.
What's your best seller?
It's not the same every month, because most people ask for recommendations. This means I choose different ones to keep them interested. When they want a basic cigar, I try to expand their knowledge by playing with their tastes. Some people think cigars that are the same size all taste the same, but it's not true.
Despite the public backlash against cigarettes, cigars are becoming increasingly popular. Why do you think this is?
People smoke both cigars and cigarettes, but it's like comparing beer with wine - they're completely different. Because you don't inhale cigars they are seen as not as dangerous, and instead of smoking 10 cigarettes a day you might smoke only two cigars a week. Also, the cigar factories are expanding their ranges, so there are cigars for everyone - whatever their expectations.
Do you think the smoking ban will affect your business?
Our restaurant is already non-smoking and our humidors are in the lounge where we don't serve food, so it shouldn't affect our market.
Are you nervous about the international finals?
It's the same format as the UK competition, except I get to choose the spirits and cigars myself, so I just want to find the perfect match.