Cigar Sommelier Academy
Professional Certification Program — 2026
The Cigar Sommelier Academy is a self-paced professional certification program designed for tobacconists, lounge owners, hospitality professionals, and serious enthusiasts who want to develop a comprehensive, expert-level understanding of premium cigars.
The program consists of ten sequential modules covering the full arc of cigar knowledge, from agricultural origins and leaf science to service excellence and pairing. Students complete each module at their own pace, then unlock the next upon completion. All ten modules must be completed before the final examination becomes available.
Format
Self-paced, online
Modules
10 sequential units
Final Exam
70 questions, 90 minutes
Passing Score
90% or better (63 of 70)
Exam Attempts
Three attempts included
Access
Lifetime, no expiration
Every enrollment includes: all ten module study guides, the Practitioner's Toolkit reference document, the final certification examination, and a downloadable certificate of achievement upon passing. Study guides provide per-module content with multiple choice and written self-assessment questions. The Practitioner's Toolkit is a field reference covering key terminology, regional profiles, vitola charts, and pairing frameworks.
History and Lineage
Trace the cigar from its Taino origins through colonial Spain, the Cuban golden age, the revolution and exile period, and into the modern premium market. Understand how political and cultural forces shaped the industry we know today.
Agriculture, Seed, Soil and Sun
Understand how terroir, seed genetics, growing altitude, and sunlight exposure shape the character of every leaf before it ever reaches a roller. Covers priming positions, Corojo and Criollo seed families, and the concept of terroir as it applies to tobacco.
Chemistry, Curing and Fermentation
Learn the science behind barn curing and pilón fermentation, and how temperature and humidity transform raw leaf into refined tobacco. Understand what happens chemically during fermentation and why it takes two or more years to produce premium leaf.
Anatomy, Wrapper, Binder and Filler
Study the three-leaf structure of a premium cigar and how each component contributes to draw, combustion, and flavor profile. Learn to distinguish wrapper grades, binder function, and filler blend construction.
Geography, The Big Four
Explore the four dominant growing regions, Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, and what makes each distinctive in terms of soil, climate, and flavor profile. Covers secondary regions including Ecuador, Cameroon, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
Construction, Rolling and Draw
Examine the torcedor's craft: the bunching, rolling, and pressing techniques that determine draw, burn rate, and structural integrity. Covers vitola nomenclature, ring gauge, and how to assess construction quality by sight and feel.
Storage Science
Master the principles of humidor management, including ideal humidity ranges, temperature control, wood selection, and seasonal calibration. Learn to identify and remediate common storage failures including mold, plume, and tobacco beetle.
The Ritual, Cut, Light and Ash
Learn the proper techniques for cutting, toasting, and lighting a cigar, and what the ash color, texture, and length tell a trained observer about construction quality and leaf fermentation. Covers cutter types, torch vs. cedar, and retrohale technique.
Retail Service and Customer Excellence
Develop the floor skills to guide a guest from browsing to a confident purchase, using listening, knowledge, and presentation. Covers needs assessment, flavor bridge communication, upsell technique, and building long-term relationships with regulars.
Pairing Science
Discover how to match cigars with spirits, coffee, and food by understanding flavor bridges, contrast pairing, and regional affinity. Covers classic whisky and rum pairings, wine considerations, and how to build a structured pairing menu for a lounge or private event.
Students who pass the final examination at 90% or better earn the Cigar Sommelier Academy certification and are entitled to download a personalized certificate of achievement. The certificate is issued exclusively by the Cigar Sommelier Academy and signifies demonstrated professional-level knowledge across all ten curriculum areas.
The examination consists of 70 questions drawn from across all ten modules. Questions cover identification, historical fact, agricultural science, construction technique, regional geography, storage, ritual, service, and pairing. The examination is timed at 90 minutes. Students have three attempts before an access review is required.
Questions about the course or your enrollment may be directed to hello@cigarsommelier.club. We respond to all inquiries within one business day.
Course illustrations are AI-generated.