Services
Learn
The IACS’ Cigar Sommelier Certificate is the most internationally recognized cigar education degree. IACS faculty members have participated as main speakers in the three major cigar festivals worldwide (Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Cuba).
Upon successful completion of the Cigar Sommelier programs, you will become a member of the IACS, which will provide access to exclusive material for continuous education in our learning platform, discounts, referral programs for career opportunities and exclusive benefits. You will not only graduate with a certificate that designates you as an expert in the cigar service, you will become a part of a community of BOTLs and SOTLs around the globe that strive to help each other grow.
Our trainings
Cigar Sommelier Certificate
This comprehensive training program covers all essential material necessary to develop expertise in cigar service, tasting, and pairing. While originally designed for hospitality professionals, aficionados are warmly welcomed to join. The skills developed in this program can be applied to provide exceptional service in hospitality settings or to enhance the enjoyment of cigar enthusiasts at any level.
This training takes approximately 80 hours and can be offered in various formats: online, classroom, or personalized.
Classroom
Meticulously crafted to offer a comprehensive learning experience while fostering networking and active participation. Our program comprises three key components:
Prior to the two-day classroom session, participants engage in e-learning modules at their own pace. These modules lay the groundwork for in-depth discussions and activities during the classroom sessions.
Led by seasoned instructors, this interactive sessions encourages active participation, group discussions, and hands-on exercises. It’s not just about learning; it’s about connecting with fellow enthusiasts, sharing experiences, and building valuable relationships.
Following the classroom sessions, participants receive additional materials to reinforce learning and prepare for certification. This includes self-study resources and opportunities for continued networking through online forums and events.
In total, our program requires approximately 80 hours of study, including prework, classroom sessions, and after-class materials.
Online
This training is designed to provide flexibility and convenience for aspiring sommeliers worldwide. Our fully online training allows you to learn at your own pace, without the need to attend specific live sessions or adhere to strict time limits.
Utilizing the same comprehensive content, videos, and lectures as our traditional classroom program, our online training ensures consistency and quality in your learning experience. Our materials are expertly crafted by professionals in education, featuring clear illustrations and simple explanations to facilitate self-learning.
As an online student, you’ll also can request virtual sessions with an instructor to address any questions or clarifications you may need along the way.
The assessment process is exactly the same as in the classroom training. The training is identical than the classroom one: Utilizes the same content, videos and lectures. The online training provides the exact same diploma as you would in the classroom training.
Personalized
This training is designed for individuals with demanding lifestyles, the program offers a flexible and personalized learning experience. With a focus on convenience and flexibility, our sessions are conducted either through virtual sessions or face to face, depending on your preferences and availability.
The program is tailormade, the proportion of content covered through self-study or face to face teaching is structured to your convenience. During the program, you’ll work closely with a dedicated instructor who will guide you through the materials, providing personalized instruction and support every step of the way.
Master Cigar Sommelier
The Master Cigar Sommelier Diploma is the highest degree offered by the IACS, a prestigious training opportunity that occurs only once per year, held exclusively face-to-face in the Dominican Republic. Limited to just 20 participants, this immersive experience offers unparalleled access to the heart of the cigar world.
During the face-to-face training in the Dominican Republic, participants have the unique opportunity to visit tobacco fields and cigar factories, where they interact with master blenders and brand owners. This hands-on experience immerses participants in the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the cigar industry, providing invaluable insights and connections.
Please note that obtaining certification as a Cigar Sommelier is a prerequisite for enrolling in the Master Cigar Sommelier Diploma program. This ensures that all participants possess the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for the advanced coursework.
Faculty
YAMIR PELEGRINO, PHD
MASTER WINE AND CIGAR SOMMELIER
Yamir was born in Cuba, he holds a degree in Social Sciences, a JD, a Master in Wine and Spirits Education and a PhD in Tourism. He is President of the American Gourmet Academy (AGA), Director of Education of the International Association of Cigar Sommeliers (IACS), Honorary Maître of the Republic of Cuba and former President of the Cuban Club of Sommeliers.
He was awarded “Best Sommelier of 2017” by Excellencias Group and obtained the Gourmand World Cookbooks Award twice (Considered as the Nobel of Gastronomic Literature). Best known as the “Sommelier of the Stars”, Yamir has hosted dinners with more than 110 Michellin Stars being responsible of the wine and cigar pairing.
Yamir is a pioneer of the cigar education, 30 years ago he co-created the Habano Sommelier concept. He has been jury of the International Habano Sommelier Contest and facilitator of cigar training seminars in the Habano Fest in Cuba, Procigar Festival in the Dominican Republic, Hainan Tobacco Festival in China and Puro Sabor Festival in Nicaragua.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cigar Sommelier is the hospitality professional Responsible of providing an exceptional service and giving Gourmet recommendations for pairing cigars.
In the early 2000s, Habanos S.A. in Cuba identified the need to train and standardize cigar service in the hospitality industry. To address this, they collaborated
with the President of the Cuban Club of Sommeliers to develop the Habano Sommelier standards. This initiative eventually led to the creation of the Habano
Sommelier Contest and an accompanying education program.. Years later, the President of the Cuban Sommeliers Club left Cuba and partnered with a team
of sommeliers and education experts to design a more comprehensive curriculum. This effort laid the foundation for what has evolved into our Cigar
Sommelier program today. Currently, Cigar Sommeliers have become a prominent and highly valued profession in the world’s most exclusive cigar lounges.
The program is suitable for both Sommeliers and Cigar Aficionados, any previous education is not required. However, wine sommeliers will find easier the
path since some concepts are similar between cigar and wine education. Furthermore, the organoleptic analysis skills are normally more developed on
people who have already Gone through any Gourmet education.
Our training programs are not influenced by any specific brand; as with any other reputable gourmet education institution, we strive to maintain
independence. However, we have established strong relationships with premium brands and producers. Some of our training sessions have been sponsored
by renowned distributors and companies such as Habanos, Arturo Fuente, and Davidoff. Additionally, prominent figures like Hirochi Robaina (Habanos) and
Henke Kelner (Davidoff) have contributed recorded lectures that are now integral to our educational programs.
Some of our alumni have successfully secured positions as Cigar Sommeliers in five-star hotels, cigar lounges, and “La Casa del Habano”
franchises. Others have been employed by renowned cigar companies, while some have even launched their own cigar brands. However, it is
important to note that this certification does not guarantee employment.
While there are similarities between the two roles—both require extensive knowledge of the product, processes, flavor profiles, and history—their
focus differs. A Tobacconist specializes in retail, emphasizing the sale and curation of cigars and related products. In contrast, a Cigar Sommelier
is centered on hospitality, requiring expertise in gourmet pairings, etiquette, and the art of cigar service.
Not exactly. A Master Blender is a title earned through years of hands-on training and experience in the cigar industry. However, this training can
help you deepen your knowledge and expand your technical vocabulary, enabling you to better communicate your expectations to a Master
Blender or cigar manufacturer. While valuable, this training cannot replace the expertise gained through their extensive experience.
We do not offer any open “Instructor Training” programs, nor do our programs provide the option to certify others. We maintain strict standards for
the quality of our training, and only a select few graduates from our Master Program are invited to join our faculty.
Our Services
Our Services Includes
Learn
Successfully complete the program and become a member of IACS.
Travel
Join us on a journey of discovery as we celebrate the rich heritage and exquisite craftsmanship of premium cigars.
Compete
Test your skills as a professional cigar connoisseur at the World Cigar Sommelier Competition (WCSC).