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AWS Level 1 in Cigars – Certified Cigar Enthusiast™
  • Classroom Cost: $595.00
  • Online Cost: $595.00

Course Details

Duration:

Classroom: 6 hours. Online ZOOM: 6 hours. Online Selfstudy: Led by an Online Educator with 6-month access.
Includes:

This course includes expert-led instruction, 3 curated cigar samples (classroom), comprehensive course materials (printed or digital), guided tasting and service training, a 30-question online exam, and an official AWS digital certificate upon successful completion.

Participants also receive practical tools to confidently taste, describe, serve, and pair cigars in both professional and personal settings.

Unlock the world of cigars with the AWS Level 1 in Cigars – Certified Cigar Enthusiast™, a comprehensive and engaging training program designed for those looking to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of premium cigars.

This course takes participants on a journey from tobacco origins to final presentation, covering cigar construction, production, tasting technique, service, storage, and pairing. Whether you work in hospitality, retail, beverage service, or simply want to enjoy cigars with greater confidence, this course delivers practical, real-world knowledge in an approachable and professional format.

What’s Covered

Introduction to Cigars

History and heritage of cigars

The role of cigars in luxury hospitality and global culture

Key cigar-producing countries and traditions

Tobacco & Production

Tobacco cultivation and harvesting

Fermentation, aging, and leaf preparation

The difference between wrapper, binder, and filler

Handmade vs machine-made cigars

Cigar Classification

Shapes, sizes, and vitolas

Mild, medium, and full-bodied profiles

How origin, construction, and blend influence flavor

Cigar Tasting

Principles of professional cigar tasting

Aroma, flavor development, body, and finish

How to assess quality and identify construction issues

Cigar Service

Proper storage and humidor basics

Cutting and lighting techniques

Guest recommendations and service etiquette

Pairing Principles

Cigars with rum, whisky, cognac, coffee, and wine

Building memorable guest experiences through pairing

Balancing intensity, texture, and finish

The Business of Cigars

How cigars enhance premium beverage and hospitality programs

Selling with confidence

Creating stronger guest experiences and higher perceived value

 

Course Benefits

Gain a solid foundation in premium cigar knowledge

Develop confidence in tasting, describing, and recommending cigars

Learn practical cigar service and storage techniques

Understand pairing strategies for hospitality and personal enjoyment

Build credibility with an AWS certification

 

Tasting Samples

Explore a curated lineup of 3 cigars designed to demonstrate differences in format, construction, body, origin, and flavor profile. This is more than an introduction—it is a guided sensory journey into the craft and enjoyment of premium cigars.

 

Who Should Attend

Cigar enthusiasts

Bartenders and sommeliers

Restaurant and hotel professionals

Retail and cigar lounge teams

Beverage professionals wanting to expand their expertise

Whether you are new to cigars or looking to strengthen your professional knowledge, this course provides the confidence and structure to speak about cigars with clarity and authority.

 

Assessment

The exam takes place at the end of the course.
The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes.
To pass, participants must correctly answer 70% of the questions.

 

Certification

Upon successful completion, participants earn the:

AWS Level 1 in Cigars – Certified Cigar Enthusiast™

A professional certification designed to build confidence, credibility, and practical cigar knowledge.

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