“ If it wasn't for Edward Sahakian, I would have
never had my passion for fine Cuban cigars. My
first real experience smoking a Cuban cigar was
in Edward's store in 1983. I was a fledgling wine
critic with The Wine Spectator magazine, and I
visited his store because I heard that Davidoff
was making cigars with château names.
Edward was so welcoming and insisted that I
smoke a Davidoff Panetella with him. We sat in
the store, smoked, and spoke about the Davidoff
châteaux series. I was hooked. I had one
problem though I had to confess. My wife at the
time didn't like cigars. He replied: "That's easy.
Change your wife!" Edward has always been the
epitome of the great cigar merchant - and a great
friend.”
James Suckling
Wine and cigar critic. Former Senior Editor and
European Bureau Chief of Wine Spectator as well as
European Editor of Cigar Aficionado
“ Edward Sahakian is probably the only cigar
specialist I genuinely admire in the UK cigar
trade. Ever generous to me with a fine Davidoff
and always happy to help me when I need a
second opinion to authenticate a box of vintage
Davidoff cigars. Truly ‘the ‘ Gentleman’ of the UK
cigar trade.
Nicholas Freeman, Cigar Roller and Edward
“ In the Spring of 2001 and I was working at
Windows bar at the Hilton Park Lane when I
met this very kind gentleman. He was smoking
a Davidoff No1 (Cuban) and sipping a Mojito
and he asked me if I want to try one. I was very
surprised at the gesture and I accepted the
beautiful gift. Since then Edward became an
inspiration for my career.
After all these years I believe that without
meeting Edward I could not be what I am now
and I will be always thankful to him for all the
recommendations received. If there is a man that
the cigar’s world should celebrate then Edward
Sahakian is the one in this century.”
Giuseppe Ruo
Director of Food & Beverage at the Wellesley Hotel
It’s been a privilege to serve on the Davidoff
Europe Retailers Panel together with Edward as
well as Eddie.
I’ll toast Edwards 35 years at his St James’s
cigar store with a 1980 Davidoff Dom Perignon
cigar and champagne and wish him all the best
for at least another 35 years as the finest cigar
specialist in the UK, if not the world, as far as I’m
concerned.”
Mitchell Orchant
Managing Director – C.Gars Ltd
“ Edward congratulations on your career
milestone.
Our neighbour on St James’s Street, the patriarch
of a family business, cigar merchant, retailer
with the highest of standards, competitor,
gentleman, but above all our friend; and in a
darn dashing suit to boot. Congratulations on
your remarkable career.”
Robert and Stewart Fox and all at James J Fox
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