📩 The Tabernacle in Shepherd Market

Shepherd Market is tucked away into the south-west corner of Mayfair. First laid out in 1735 to serve the great Mayfair houses with livestock and produce, it has today settled into something quieter - a small network of narrow streets where time moves gently and conversations are finished rather than started.

It remains a significant corner of London, some near 300 years on.

It was also where I decided to round of the week with good company and of course… a cigar.

For those of you who recall the last letter, on the Maduro; I wanted to follow my newfound love for darker wrappers.

Naturally then, upon browsing one of the many Mayfair cigar shops, my eye spotted the Tabernacle Broadleaf Torpedo Cigar - with as dark a wrapper as can be.

I’m not one to go for Torpedo shaped cigars either, so this was certainly an experimental choice.

As I lit and settled into the cigar, I have to confess I found myself disappointed in the experience. It left me longing for a H Upmann 54 - a potential complete antithesis to this cigar.

The Tabernacles draw was not smooth nor enjoyable, perhaps this was due to the shape of the Torpedo cigar rather than the tobacco itself. Nevertheless the smoke itself was thin, there was no density to it; and yet the kick of spice that came with it would have had the many curry houses of London asking for advice!

Nothing truly rested on the palette, it merely jumped to the roof your mouth as the weightless smoke dissipated into thin air.

The cigar felt like greeting a friend into your home with a grand smile; only for him to put one foot through the door, throw confetti at you and then abruptly exit the premises again. Now play the above scene on loop, that was the experience, not quite torment, but not far off.

Alas, it is better than not having seen him at all - I suppose.

Was there anything I truly liked about the cigar? sure, the band… Greatly aesthetic.

I have surely learnt my lesson now? a cigars aesthetics are no reason to pursue it. I suppose sometimes you are better of not having known intimately that which you admire; this way at least the dream may live on.

Indeed the longing for a thing can exceed the actual experience of the thing.

Alas. Every step of experience, is a step to more experience - hopefully, better ones.

Described as a full-bodied smoke with deep, rich notes of dark chocolate, earth, leather, and spice - it remains true to what it states on the tin. Its USA Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper covers a Mexican San Andres binder, and a Nicaraguan and Honduran filler, all handmade in Nicaragua.

I am certain there are cigar lovers out there who may have a totally different experience with this cigar. If you have tried it, I would love to hear from you.

As the first full week of 2026 draws to a close, I am entirely grateful for every moment I get the privilege of enjoying, every new cigar, every exciting conversation, every letter shared with you.

Yours truly,

The Cigar Lover

Cigar Letters
^{Letter No. 8}

^{P.S. I am continuing to put together a more historical and factual archive on cigars, to be shared in time with you.}