During our recent excursion to The Arts Club, we managed to carve out some time with one of the most influential faces in the London cigar scene: a Master of Havana Cigars and winner of the Cigar Sommelier of the Year at the Cigar Smoker of The Year Awards in 2019, Giuliano Santilli of Oscuro.
Giuliano enjoys a Por Larrañaga at Oscuro
Giuliano has the confidence, wisdom and knowledge of someone well beyond his years. Beginning his career in hospitality at a young age, he spent his formative years at The Lanesborough — where he became a Master of Havana Cigars — before moving to The Ritz in London, and finally landing at Oscuro when it launched in 2019. The Rome-native is one of the most charming characters you’re likely to meet, but don’t let that underestimate his expertise in the craftsmanship of quality smokes. Not only does he curate and look after the assortment of cigars held within Oscuro’s walk-in humidor as well as throughout the club itself, but he takes pride in helping clientele develop and build their own private cigar collections. We sat down with him on a beautifully sunny Autumn morning to share a Cuban cigar and talk about his career to date.
Giuliano Santilli of Oscuro, The Arts Club
EGM: You’ve built your career in the cigar world, but cigar smoking is also a pleasure. How do you find a balance?
Giuliano Santilli: For me it’s very easy because it’s my passion, so that’s what I love doing. I absolutely love my job and I love cigars, and the world that revolves around cigars. In my days off, for example, I would go have a nice meal and then to finish a beautiful day or evening, I would go and have a cigar. So yes, it comes very natural to me because it’s my passion. The same way you must relate in regards to menswear and tailoring.
EGM: Of course. So prior to Oscuro, where were you and what were you doing? Because you got into it very young…
GS: Yes exactly. So I first got interested in cigars when I was working at the Lanesborough, in the Garden Room, which is this beautiful cigar lounge. I started as a bartender, and I got really fascinated by the wide range of cigars and the excitement our guests would have in selecting one. I couldn’t explain myself, coming from Italy we had a history of smoking Toscanellos; Cuban hand-made premium cigars were not so common. I asked why would people spend thousands of pounds on cigars, what is the reason? And that’s when I got interested and started to study it with Hunters & Frankau. I eventually became a Master of Havana Cigars.
Getting a closer look at the details
EGM: What was your first cigar?
GS: One of my clients one day gifted me a cigar and it was the Ramón Allones Specially Selected. It was the first cigar I ever smoked; I wouldn’t recommend it for someone who’s never smoked a cigar in their life!
EGM: Quite punchy, that.
GS: Yes! Really complex. A great smoke. And that’s how I started, slowly, slowly working my way up, usually once a month. Now, when I’m on holiday, sometimes I’ll end up smoking four or five a day!
The Ramón Allones Specially Selected
EGM: Amazing.
GS: But again, cigars, it’s not something you crave like cigarettes. I can go a couple of months without smoking a single cigar. It’s all about the setting and the time. It’s the enjoyment of it all.
EGM: Speaking of enjoyment, what do you like most about working at Oscuro?
GS: It’s working with such a beautiful product, in an excellent environment, and one of the most beautiful cigar lounges I’ve ever been in. I have the ability to see new cigars every day, as well as new spirits. For example, I just acquired a private collection and bought some Partagas Petit Coronas from 1962 — the year of the Revolution in Cuba, and they still have a beautiful bouquet of aromas. So I still get that excitement on a daily basis.
EGM: And you basically exclusively curate the cigars here...
GS: So, I am the head of cigars for The Arts Club. We have a beautiful garden in the brasserie where we also sell cigars, and upstairs here in the cigar lounge.
EGM: What makes this place stand apart?
GS: When I first saw it, it’s a twist between the modern and the classic. Imagine yourself when you think about a cigar lounge, you’d think very dark, leather Chesterfields, smokey for example. Full of old gentlemen, right?
EGM: Ha, indeed.
GS: But I think here, it’s a perfect fusion. Beautiful details including the tables that are made with pressed tobacco leaves. The lamps are unique pieces in the world. It’s the little details. We have this beautiful outdoor space too. It’s actually warmer outside than inside at the moment! The designer is Japanese, and you’ve got elements of influence there, too. All the marble comes from Italy, all unique. But it’s the environment and our guests. The cigars break barriers.
The interior of Oscuro cigar lounge
EGM: How do you mean?
GS: These cigars allow me to meet interesting people that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. I find that they’re a passion we all have in common. I can meet great characters, different people in different industries. Obviously, the main point of having a lounge like this is to be able to wind down. I wouldn’t smoke a cigar outside in the rain. I like to enjoy what I’m smoking, share the experience with some of the most fascinating people in the world — from all walks of life.
EGM: Your favourite cigar is the same as mine, the Trinidad Vigia. How do you best enjoy the cigar? I know certain ones are enjoyed with an espresso, some with whisky and so on. How do you like to smoke the Vigia?
GS: I think a nice glass of Port wine after a good meal. The spiciness of the tobacco is balanced very well by the sweetness of the Port. So I find it a great combination. Otherwise in the morning another favourite of mine is the Por Larrañaga Montecarlo. It’s a very elegant, slim case cigar, with a certain sweetness and caramel notes. The best combination with a coffee.
Giuliano Santilli of Oscuro, The Arts Club
EGM: I’ll keep that in mind! Right. Final question. And sorry for putting you on the spot but here’s one for you. What legacy do you want to leave in the cigar world?
GS: Wow. I think, the best part of my job is the education. So I would love to help people discover the cigar world. You know, you discover one of the finer things in life. Obviously I am very proud to curate our collection but it’s about helping guests to discover new experiences and new pleasures.
EGM: Wonderful. Thank you, sir. It’s been a pleasure as always.
GS: It’s all mine.
