How The Leela Palace, Bangalore’s Team Mastered the Art of Cigars

The Leela Palace, Bangalore, rolled out a unique staff‑training initiative: a deep‑dive Cigar Training Programme tailored not for hobbyists but for their very own service team. Now, whenever a guest requests a cigar in the lobby lounge or by the pool, every associate is fully prepared to recommend the perfect smoke and deliver impeccable service.

This Masterclass was conducted by Mr. Gopal Chakraborthy, India’s first IACS‑certified Cigar Sommelier.

No dry lectures here: this was an interactive journey into the world of fine cigars, complete with hands‑on demos, tasting rituals, and plenty of “aha!” moments.

Why Invest in Cigar Expertise for Staff?

At The Leela Palace, cigars are more than an indulgence—they form part of the guest’s luxury experience. By arming staff with in‑depth knowledge, the hotel ensured that:

• Informed Recommendations delight guests and build trust.
• Consistent Service upholds the Palace’s reputation for excellence.
• Staff Confidence grows, reducing any hesitation when advising on pairings or rituals.

Peeling Back the Cigar Wrapper: Hands‑On Learning

Under the guidance of Mr. Gopal Chakraborthy, India’s first IACS‑certified Cigar Sommelier, our team members literally rolled up their sleeves to dissect real cigars:

• Anatomy 101: Each staff member peeled back the wrapper to identify binder and filler leaves.
• Quality Clues: Learning to spot colour variations, vein patterns, and roll density—key talking points now shared with guests.
• Interactive Slides: A concise PowerPoint on tobacco origins explained the “why” behind every technique.

Sharpening the Palate: Tasting Notes & Service Scripts

To recommend cigars with finesse, the staff practised a structured tasting routine:

• Pre‑Light Evaluation: Identifying cedar, spice or cocoa aromas before lighting.
• Flavour Mapping: Charting notes on a custom flavour wheel—so they can describe a cigar as “warm baking spices with a hint of dry oak.”
• Palate Reset: Using water sips and neutral crackers to ensure accurate comparisons.

Service‑Grade Cutting & Lighting

Precision is crucial when serving a cigar to a discerning guest. Our team covered:

• Cutter Selection: Knowing when to offer a guillotine for a clean slice or a V‑cut for concentrated flavour.
• Perfect Foot Prep: Inspecting the cut under LED light—no stray tobacco allowed.
• Lighting Rituals: Using cedar spills and butane lighters to “toast” the foot evenly, ensuring an even burn.

Practice made perfect, and staff now deliver a flawlessly prepared cigar—no wasted puffs, no uneven burns.

Turning Service into Ceremony

The final module emphasised transforming routine service into a little ceremony:

• Puff–Pace Guidance: Advising guests on draw frequency to preserve flavour.
• Hot‑Spot Remedies: Gently relighting uneven areas with a handheld lighter.
• Humidor Insights: Explaining how the hotel’s humidor and Boveda packs keep cigars perfectly conditioned.

Guest Impact & Staff Reflections

Since the training, The Leela Palace has observed:

• Quicker Service: Staff now prepare and serve cigars about 30% faster.
• Higher Guest Satisfaction: Personalised recommendations have boosted our lounge ratings.
• Greater Team Morale: Associates report increased pride in their expertise and their role.

By investing in cigar expertise, The Leela Palace, Bangalore has turned every cigar service into a polished, memorable moment, reinforcing its reputation for extraordinary luxury and attention to detail.