Blend Bar with Davidoff Cigars’ Richard Payton has become the first person to earn the Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist designation from Tobacconist University. Payton had already earned Tobacconist University’s Certified Retail Tobacconist (CRT) designation. The curriculum for the Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist course includes classes and a final exam that is specially tailored to meet the service needs of employees working in the hospitality industry, including fine restaurants, golf and country clubs, casino lounges, wine/liquor/cocktail bars and stores where cigar are served.
Corey Johnston, the president of Blend Bar with Davidoff Cigars, commented, “It is such an honor to announce Richard’s certification, a first for Blend, for the industry and for the world. Richard has been with us since our very first day…and has dedicated himself to world-class service to all our guests. He has spent years mastering the world of cigars and through his passion and commitment to his craft has established himself as a leading expert in the cigar industry.”
Jorge Armenteros, president and found of Tobacconist University, commented, “Richard Payton (CRT) quietly made history by becoming the first Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist in the world. Future certified tobacconists and consumers will soon recognize the importance of this accomplishment as Tobacconist University certifies cigar sommeliers in some of the most prestigious and impressive hotels, lounges, bars and country clubs around the world.”
