About the course
Certified Smoke Ring Rookie™ is the first step on the Academy of Wine & Spirits cigar pathway. In three short modules you follow a cigar from seed to smoke: where the world's great cigars come from, how tobacco is grown, cured and rolled, and what wrapper, binder and filler each do. You learn shapes, sizes and ring gauge, strength versus body, and how to taste a cigar unlit and lit, with a full non-smoking option. Then it's storing, cutting and lighting, etiquette, pairing and the health facts. About 90 minutes, fully online and self-paced, ending with a short exam and your AWS certificate.
Who it's for
Adults new to cigars who want to choose, cut, light and enjoy a cigar with confidence. No experience needed. You must be of legal age to buy tobacco where you live.
Curriculum
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Welcome to Certified Smoke Ring Rookie™
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About your educator
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Where cigars come from
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From field to cigar: growing, curing and ageing
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Anatomy of a cigar: wrapper, binder and filler
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Shapes, sizes and ring gauge
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Strength, body and flavour
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Taste it unlit: look, touch, smell and the cold draw
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Your three cigars: the Rookie tasting
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Storing cigars: humidors and the 65–70% rule
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Cutting and lighting
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Etiquette, pairing and responsible enjoyment
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Final exam
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Congratulations and next steps
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Your certificate: Certified Smoke Ring Rookie™
Pass the final exam and you receive your Certified Smoke Ring Rookie™ certificate, signed by Christian Esser, Director of Education, Academy of Wine & Spirits. Add it to your CV and LinkedIn profile and show guests and employers what you know.
Meet your educator: Christian Esser
Christian Esser is the founder and Director of Education of the Academy of Wine & Spirits, winner of two LUXlife Hospitality Awards 2026 (Caribbean & USA): Best Luxury Beverage Education Provider and Hospitality Training Excellence Award. A Wine, Spirits & Sake Educator with formal training in viticulture and winemaking, he brings 20+ years of experience across 43 countries. He founded The Rum Ambassador, the first international rum certification, with WIRSPA, and led wine programmes at Grand Old House, Ortanique and Cayman Spirits Co. Liquid Lively Fun
Award-winning education
LUXlife Hospitality Awards 2026 · Caribbean & USA ★ Best Luxury Beverage Education Provider 2026 ★ Hospitality Training Excellence Award 2026
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have access? Six months (180 days) from the day you enroll. Can I start anytime? Yes. The course is 100% online and self-paced: start the moment you enroll and study on any device, whenever it suits you. Study in short lessons, one at a time, and pick up where you left off. What language is it in? The course is taught online in English. What do I need? Any device with internet. Optional: a mild cigar, a cutter and a lighter to practise. How does the exam work? A short final exam. Score 70% or more to pass. Questions? Email [email protected] or call +1 (345) 938 0458. We are happy to help, including group bookings for teams.
Liquid Lively Fun
Light up your cigar journey. Online, at your own pace, with your certificate. Questions? [email protected] · +1 (345) 938 0458
$29.00