Maestro Shchool: The Voices of the Alumni

School of Tobacconist University of Sommeliers, powered by Tobacconist SOTL

The mission of graduates from the Certified Cigar Master Sommeliers School of the SOTL Global Movement is to foster a community, offering a platform to network, share knowledge, and professional growing.

This network allows them to meet other cigar aficionados, as well as to connect globally, through the platform: https://www.sotlglobalmovement.com/ sgmsommeliers

In addition to networking opportunities, SGM –in collaboration with Humo Latino– presents brief profiles of certified sommeliers, available in both Spanish and English, to spread the experience and passion of the alumni, who serve as inspiration for aspiring sommeliers.

Every two months, SGM organizes virtual tastings and exclusive networking events for alumni, with a special guest, and will provide the cigar to be tasted, if available in their country.

At these gatherings, guest speakers participate, including cigar brand owners, master blenders, and experts in various aspects of the tobacco culture. Thus, alumni will have the opportunity to try different cigars and learn about their origins, flavors, and pairing options. All from the comfort of their homes.

At the same time, a space is provided for graduates to connect, share experiences, and establish relationships in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. Join the SOTL Global Movement to promote the value of the Sommelier Course and let’s continue to elevate, together, the knowledge for the appreciation of cigars!

MAYA QUEEN, CCST

Mayra Alabi, known in the Tobacco World as Maya Queen, resides in Houston, Texas, where she serves as a brand ambassador for Karen Berger Cigars and Don Kiki Cigars.

She believes that the tobacco industry is experiencing significant growth and more and more people, especially women, are getting involved, whether as brand owners, executives, or aficionados.

Of Mayan descent, she explains that her approach to tobacco began from a spiritual standpoint, with a fascination that grew to the point of creating a need to deepen her knowledge. That’s why she decided to approach the SOTL Global Movement, which gave her the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the industry, the aromas and flavors of different types of leaves, as well as their behavior within blends and pairings.

SCOTT SAKALO, CCST

An avid traveler and what we can call a tobacco tourist, Scott Sakalo is a 53-yearold retailer who enjoys visiting a Cigar Lounge in every city he travels to.

He rates the experiences within a Lounge or during industry-dedicated events, such as the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show, as unparalleled.

A resident of Delaware City, Ohio, he affirms that the tobacco industry is alive, where every day a new person launches or grows their brand through social interaction, which is why he decided to be part of the Certified Cigar Master Sommeliers School of the SOTL Global Movement, which allowed him to expand his knowledge and understanding of the industry.

Scott values his preparation as a social and marketing tool, using his new knowledge to make recommendations to customers, as well as to enrich his interaction with suppliers, producers, and enthusiasts in general.

VENITA TSOULOGIANNIS, CCST

Twenty-seven years ago, in the city of Sparta, Greece, Venita Tsoulogiannis discovered her passion for tobacco, with a love story from the first puff.

Her curiosity led her to join Pipes & Pearls, a Facebook forum where various knowledge and teachings about the Tobacco World are disseminated; a space where she found the impetus to expand her preparation and serve as an example for more women to participate in the pleasure of good smokes, breaking stereotypes –as she puts it– “one puff at a time”.

She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where tobacco culture blends with the Southern folklore of the United States; a lifestyle that encourages building friendships and connecting with other people who enjoy tobacco.

For Venita, participating in an educational program where you can learn at your own pace, like the SOTL Certified Cigar Master Sommeliers School, has been fundamental to continue with her preparation. “Having access to the information offered by this course reinforced my confidence at all levels, with a document that supports me to converse and educate other aficionados.”