An Evening of Elegance and Passion – KD Leaf Diaries and No.11 Cigars

Konstantin Denishev
Dec 4, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Mar 13

The world of cigars is built on stories—of tradition, craftsmanship, and camaraderie. On a spectacular evening in London, KD Leaf Diaries proudly hosted its first in-person event in partnership with the remarkable No.11 Cigars. Held in the exclusive Private Gentlemen’s Club at the Four Seasons Hotel, Ten Trinity Square, this event brought together aficionados to celebrate the art of cigar-making, masterful pairings, and the journey of a truly exceptional British brand.

The Beginnings of No.11 Cigars: From a Holiday Challenge to a UK Wide Brand and Future Global contender in the Cigar world.

Cigar brands often have grand origin stories steeped in history or romance, but No.11 Cigars began in the most unexpected way — a holiday challenge. As the Champagne reception sparkled in the elegant surroundings of a stately room, Tony, one of the founders of No.11 Cigars, took the floor to tell the story behind the brand.

“Well, it’s not really a romantic story,” he chuckled. “But here’s how it happened.”

Tony recounted how he met his business partner, Matt, on holiday in Morocco 12 years ago. Staying at the same hotel, they faced a predicament: a swimming pool that was too cold for their kids to enjoy. This led to the ‘11 am Challenge’—a ritual that involved swimming across the pool to a bar, taking a shot of their favourite liquor, and swimming back. They repeated this every day at 11 am, forging a friendship that would later blossom into an extraordinary business partnership.

Over the next 12 years, the pair pursued a shared dream of combining the world’s finest cigars with spirits that complemented them perfectly. With meticulous attention to detail, countless sampling sessions, and a shared passion for excellence, they developed a product line that is now celebrated by aficionados: No.11 Cigars and Rum.

Crafting Excellence: The No.11 Cigars Collection

Tony’s presentation continued with an in-depth exploration of the No.11 product line, which consists of three carefully crafted cigars and an exquisitely smooth rum. Each vitola reflects the brand’s dedication to quality and the pursuit of a perfect smoking experience:

Premium Robusto

Vitola: Robusto
Country of Origin: Costa Rica
Strength: Light
Size: 4.8 x 50
Wrapper: Connecticut
Binder: Costa Rica
Filler: Costa Rica

The Robusto offers a light yet flavourful profile, perfect for those new to cigars or looking for a shorter, refined smoke.

2. Torpedo

Vitola: Torpedo
Country of Origin: Costa Rica
Strength: Medium
Size: 6.3 x 54
Wrapper: Connecticut
Binder: Costa Rica
Filler: Costa Rica

The Torpedo, chosen as the feature cigar for the evening, is a medium-bodied masterpiece. Its tapered shape provides a smooth draw and an evolving flavour profile that makes it a favourite among aficionados.

3. Toro (Maduro)

Vitola: Toro (Maduro)
Country of Origin: Costa Rica
Strength: Medium
Size: 6.3 x 54
Wrapper: Connecticut
Binder: Costa Rica
Filler: Costa Rica

The Toro (Maduro) delivers a rich and complex smoking experience. Its medium strength and full flavour make it a perfect choice for seasoned smokers.

A Perfect Pairing: The No.11 Rum

Complementing their cigars, No.11’s rum is an equally impressive achievement. With toasted vanilla, burnt caramel, and subtle spice notes, the rum is designed to enhance the flavour of their cigars without overpowering them. Tony explained how every aspect of the pairing—down to the smallest detail—was painstakingly perfected over years of experimentation.

An Evening to Remember

After the presentation, we moved to the Tasting Room, a stunningly appointed space befitting the event’s sophistication. As guests chose their Torpedo cigars from the custom-made No.11 humidor, the excitement in the room was palpable. Cameras flashed, cigars were cut and lit, and the room filled with the rich aroma of Connecticut-wrapped perfection.

The Cigar Experience

The Torpedo delivered an exquisite smoking journey:

First Third: Smooth, floral, and light, with bright citrusy notes.
Second Third: The flavour deepened, introducing subtle spice reminiscent of black and white pepper, complemented by medium body strength.
Final Third: The cigar transitioned beautifully into a full-bodied experience, with earthy undertones and intensified spice.

A Testimony to Excellence

As the evening unfolded, it became clear that Tony and Matt had created something truly special. Every aspect of the event—from the cigars and rum to the beautiful setting and engaging storytelling—reflected their passion and commitment to excellence.

The event concluded naturally around 11 pm, leaving attendees with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for No.11 Cigars. The positive feedback was overwhelming, and for KD Leaf Diaries, it was a proud moment of collaboration and connection.

Supporting a British Business

No.11 Cigars is more than a brand—it’s a testament to the dedication, vision, and craftsmanship of two extraordinary British entrepreneurs. Their journey from a playful holiday ritual to creating world-class cigars is nothing short of inspiring. As they continue to innovate and surprise us, one thing is clear: No.11 Cigars is a brand that deserves the unwavering support of British aficionados.

Let’s light up, raise a glass, and toast to the continued success of No.11 Cigars and KD Leaf Diaries. Here’s to many more unforgettable evenings ahead!

A Personal Thank You

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Tony Nunn, whose vision, expertise, and support made this event unforgettable. Your story and dedication have inspired a new generation of British aficionados, and your cigars have set a new standard for excellence in the industry.

Looking Ahead: The Future of KD Leaf Diaries

This event marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for KD Leaf Diaries. In 2025, we’ll be hosting a series of international events and monthly virtual meetings on the second Friday of each month. These gatherings will bring together cigar enthusiasts from around the world to share stories, learn, and celebrate the art of cigars.

Watch the Full Event

Experience the magic of the No.11 Cigars event by watching the full video below. From Tony’s engaging presentation to the unforgettable tasting experience, relive every moment: