The Woman in Charge of Cuban Cigars | Jemma Freeman Of Hunters & Frankau | Kirby Allison

In today's video, Kirby Allison has the distinct privilege of sitting down to chat and enjoy a cigar with legend of the cigar industry, Jemma Freeman. Jemma is the current chairman of Hunters & Frankau. Established in 1790, the company are the Exclusive UK Distributor for all Havana cigars (Habanos) as appointed by Habanos S.A., the Havana-based company responsible for distributing Cuban tobacco products worldwide.
Jemma discusses the state of the cigar world, what the future holds, and the incredible cigars that she enjoys so much.
For more information on Hunters & Frankau, visit their website.
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[@DerrickFrancis]

Jemma is one of my favorite figures within cigar culture. Her interviews don’t disappoint. Great job Kirby!

[@zoobee]

Kirby has singlehandedly made me want to become a cigar smoker because of the absolutely admirable gentleman lifestyle and refinement and friendships he exemplifies in his conversations. I shall visit Davidoff London in the new year and begin my journey.

[@life_of_riley88]

Welcome, it's a lovely club to be a part of.

[@russ9921]

Choose a mild one to start.

[@AFpaleoCon]

None of that exclusive to being a cigar smoker.

[@christianoliver3572]

All you'll need to do there at Davidoff is talk to the owners and explain whose YT videos got you decide to try your first cigar and I'm sure you'll be well taken care of. Ang good luck to you on your journey. Remember that it's possible that if you don't really care for your first cigar that the particular blend might not be to your taste but not necessarily all cigars so try several. Also remember that the time of day and the situation matter as your pallet will change throughout the day and also because of what you eat, drink, smell etc. A fun experiment someone had me try years ago to prove a point drastically opened my eyes to this: At the time I didn't like Cuban Monty 2s because I tended to think they weren't strong enough after dinner and I really had the opinion that they were quite mild. So my friend told me smoke one within an hour of waking up, one after a very light lunch, and one after dinner. Do this at home, outside, and at our favorite cigar lounge for the after dinner cigar and take written flavor and aroma notes. The difference in taste of the same cigar from the same box of 25 I had in my humidor at three different times if in three different situations or locations opened my eyes extra wide as to how we can have such different experiences by just varying something as simple as time of day or different location.

[@zoobee]

@@christianoliver3572 thank you for taking the time for this reply with good advice and care Christian x

[@thewatchslinger968]

Jemma Freeman is pure class ❤

[@blakehenderson8828]

Our boy is either sick or losing his voice and still puts one of these back for the people, respect 🙏

[@karlwatson1874]

Your throat generally gets strained if you smoke too many cigars at one time. He smoked quite a bit while on that trip lol When he went to Cuba, same thing happed to him lol

[@jlhump4749]

Loved listening to her. A woman so knowledgeable in a traditionally male industry/sales. Faaaabulous, Kirby !! Thank you !

[@westonbrewster2030]

Is Dino Egy????? Vid ml

[@davidweston9115]

I am so happy that her father brought her to work and taught her everything as if she had been a son. Many fathers would have concentrated on getting her well married, whilst crying alone at night about not having a son, or chiding his wife for not having a son. Obviously her father was right. She is fantastic !

[@BrutusMaximusAurelius]

I’m very tired after helping a friend renovating in his new house. Came home, saw this and am now chilling with a good cigar and whisky while watching this fine conversation. Top notch content as always Kirby.

[@juanmorejon4744]

I got caught in the same game

[@gillesdhaenens6323]

Hope you enjoyed fellow cigar -enthousiast. Now it’s my turn to light that cigar

[@WhatsBellow]

Your a good man for helping your friend with his new house, god bless.

[@Josh-pi8yd]

What a cigar legend Jemma is!

[@BbqMikeG]

Jemma has an encyclopedic memory of Cuban cigar culture and Kirby is the quintessential gentleman! What a pleasure to share a smoke listening to this fantastic interview!

[@lorrainechircop4411]

While watching this Kirby, I sat down with lovely Jemma and yourself, listening to the history, the wonder and joy, how this past time brings us all together. Shared a wonderful cigar with you both and relaxed. Fascinating woman. I hope and pray you receive an invitation to there next release and may we be permitted to come along with you. Superb Kirby... 🇦🇺❤️

[@philopapos]

A gem of an interview! A conversation so elegant but relaxed and so informative as well! And Jemma in a way outclasses all the male conosieurs!

[@mrbuidl9332]

Jemma is an absolute legend and gem. Fantastic episode.

[@marcusphillips1284]

She’s Beautiful

[@newenglandwatches7756]

an hour and ten minutes in i'm sitting here like "wait damn i forgot to bring my cigar to this chat!" wonderful conversation and so great to learn more about jemma, her family, and her perspectives surrounding the cigar community. cheers!

[@kirbyallison]

You’ll have to watch again proper!

[@muds1123]

Incredible interview - Gemma is a hall of fame icon in the cigar world for me. One of the best ever to do it.

[@idrismansoor7993]

I’ve watched this sooo many times. Could listen to Jemma all day - great work, Kirby

[@lukemilton8510]

One of my favourite interviews Kirby has done. Anytime Kirby is with the wonderful people from Hunters & Frankau you know it is going to be great.

[@MrCorricedavis]

I love the stories from the Euro aristocrat. The concepts of being constodian

[@KimiMD]

What a great video it would be with Jemma, Eddie, Edward, and yourself for a 2 hour session. Talking all things cigars.

[@josephodriscoll8299]

Would love to see Jemma and the Sahakians in the same video, imagine how great that would be

[@CigarsEuropeTV]

I would pass out after seeing the overdose of poshness.

[@richardscott6716]

What a charming woman! There’s a certain pleasure in eavesdropping on a conversation between two connoisseurs. Interesting video. Well done.

[@TobyFinkNottle]

What a wonderful conversation to follow. Jemma Freeman is a bit of a gem.

[@louiskowalsli6223]

Kirby, thank you. Your refinement and gentlemanly demeanor or a refreshing change from what we see too much of today. Your love of fine cigars is refreshing , and Jenna is a doll . By the way, try the Placencia Alma del Fuego Panatela (Lancero). I think you will be surprised.

[@erikryde7879]

Bedankt! Best cigar video. Jemma is an amazing ambassador for the "brother/sister-hood of the leaf".

[@COLDMKULTRA]

@Kirby Allison ... Jemma is utterly splendid ... & VERY Highly knowledgeable! ... Excellent video Old Man 👍

[@viewer3147]

Thank you Kirby for interviewing Jemma. She is smart and Sharpe. I love listening to her.

[@hollywoodundead72]

Bro your such an intelligent person, also very polite such class. Kirby is it truly. And I mean this. It is a TRUE pleasure to watch how you interact with others and how you seem to engage in life as a whole. You make me smile greatly and I love you for being a shining star 🌟

[@kirbyallison]

Thanks, Lex!

[@888Cigar]

Couldn’t agree more

[@epsy859]

What a lovely conversation ! Jemma Freeman, you're a legend, thank you for sharing all that knowledge

[@alexgray6082]

This was a great interview! You can tell that Jemma has an incredible grasp of the history of the company and a great love of the craft of cigar making.

[@reallygoodmu5ic]

Jemma Freeman, what treasure she is herself. Such a rich depth of knowledge and experience. I had no cigar in hand as I was unexpectedly drawn into this conversation, but was so delighted when she mentioned that her favorite cigar was the Trinidad Fundadores. I had one of the early releases back in the late '90's and in remains my memory as one of the most impressive cigars of my smoking life. Thank you for sharing this enthralling discussion. It was (almost) as satisfying as a cigar in good company. Planning a trip to Santiago, Chilé this fall, and I hope to find myself smoking a Cuban cigar beneath the southern stars.

[@josorio211]

Great video, I smoke 1 cigar pee week on my commute home, and whenever I do, I'm sure to be listening to Kirby Allison. Something I noticed, is that I drive home more relaxed and I am way more hospitable to traffic. I love your content and look forward to planning a trip to Davidoffs of London one day.

[@professorpelotard7925]

An absolutely charming discussion! And so much interesting information. Jemma is a gem!

[@kirbyallison]

I’m glad you enjoyed! I’ve watched this about three or four times and have thorough enjoyed each time!

[@riccardonisi5115]

What a brilliant session, as they say good conversation, friendship and cigars. Jemma Freemans passion and knowledge what a treat & privilege to listen to her.

[@The.Epicurean]

Fascinating. Jemma is a knowledgeable gem within the industry.

[@11XI]

Best cigar interview ever in YT for me

[@kirbyallison]

Jemma was amazing to interview. Such a wealth of knowledge!

[@Kodiak8066]

Kirby, All of your videos are amazing, this one is no exception. What a rare privilege to sit down with Jemma of Hunters & Frankau, who is not only a treasure chest of knowledge and experience but fascinating and delightful. So glad you picked the Lancero, such a great cigar and getting harder and harder to find. Did she show you the vault ?! You are one lucky Man ! I too enjoy the Bolivar Gigantes, as well as the Fundadores, Esplendidos, Lusitania's, Monte Cristo 'A', Hoyo, Ramon Allones and Punch Double Coronas, I was fortunate to have purchased several (too many) boxes and cabinets of each of them 20+ yrs ago. Now that I'm retired I can crack open a box and start enjoying them.. I think they've aged enough ! When I started collecting cigars 27 yrs ago it was all about the big cigars, Double Coronas, Gran Coronas, Robustos, but as I get older, I find I prefer the thinner cigars like the Panatelas, Long Panatelas, Lonsdales. I only wish I had collected more boxes of that size. After watching this video I had to have a Habanos ! I chose a Punch Punch from '98.. another amazing cigar. Thank you for what you do. Don't mess with Texas !

[@maoxian]

Great conversation... she's a lovely guest! Unpretentious, knowledgeable, genuine...

[@carloslargaespada6051]

What a Lady. Jemma rules!!!❤❤❤

[@neilmcdonald3475]

Kirby - this video is an absolute triumph! Thank you so much to you and Jemma for your time in making it. I thoroughly enjoyed watching while smoking my last Rafael Gonzalez North Star (a Scandinavian regional from a few years back which I highly recommend seeking out to you and your viewers). Cheers!

[@mecklenburgcubancigars]

The RG North Star is my favorite cigar of 2022, and it's only 4 years old. They are expensive and getting harder to find but they are still out there. Sorry to hear it's your last one. Great interview Kirby!

[@kirbyallison]

Save me one!

[@SxpticFlxsh]

She's a good educator 👩🏻‍🏫

[@guitarplayer5611]

Wonderful video! I always enjoyed Nick Wing’s UK Cigar Scene videos and his interview with Jemma is simply excellent. I am glad another quality interview was captured with Jemma.

[@chriswright5050]

Jemma is so articulate and engaging

[@danw6530]

This was so informative - I learned so much about the Cuban cigar market dynamics in the UK! Thanks Kirby!

[@simonwan793]

35:23 The fact that after the cigar being lid, Jemma didn't put it straight in her mouth and started puffing but instead she took her time in silence, gazing and appreciating as she turned the cigar. She is just so graceful and I have so much respect for this lady.

[@benjurick-xd6zr]

She barely smoked it really... Very Telling that women aren't a cigars fancy

[@busterbiloxi3833]

A great smoker.

[@busterbiloxi3833]

Being "lit".

[@user-rx9ri4mj5d]

actually she didn't like smoking.a lot of video show this situation too

[@kobisis]

An inspiring woman❤

[@markedgar5901]

What a fantastic interview, thanks Kirby.

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

What a lovely lady--knowledgeable, spontaneous, unassuming, and authentic. Truly authentic. I thought this was one of your best interviews yet. Keep up the tempo!

[@Mr_K888]

Great interview Kirby as I enjoyed a Davidoff signature no 2 and this also made me realize I have 2 sealed boxes of Trinidad Fundadores that will be kept for a while unless Jemma wants to buy them from me 🙂

[@barryschwienteck5412]

Jemma is truly a very special lady ... 'Nuff said.

[@manfredknie8998]

Absolutely perfect. Thank you both. Manfred here from Vienna in Austria. The Land of Mozart.

[@OngoGablogian185]

Kirby starting to sound like he smokes 50 a day. He's now got the voice of the woman in a truck-stop café who asks you 'more coffee, hun'?😂

[@kirbyallison]

Lol.

[@kevindonaldson8655]

@@kirbyallison I'm a very passionate shotgun shooter here in the UK. You popped up in my Recommended List due to your shooting trip to Scotland (fascinating) and I've been watching your videos ever since. I enjoyed this one, although I've absolutely no intention of taking up smoking due to the health risks. I have to ask, does it worry you?

[@haleysharp1247]

Lol. We all met that lady

[@Poise716]

@@kevindonaldson8655why

[@kevindonaldson8655]

@@Poise716 That shit kills dude

[@g64460]

14:20 she was visibly excited for those cigars i enjoyed this video for sure.

[@Music.cigars.2024]

With all due respect cigar smoking is NOT a habit, it’s a HOBBY and a beautiful hobby at that ❤

[@jayc5325]

Really engaging chat about with Jemma from H&F, enjoyable watch.

[@CardinalBiggles01]

What a great interview. Jemma obviously knows the business but her knowledge and appreciation of the history and culture behind cigar smoking in Britain is fantastic. Talk about clearly loving your trade. Oh, and a new appreciation of attractive, elegant women smoking cigars.

[@dtemple54]

Love this woman

[@andrewsheley]

Love your videos, so intriguing. I'm a new cigar smoker thanks to your videos. A great cap to a week, bottle of wine and a Davidoff no 2.

[@dinnaimo]

Thoroughly enjoyed this extraordinary exchange/sharing of so much cigar history and expertise. Thank you!

[@kirbyallison]

Jemma is incredible. I’m excited to announce we have been invited to join her in Cuba late February

[@ownzye-3630]

@@kirbyallison Thats some really exciting news ! I really hope there will be video upcoming from it, because this one was absolute masterclass! Was a real delight to listen to you two talk and ramble about cigars, also really nicely edited and I liked the little intro! Overall really great work!

[@tyjameson7404]

Eddie should have been part of this greatness 👍🙌👏❤️⚡️

[@danieldonnelly3589]

May I agree with you?

[@tyjameson7404]

Eddie Is the best at cutting “above” the line 👍🙏🏽🙌👏❤️

[@ankurbamne7155]

What a conversation. Thank you.

[@katharinec6216]

Absolutely fantastic episode. I really hope we get to see more from Jemma on the channel.

[@kirbyallison]

I hope so too!

[@bensum9111]

This is the most genuine conversation about cigars that I’ve ever seen. Beautiful.

[@gordonwilliamson3472]

Another brilliant conversation.

[@MrFelix002]

wonderful history the Freemans, and with Jemma leadership i'm sure it will thrive through more generations, i enjoyed the whole show, keep the culture growing and never forget the foundation that you built on

[@davidpujol9910]

Such a wonderful conversation, I would say, that from listening ( not hearing) Jemma, we all cigar aficionados, feel a deep respect for the sense of accuracy this absolute magnificent lady has got about her business and commitment to a standard of paramount. How England use to be. Hope your voice gets better kirby. I have some good tricks for you the next video you have to do in England, specially after Covid and how it affected our vocal cords. Really easy and very healing.

[@orenrubin2711]

Amazing conversation…..it’s like you’ve known one another for many many years. Excellent. Love these cigar videos.

[@aidacruz406]

WHAT A WOMAN!!she is stunning and articulate!the depth that she shares is just astonishing.BRAVO

[@damiancarroll5597]

Kirby perhaps next year a dinner with these amazing people would be amazing, telling stories reminiscing of there journeys and finishing of with a great cigar

[@jimgraham6407]

Brilliant video Kirby! Wonderful conversation and a great opportunity for me to learn more of the history of Cuban cigars in England.

[@kojiattwood]

Another interesting musical choice with a jazzed up version of the 4th Chopin prelude.

[@nigelbarker8726]

Kirby was really relaxed and animated in this video.

[@makavelli6yw]

(What happens to the box!! ) Kirbys go to question lol gotta love this guy.

[@JrrToking]

Kirby, That was a fantastic introduction animation! May I recommend adding the famous *ping* we all love from the ST Dupont to the aforementioned animation? It’s truly the only thing that could have made it any better. I absolutely love your videos and hope you keep up the phenomenal work you do for the modern gentlemen!

[@jason79999]

What a treat! Thank you Kirby.

[@tomkeene14]

What a treat that must have been Kirby! I enjoyed re-watching this whilst nursing a Siglo II, not a bad way to spend a Tuesday evening.

[@jony6toes307]

Already I'm looking forward to the next instalment. It's not only watching the amazing content that is a joy but the anticipation of what is to come..... thankyou

[@vevey75]

What a fantastic and informative interview. I think you need to move to the UK.

[@Lanark83]

Fabulous, as ever Kirby. Class guests at a wonderful slow pace.

[@jony6toes307]

Thoroughly enjoyed this for a second time whilst indulging in a Vintage 1992 Rocky Patel, or 2.... Thank you Kirby and Jemma ..... simply wonderful....

[@SyabilMohar817]

I'm be damn, this is has to be one of the best interview ever. Keep on exploring my guy.

[@tommyjohnson4117]

What a wonderful interview. I’ve seen all of your cigar videos and had to comment on this one. Such a truly wonderful conversation. Best of luck on you endeavors, Kirby. Tommy Johnson, Los Angeles. (I’m still a Monte 4 guy but but my joy is slipping out a Partagas Shorts from one of my cabinets I have)

[@sachmo1918]

great interview. you feel like your a part of the conversation

[@der_Pate666]

Thank you Kirby for these very great videos. 🙂

[@rocchinosz]

simply wonderful .......

[@stevel4439]

Kirby another informative and entertaining video. Keep up the good work!

[@B.V.Luminous]

I believe Kirby has ONE favorite question... 'What happens to the box?'

[@joshusthegreat]

I absolutely love this!

[@andrewtiefry5990]

Thank you for the history lessons. I just wish I could have enjoyed a beautiful cigar like those Cohiba cigars you have in the video. Again thank you

[@originalvybepromotions7269]

What a fantastic conversation - the knowledge / the history / the heritage / the anecdotes - I found this incredibly interesting!

[@mikemcgeehan4321]

Great show. Jemma amazing.

[@paulnewman2778]

Don’t like cigars but enjoyed learning all a about them. This was so educating

[@SopranoPizzaJMFNJ]

Agree! The craft, history & tradition found here are all amazing!

[@ajmiedalton123]

What an incredible interviewee!

[@phils3034]

I was really hoping that they would take a tour of the wonderland they call the warehouse.

[@jerrenortonjr.7405]

Outstanding video..thank you

[@cenlivepr8802]

Aladino the absolute best...The Corojo Reserva is tops by any measure

[@bodhi9464]

Jemma is so nice to listen to; great knowledge of her craft .. thanks Kirby ~ another great video mate ~ 🇦🇺

[@robopoco]

Kirby, have you ever looked into the history of snuff tobacco taking ? It was something that was still available in all pubs and bars when I was younger in the 50’s and 60’s with a strong menthol smell I still remember to this day. It would seem to have died out nowadays but I would be interested to know if the high end tobacconists you favour still stock such products.

[@aaronleadley8245]

Loving the new opening music, Jazzed up Chopin sets a great tone.

[@SopranoPizzaJMFNJ]

It’s so funny, I caught that too!

[@tysonboy1980]

Great conversation

[@generalaxel]

Great video! Would have wanted to see inside all of the boxes and to see that second band.

[@tanyano9]

A tour of the warehouse would have been super....

[@ricoricciardi1965]

Please Kirby and Sahakians, do a video about the difference between plume and mold. I’ve come across a few cigars that I was unsure about smoking because of band discoloration or potential mold on the cigar.