Promotions, new babies and the signing of big fat contracts. There aren’t many opportunities to enjoy a cigar with friends outside of private gatherings, and even fewer chances to appreciate this art form with like-minded folk.

So if you have a penchant for this premium product and are keen for a grand evening of small luxuries, fire up for Wednesday fortnight.

Norman Stein and his Sydney institution Bogart’s House of Fine Cigars will be holding their first event for this year, a Brazilian Carnivale treat. It promises to be an evening of caipirinhas, colourful Latin dance performances, Brazilian live music, and fine cigars from the top makers in Brazil.

You can learn this region’s specialties, such as the Dona Flor, Aquarius and the Alonso Menendez premium range. The Menendez family created the Montecristo cigars (The Montecristo No. 4 is, itself, the most popular cigar in the world market) in Cuba, before a ‘falling out’ with the Castro regime forced their escape to Brazil. A few more surprises will be unveiled on the evening, but you’ll have to convince Norman to give you more details.

Nothing about a cigar is to be rushed. The time taken from harvesting the tobacco plant leaves, to hand rolling it can take about three years. From smoking it slowly to appreciate its complex flavour and aromas to the dignified death it demands, it seems that the only time you do need to speed, is to get your hands on them.

Bogart’s Brazilian Carnival, Wednesday 26 March, 7pm for 8pm dinner start, Vibe Hotel Rushcutter’s Bay. Tickets $135 including cocktails and beverages, dinner, and cigars.

 Bogart’s House of Fine Cigars & Tobacco, Shop 5, Martin Place Shopping Circle, Martin Place, Sydney 2000, (02) 9235 0788.