About me: My name is David Castleberry and I founded the Scions of Sikar to share my passion for cigars with others. One of the things I love about the cigar community is the friendly and laidback nature of enjoying a cigar and the culture of sharing and conversation that develops with it. It’s a ritual, meditative and encourages you to be completely present in the moment. The serious portion of my cigar journey began in the early 2000s when I moved to Hawaii to manage the food & beverage programs for it’s top resorts, this included cigar programs. I’ve enjoyed an illustrious Sommelier career culminating in producing wines from Santa Barbara and my breadth of experience encompasses Michelin starred restaurants, Five-Diamond resorts, casual bistros and boutique hotels peppered with stints in wine production.
I’m a Certified Cigar Sommelier from the Tobacconist University, an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and a Certified Wine Educator. I’ve been featured locally and nationally including: The San Francisco Chronicle, Wine & Spirits Magazine, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, The Sommelier Journal, and was named San Francisco’s Rising Star Sommelier in 2016.
I have a relaxed approach to cigars, spirits, food and wine that belies the depth of knowledge and experience that has developed a loyal following based upon my belief that hospitality is a holistic experience meant to be shared. I’m deeply passionate about the communal elements of enjoying a cigar, meal or glass. This encompasses what is being served, the artistry of the experience and the stories interwoven with people behind them. Taste is deeply personal and he takes the time to partner with producers that represent the same values.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, hiking, cooking and the pursuit of the perfect espresso.