On Prime Time Special Edition 160, Scott Pearce, President of the Cigar Association of America (CAA) is our special guest. For the past 6 years Scott has served as the Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and guided them through some very challenging times. We’ll recaps Scott’s history at PCA and look forward ahead to his tenure at CAA. Plus, we have our Vintage Rock-A-Feller Cigar Group U.S. History segment, Tabacalera USA Great Things are Happening Here, and Espinosa This ...
Jun 05, 2024•3 hr 43 min•Ep. 2099
On Prime Time Special Edition 160, Scott Pearce, President of the Cigar Association of America (CAA) is our special guest. For the past 6 years Scott has served as the Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and guided them through some very challenging times. We’ll recaps Scott’s history at PCA and look forward ahead to his tenure at CAA. Plus, we have our Vintage Rock-A-Feller Cigar Group U.S. History segment, Tabacalera USA Great Things are Happening Here, and Espinosa This ...
Jun 05, 2024•3 hr 43 min•Ep. 2098
On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 130, it’s our second Punk Rock Show. We bring back Tripp Waldrop as we talk about some of our favorite punk rock songs spread across the many sub-genres of the punk landscape. We also have music news, cigar news, our pairing of the week, the Developing Palates Review of the Week, and Dave’s New Music 45. In addition, we will also recap music and cigar news headlines. For this show we smoked: Dave: Caldwell Long Live the King Bar None Coop: Romeo y Julieta Reserva Re...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 2097
On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 130, it’s our second Punk Rock Show. We bring back Tripp Waldrop as we talk about some of our favorite punk rock songs spread across the many sub-genres of the punk landscape. We also have music news, cigar news, our pairing of the week, the Developing Palates Review of the Week, and Dave’s New Music 45. In addition, we will also recap music and cigar news headlines. For this show we smoked: Dave: Caldwell Long Live the King Bar None Coop: Romeo y Julieta Reserva Re...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 2096
Tonight on Prime Time Episode 306 we welcome Daniel Lance, co-founder of a new company and new brand, Domain Cigars. Daniel has teamed up with renowned blender Esteban Disla to form Domain Cigars. Tonight we will hear from Daniel and learn not only about Domain Cigars, but Daniel’s journey to starting his own company Plus, we have our FSG Beef Segments, Altadis USA’s Ties the Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa This Day in Sports History, and, of course, the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deli...
May 31, 2024•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 2095
Tonight on Prime Time Episode 306 we welcome Daniel Lance, co-founder of a new company and new brand, Domain Cigars. Daniel has teamed up with renowned blender Esteban Disla to form Domain Cigars. Tonight we will hear from Daniel and learn not only about Domain Cigars, but Daniel’s journey to starting his own company Plus, we have our FSG Beef Segments, Altadis USA’s Ties the Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa This Day in Sports History, and, of course, the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deli...
May 31, 2024•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 2094
The Smoking Syndicate Roundtable tackles the La Aurora 120th Anniversary ! The La Aurora 120th Anniversary made its debut in 2023 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the oldest premium cigar factory in the Dominican Republic. Blended by Manuel Inoa , the 120th Anniversary blend is highlighted by Dominican Tobaccos. It features a Dominican Havana 92 wrapper over an Olor del Valle Cibao binder and a filler of various tobaccos including Corojo, Olor del Valle del Cibao, and Piloto Cubano del Va...
May 28, 2024•46 min•Ep. 2093
The Smoking Syndicate Roundtable tackles the La Aurora 120th Anniversary ! The La Aurora 120th Anniversary made its debut in 2023 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the oldest premium cigar factory in the Dominican Republic. Blended by Manuel Inoa , the 120th Anniversary blend is highlighted by Dominican Tobaccos. It features a Dominican Havana 92 wrapper over an Olor del Valle Cibao binder and a filler of various tobaccos including Corojo, Olor del Valle del Cibao, and Piloto Cubano del Va...
May 28, 2024•46 min•Ep. 2092
While we did 34 minutes in Bear's interview with Pete Johnson, we get an additional 8 plus minutes with Pete as he joins the LGP crew. PCA 2024 Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-sRi
May 25, 2024•8 min•Ep. 2091
While we did 34 minutes in Bear's interview with Pete Johnson, we get an additional 8 plus minutes with Pete as he joins the LGP crew. PCA 2024 Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-sRi
May 25, 2024•8 min•Ep. 2090
When it came to new products at the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Show, perhaps no booth was more active than Tatuaje Cigars. Owner Pete Johnson had elected to use the 2024 PCA Trade Show to showcase all of the releases he had planned for 2024. There was plenty to see as there were new offerings under the several brands in the Tatuaje portfolio. As we usually do, we conclude our PCA coverage with a visit to Tatuaje Cigars and Pete Johnson. This year, we present "34 Minutes with Pete Johns...
May 25, 2024•35 min•Ep. 2089
When it came to new products at the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Show, perhaps no booth was more active than Tatuaje Cigars. Owner Pete Johnson had elected to use the 2024 PCA Trade Show to showcase all of the releases he had planned for 2024. There was plenty to see as there were new offerings under the several brands in the Tatuaje portfolio. As we usually do, we conclude our PCA coverage with a visit to Tatuaje Cigars and Pete Johnson. This year, we present "34 Minutes with Pete Johns...
May 25, 2024•35 min•Ep. 2088
Tonight on Prime Time Episode 305 we are joined by John Hakim, brand manager from Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) for Punch, Partagas, and Chillin Moose. John has an interesting background getting into the cigar industry. Plus he has an eclectic array of interests outside the cigar industry. Plus, we have our FSG Beef Segments, Altadis USA’s Ties the Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa This Day in Sports History, and, of course, the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation Segment....
May 24, 2024•2 hr 51 min•Ep. 2087
Tonight on Prime Time Episode 305 we are joined by John Hakim, brand manager from Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) for Punch, Partagas, and Chillin Moose. John has an interesting background getting into the cigar industry. Plus he has an eclectic array of interests outside the cigar industry. Plus, we have our FSG Beef Segments, Altadis USA’s Ties the Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa This Day in Sports History, and, of course, the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation Segment....
May 24, 2024•2 hr 51 min•Ep. 2086
Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust (DTT) did not have an all-new brand being released at the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) 2024. At the same time, that did not translate to PCA 2024 being a flat show. Instead, DTT came into PCA 2024 with a combination of intriguing brand extensions that created a buzz before the PCA 2024 Trade. The Cigar Coop Coalition team was on hand to discuss PCA and more with Master Ligador Steve Saka in an extended interview. PCA 2024 Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-sQp...
May 23, 2024•42 min•Ep. 2085
Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust (DTT) did not have an all-new brand being released at the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) 2024. At the same time, that did not translate to PCA 2024 being a flat show. Instead, DTT came into PCA 2024 with a combination of intriguing brand extensions that created a buzz before the PCA 2024 Trade. The Cigar Coop Coalition team was on hand to discuss PCA and more with Master Ligador Steve Saka in an extended interview. PCA 2024 Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-sQp...
May 23, 2024•42 min•Ep. 2084
Stogie Mag was one of the more interesting newcomers at the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. Stogie Mag is a humidor inspired by an AR-15 magazine, which is used for ammunition storage in a gun. The creators of Stogie Mag come from the gun industry and have a passion for smoking cigars, which led to the development of this product. PCA 2024 Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-sPz
May 22, 2024•4 min•Ep. 2083
Stogie Mag was one of the more interesting newcomers at the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. Stogie Mag is a humidor inspired by an AR-15 magazine, which is used for ammunition storage in a gun. The creators of Stogie Mag come from the gun industry and have a passion for smoking cigars, which led to the development of this product. PCA 2024 Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-sPz
May 22, 2024•4 min•Ep. 2082
Coming into the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, the big story from Quality Importers Trading Company (QI) was it was getting back into the premium cigar space. QI's focus has been in the accessories space, but over the years it has been involved in premium cigars. Most notably, it was best known for its Cult Cigars brand. The company also distributed Ortega Cigars for a short time. This year, QI comes back into the premium space with a new brand called Conspiracy Cigars. The uni...
May 22, 2024•9 min•Ep. 2081
Coming into the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, the big story from Quality Importers Trading Company (QI) was it was getting back into the premium cigar space. QI's focus has been in the accessories space, but over the years it has been involved in premium cigars. Most notably, it was best known for its Cult Cigars brand. The company also distributed Ortega Cigars for a short time. This year, QI comes back into the premium space with a new brand called Conspiracy Cigars. The uni...
May 22, 2024•9 min•Ep. 2080
On Prime Time Special Edition 159, it’s our 7 year anniversary show. Tonight we go back to the roots of Special Edition and commemorate with a thematic show. We use tonight to launch a new series within this show called “Cigar Draft”. Cigar Drafts are nothing new and have been going on in cigar media for over 15 years. Tonight we will pick our on spin of the Cigar Draft as we draft cigars from the CA Top 25 list of 2014. Plus, we have our Vintage Rock-A-Feller Cigar Group U.S. History segment, T...
May 22, 2024•3 hr 22 min•Ep. 2079
On Prime Time Special Edition 159, it’s our 7 year anniversary show. Tonight we go back to the roots of Special Edition and commemorate with a thematic show. We use tonight to launch a new series within this show called “Cigar Draft”. Cigar Drafts are nothing new and have been going on in cigar media for over 15 years. Tonight we will pick our on spin of the Cigar Draft as we draft cigars from the CA Top 25 list of 2014. Plus, we have our Vintage Rock-A-Feller Cigar Group U.S. History segment, T...
May 22, 2024•3 hr 22 min•Ep. 2078
On Episode 129 of Prime Time Jukebox, we kick off the 2024 Battle of the Bands Competition and turn our attention to the 1970s. While last year we selected artists, this year we have decided to focus on albums – specifically from the decade of the 197s. Hector Alfonso of Espinosa Cigars and John McTavish of Developing Palates are once again back and participating. The concept works as follows: Dave, Coop, Hector, and John will each pick eight albums. The selections will occur via a “Draft.” Once...
May 21, 2024•2 hr 18 min•Ep. 2077
On Episode 129 of Prime Time Jukebox, we kick off the 2024 Battle of the Bands Competition and turn our attention to the 1970s. While last year we selected artists, this year we have decided to focus on albums – specifically from the decade of the 197s. Hector Alfonso of Espinosa Cigars and John McTavish of Developing Palates are once again back and participating. The concept works as follows: Dave, Coop, Hector, and John will each pick eight albums. The selections will occur via a “Draft.” Once...
May 21, 2024•2 hr 18 min•Ep. 2076
At the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Stolen Throne Cigars would mark its five-year anniversary. As is the case with many cigar companies that reach an anniversary milestone, there was a special release for Stolen Throne Cigars to mark the occasion. Stolen Throne opted to go back to the cigar line that started it all, the Crook of the Crown, and release a special limited edition size as its fifth-anniversary cigar. PCA 2024 Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-sOB...
May 20, 2024•4 min•Ep. 2075
At the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Stolen Throne Cigars would mark its five-year anniversary. As is the case with many cigar companies that reach an anniversary milestone, there was a special release for Stolen Throne Cigars to mark the occasion. Stolen Throne opted to go back to the cigar line that started it all, the Crook of the Crown, and release a special limited edition size as its fifth-anniversary cigar. PCA 2024 Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-sOB...
May 20, 2024•4 min•Ep. 2074
Gurkha certainly had its share of high profile releases at the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show . Most of the headlines were about the project being done with former heavyweight boxing champion, Mike Tyson. In addition, Gurkha announced that it has expanded its Year of the Dragon releases into a collaboration series by contracting out with four leading factories to produce the series. Year of the Dragon is also just the beginning, as Gurkha has future Chinese Zodiac releases out t...
May 20, 2024•6 min•Ep. 2073
Gurkha certainly had its share of high profile releases at the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show . Most of the headlines were about the project being done with former heavyweight boxing champion, Mike Tyson. In addition, Gurkha announced that it has expanded its Year of the Dragon releases into a collaboration series by contracting out with four leading factories to produce the series. Year of the Dragon is also just the beginning, as Gurkha has future Chinese Zodiac releases out t...
May 20, 2024•6 min•Ep. 2072
The 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was the fourth one for Howard G Cigars. 2024 has certainly been a pivotal year for Howard G Cigars. Earlier this year, Howard G announced it had ended direct-to-consumer sales to focus on selling through retailers. This year, the focus for Howard G Cigars was on its core Magic Stick line. Magic Stick is a line that is offered in three blends: Connecticut, Habano, and Cameroon. This year Howard G would round out the series, resulting in the thre...
May 19, 2024•7 min•Ep. 2071
The 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was the fourth one for Howard G Cigars. 2024 has certainly been a pivotal year for Howard G Cigars. Earlier this year, Howard G announced it had ended direct-to-consumer sales to focus on selling through retailers. This year, the focus for Howard G Cigars was on its core Magic Stick line. Magic Stick is a line that is offered in three blends: Connecticut, Habano, and Cameroon. This year Howard G would round out the series, resulting in the thre...
May 19, 2024•7 min•Ep. 2070
