We have the Kracken Spiced Podcast Juice this week. Voice mail etiquette. The Caballero pegs the Hidden Herf after just a couple clues. We interview Gil and he tells us about his travels to some cigar related video shoots. See FB and GilVideosVisual.com for samples of Gil’s work. We go into more detail on the NH regulations related to Cigar Bars. We discuss some Hackapalooza planning topics. Did we mention Ernie? Local Spotlight – Eli’s Smoking Lounge ; Nashua, NH Controversy Corner – On the gro...
Jan 11, 2021•1 hr 21 min
It’s the 2020 Hackie Awards direct from Can’t Connect Conneticut. The Hidden Herf is picked off early by The reverend Harvey and Nurse Rick with a couple of lucky guesses. We learn about six new or restarting cigar lounges in the area and cover the NH regulations related to Cigar Bars . Local Spotlight – Utopia Lounge; Plaistow NH Controversy Corner – The Stock Market Ponzi Scheme Hidden Herf 164 / Erik’s Hackie 2020 Utopia Lounge...
Jan 04, 2021•1 hr 24 min
It’s the Christmas episode so we do something different with the Hidden Herf and have a head-to-head blind cigar review with holiday gifts from a couple of our fans. There’s a mailbag segment with messages from some of the listeners. Local Spotlight – A Shack Christmas; Rowley MA Controversy Corner – The original Ponzi Scheme Hidden Herf 163 / Ponzi Items...
Dec 28, 2020•1 hr 21 min
The Hacks take the Oscuro III out for it’s maiden podcast voyage to the Christmas Party at Two Guys in Seabrook, NH. We run into Jim “The Price is Right” from CLE Cigars and Santa himself! We pull in Mr. Bojimbles and few folks from the lounge throughout the show. Local Spotlight – Two Guys Smoke Shop; Seabrook, NH Conspiracy Corner – The Lottery and Cardboard Crack Hidden Herf 162 / Two Guys, Seabrook...
Dec 21, 2020•1 hr 21 min
Due to a screw-up on behalf of the production staff we have a Hidden Herf Pot Luck where each panelist smokes a different blind cigar. Comedy Chris calls in on the remote from Jake’s Place. It’s someone’s birthday on Hanukkah, guess who. We talk a little history of gas prices. The Reverend Harvey coins a new term. Limos, Limos, Limos… Local Spotlight – Football at the Tobacco Shack; Rowley MA Conspiracy Corner – ESP(N) and the power of the mind. Hidden Herf Pot Luck...
Dec 14, 2020•1 hr 18 min
Gringo Stah is on the remote direct from The Don Kiki Cigar Lounge in Daytona, FL. The Hidden Herf is a bit of a dud, but we have a good time chatting with The Gringo while Harvey butchers a few words during Current Events. Local Spotlight – Don Kiki Cigar Superstore ; Daytona Beach, FL Conspiracy Corner – JFK Jr. Sting Hidden Herf...
Dec 07, 2020•1 hr 6 min
We meet a couple of unexpected guests in the lounge and they join us for a surprise episode, sometimes these surprises make for the best episodes. JoJo Mo drops in from afar. The Hidden Herf is a recent release and it gets high marks from the panel. We learn a lot about Etiquette Cigars in Laconia, NH. Local Spotlight – Castro’s Back Room ; Bedford, NH Conspiracy Corner – The Sting Continues Hidden Herf / Castro’s Bedford...
Nov 30, 2020•1 hr 9 min
It’s back to The Shack for the postponed Rocky Patel event w/Mike the Cop. We are just about at “Shack Capacity” with a the group spread out across the lounge this week. Nurse Rick is in quarantine because of a “close contact” and calls in on the remote. We smoke a special Rocky Patel cigar with a bit of history, it’s well received by the panel. Harvey puts a taser on his Christmas list. Local Spotlight – Rocky Patel event at The Tobacco Shack ; Rowley, MA Conspiracy Corner – Vaccines and off-sh...
Nov 23, 2020•1 hr 9 min
It’s our 3rd anniversary and we are at the Masters Event in Plaistow with Erik Wentworth of Hammer & Sickle Cigars . Back at home-base and recording on a Saturday afternoon, we had quite a turn out. I don’t know how we manage to have a dozen people on, but somehow it works. We do our usual anniversary Hidden Herf Pot Luck with the extra cigars from the past year. Local Spotlight – The Masters Event at Plaistow Cigar Co. ; Plaistow, NH Conspiracy Corner – The Hammer and the Scorecard Hidden H...
Nov 16, 2020•1 hr 12 min
We have a group of Shack regulars join us for a fun episode. The Hidden Herf receives mixed reviews but is picked out after a couple clues by the crack panel. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack ; Rowley, MA Conspiracy Corner – The Sting Hidden Herf 156 / The Tobacco Shack...
Nov 09, 2020•1 hr 2 min
The Gringo is heading south to Florida so we have a ton of laughs on his last in-person show for a while. Why Baby Shark and who is Ludwig? We received an Instagram tag from enjoying_a_cigar in the Netherlands and the discussion around it turns to mayhem. The Hidden Herf stumps the panel and receives mixed reviews. We also received an email from Guam. Due to the timing of this week’s recording the Guam email will be addressed next week – stay tuned. Local Spotlight – Crawford’s Cigar Shoppe; Ver...
Nov 02, 2020•1 hr 27 min
Hacks from all over meet in the Poconos for the fall classic – Pocono Palooza. We visit three lounges and smoke up a storm over the weekend. This episode is carried by a couple of the ladies who jump right in and dominate their segment. Olivia from the Big House does the Local spotlight and Crunch-Your-Numbers Laura turns out to be a conspiracy buff. The Hidden Herf is guessed out of thin air and it’s someone’s birthday. Local Spotlight – Big House Tobacco Outlet ; Scranton, PA Conspiracy Corner...
Oct 26, 2020•1 hr 14 min
It’s a nice evening for a fire pit, but a random rain cloud drops by for a couple minutes just as we get started. A cool evening and a crackling fire are the back drop for the episode. The Hidden Herf is deja vu, but still stumps the panel. Local Spotlight – Toscano at Two Guys ; Salem, NH Conspiracy Corner – There’s a red light in the sky. Hidden Herf 153 / Nonino Grappa...
Oct 19, 2020•1 hr 3 min
Nick from Rhode Island (that’s where Mary was from) writes in to clear up a few points related to our salvo of The Cigar Authority mail bag entries. Nurse Rick is uncharacteristically quiet during the opening. The Hidden Herf is a bit off the beaten path and gets marks in the same vein. Comedy Chris calls in unexpectedly and it’s boats and fishing with Rick. Local Spotlight – The Oscuro III Limousine Search Conspiracy Corner – Declassification of the Russian collusion documents. Hidden Herf 152...
Oct 12, 2020•1 hr 4 min
What happens when nine Hacks land on a great cigar? It’s true; the better the cigar, the better the show! It’s not often we have a universally enjoyed Hidden Herf that’s a hit with the the mild, medium, and full smokers on the panel. The Podcast juice may have also been a factor. This episode is another laugh track as we go off the rails early and often. From the inflatable girlfriend to the fish stories; Nick from RI this one’s for you. Local Spotlight – Smoke on the Water; Enema Lake, NH Consp...
Oct 05, 2020•1 hr 24 min
Brian from United Cigar is with us this week and we learn about United Cigar’s offerings. We cover Strategic moves and marketing by some small to mid-sized manufactures. It seems that every turn requires another explanation that leads into other explanations. We talk about a number of different cigars and brands; United , Micallef , DT&T and Oscar . Erik’s shoe collection is brought up. Local Spotlight – United Cigar at Plaistow Cigar ; Plaistow, NH Conspiracy Corner – Q-Anon explained. LOSB...
Sep 28, 2020•1 hr 28 min
It’s another story from the boat with Captain Rick and First Mate; Reverend “Gilligan”. The Hidden Herf is far too strong for half the panel and no one is even close on a guess. We stop in on a Rocky Patel event at Plaistow Cigar on our way to the spotlight event. Gilligan must have been in the Papaya Punch again because he gives Foster Brooks a run for his money. How many “anchor” references can we make? Local Spotlight – Eiroa Brothers at Two Guys ; Salem, NH – CLE & Aladino Conspiracy Cor...
Sep 21, 2020•1 hr 13 min
Eight Hacks enter a domicile… It’s the usual mayhem and frivolity with plenty of cigar talk after we do a little 9-11 segment. The Hidden Herf is figured out at the last minute. We find that The Barroness likes power tools. Video Reference: The Boys of Smokin Tabacco Cause Havoc at The 2020 New Hampshire Cigar Association Golf Tournament STFU!!! Participation Trophy Worcester Telegram: Cigar & Hookah Bars in the news Local Spotlight – Watch City Cigar & Pipe ; Framingham, MA Conspiracy C...
Sep 14, 2020•1 hr 25 min
Direct from the sidewalk, we kick off Labor Day weekend and have a great event at Cigars R Us in Danvers . We are joined by Bugs from Hiram & Solomon Cigars and Sweets from the local Mason Shrine. We smoke the Hiram & Solomon Traveling Man Lanceros while we learn about the brand and what it stands for. Coin and can shortages, a recap of the CANH Golf Tournament and the Reverend “Foster Brooks” round out the first half of the show. Gringo Star leads the shop regulars in a robust discussio...
Sep 07, 2020•1 hr 5 min
Half of The Cigar Authority joins the Hacks for another fun-filled show. This is Ed Sullivan’s’ first appearance with us and he fits right in. Mr. Jonathan gives us the history of his dance career, plus lots of insight into cigars and each Two Guys location. The Hidden Herf is nailed by one of the experts before we even light it. The Barroness is back and Gringo Star mentions Mexico. The serenade is an instant classic, it’s so bad it’s good! Local Spotlight – Two Guys Smoke Shop ; Salem, NH Cons...
Aug 31, 2020•1 hr 21 min
The Barroness returns for a relaxing episode around the fire-pit. The Hidden Herf is bit of a mess with the clues, but we get there eventually with a three-way effort. The Reverend makes the mistake of asking us to not mention unmentionables. Comedy Chris calls in unexpectedly and gives us an update from the Midwest. The Podcast Juice is flowing and we have lots of laughs trying to get the sound drops to work from everyone’s phones. Together we get it done! Local Spotlight – Cigars R Us; Danvers...
Aug 24, 2020•1 hr 14 min
Two years ago this week we did episode #40 in the same location, Two Guys in Seabrook NH , with Mr. Bojimbles and it happened to be one of the regulars’ birthday, Dave was 78. Well, it’s two years later, he’s 80 and still smoking up a storm so we return to help celebrate. It’s another show with a cast of “thousands”, but still lots of laughs. Ricky and Dom peg the Hidden Herf after some careful analysis led by Mr. Bojimbles. We meet some new people including; The Baroness, The Hauler, and Jen-Je...
Aug 17, 2020•1 hr 8 min
It’s a return to the Mustang Ranch for a sunset episode. The timing and weather is just about perfect for an evening cigar. Listen in as we transport you to a New Hampshire horse farm for a mid-summer sunset. The Hidden Herf is a follow up from a previous one, but still no one is close with a brand, or cigar, identification. Local Spotlight – The Mustang Ranch; New Hampshire Conspiracy Corner – Its all in the news. Hidden Herf 143 / Sunset at The Mustang Ranch...
Aug 10, 2020•1 hr 7 min
Local representatives from three cigar companies and three shops meet up at The Shack for this week’s episode, it’s like a mini-convention. Rocky , Dunbarton , United , and Hammer plus The Tobacco Shack , Cigars R Us and Plaistow Cigar are represented. Add to that a cast of many and it makes for a unique episode. We take the Hidden Herf in a different direction and let everyone have a choice of three different cigars – Red (boxpress), Blue (robusto) and Green (churchill). It takes a bit of effor...
Aug 03, 2020•1 hr 31 min
Out on Enema Lake under an almost completely clear sky and a dead calm, the setting is serene for this weeks episode. We have loons and train whistles in the background, a perfect backdrop for another “aged” Hidden Herf beauty that stumps the panel. Our special guest “Tim-Berr” joins us this week for lots of laughs, Podcast Juice, and a good cigar or two. Local Spotlight – NE Regional Trade Show Conspiracy Corner – Select your personal reality and a half dozen other topics. Hidden Herf 141...
Jul 27, 2020•1 hr 15 min
Mike the Cop, our local Rocky Patel rep, and The Shadow join the Hacks for an introduction to the 2020 Rocky Patel release line-up. We smoke the new Quarter Century then learn about the Hamlet 2020, the return of The Winter Collection, ALR 2nd edition limited re-release, and more. With the PCA (formerly IPCPR) canceled the Rocky team is doing local trade shows across the country and this is like one of the “media stops”. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Co. ; Plaistow, New Hampshire Conspiracy C...
Jul 20, 2020•1 hr 24 min
Jo-Jo Mo joins the Hacks live for the third “Palooza” in under a year. For the last couple years have been on the river for the summer trip, but this year we switch it up a bit and stay at the cabin on the lake. We are also joined by Carson Nightly and K-K-K-Katie. Katie is a bit of a novice but knows all the right questions related to the Hidden Herf, that Jo-Jo Mo pegs in just a few minutes. This episode is the result of smoking cigars, drinking beer, and fishing for two solid days; add a grea...
Jul 13, 2020•1 hr 22 min
It’s another outdoor episode, but this time a storm rolls by just west of us and we have a front row seat. We did have to wait out the wind and brief sprinkle but the show must go on. The hidden Herf turns out to be a chain smoke because of the delay. We tell the story of what happened after last week’s recording and how we got our hands on some rare cigars and made a new friend; Hamlet Paredes from Rocky Patel. Local Spotlight – The Mustang Ranch; New Hampshire Conspiracy Corner – Q-Plus Hidden...
Jul 06, 2020•1 hr 13 min
Half of the “ Not Just Blowing Smoke ” (NJBS) podcast and Dave “Bugsy” Segal of Pura Soul Cigars join the Hacks for another in-lounge episode. We smoke the Pura Soul Maduro which garners rave reviews from all participants. Bugsy tells us about the Pura Soul founder Robert Wright. Pastor Padron (Dan) and the other Dave (yes, it’s a three Dave show) get us up to speed on all the changes at Twins in Hookset and Londonderry . We cover a lot of cigar, pipe, and lounge ground with our guests this week...
Jun 29, 2020•1 hr 15 min
Outdoors for the fifth, and in the gutter for the second week in a row. The “sidewalk lounge” at Cigars R Us is along side the building on Cherry Street and we are literally sitting in the street again. We are joined by a large cast of characters and a big audience. It’s like a street fair in Danvers Square. The Hidden Herf is a hit, but stumps all 16 participants. The new proprietors, Shannon & John, are on hand for Local Spotlight. Billy Cigars and Sweet Lou jump in with Mustang Mike for C...
Jun 22, 2020•1 hr 15 min