Enrique Sanchez, Global Premium Cigars | Deep Cuts Live, Episode #153
An all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid. Episode 153, Enrique Sanchez, founder of Global Premium Cigars.
May 22, 2025•54 min•Season 5Ep. 153
Deep Cuts Live
DEEP CUTS LIVE is a series featuring candid conversations and interviews with entrepreneurs and innovators.
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Episodes
Fouad & Romy Kashouty, Hiram & Solomon Cigars | Deep Cuts Live, Episode #152
An all-new Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid. Episode 152 with special guests Fouad & Romy Kashouty, owners of Hiram & Solomon Cigars.
May 22, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 152
Rob Maneson, LOFB Cigars | Deep Cuts Live, Episode #151
An all-new Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid. Episode 151 with special guest Rob Maneson, (now former) president of the U.S. and Americas at League of Fat Bastards Cigars.
May 22, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 151
Les Mann, S.T. Dupont U.S.A. | Deep Cuts Live, Episode #150
An all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid. Episode 150, Les Mann, vice president of sales at S.T. Dupont USA.
May 22, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 150
Anto Mahroukian, JM Tobacco | Deep Cuts Live, Episode #149
An interview with Anto Mahroukian, president of JM Tobacco. Hear the origin story of JM Tobacco and its quest to create quality cigars offered at an affordable price point despite the rise in expensive premium cigars.
May 01, 2025•59 min•Season 5Ep. 149
Eladio and Emmanuel Diaz, Tabacalera Diaz Cabrera | Deep Cuts Live, Episode #148
An interview with Eladio and Emmanuel Diaz, master blender and commercial director for Tabacalera Diaz Cabrera. Learn about the impressive career of Eladio Diaz, a leading blender from the Dominican Republic, and how he's taking his blending skills to a new level by building a family-owned brand.
May 01, 2025•58 min•Season 5Ep. 148
Justo Eiroa, JRE Tobacco | Deep Cuts Live, Episode #147
An interview with Justo Eiroa, president of JRE Tobacco. Justo talks about Aladino Cigars and his experience working with his father, Julio Eiroa. Learn how Justo has built his family's premium cigar brand and the steps he's taking to ensure his company gives back to Honduras.
May 01, 2025•53 min•Season 5Ep. 147
Juan Martinez, Joya de Nicaragua | Deep Cuts Live, Episode #146
An interview with Juan Martinez, executive president of Joya de Nicaragua. Juan shares the story of one of Nicaragua's leading premium cigar makers and brands, Joya de Nicaragua, and gives us a blender's take on what makes Nicaraguan-grown tobacco so special.
May 01, 2025•58 min•Season 5Ep. 146
Eddy Guerra, Davidoff Cigars | Deep Cuts Live w/ Antoine Reid | Episode 145
Eddy Guerra, head of U.S. brand marketing at Oettinger Davidoff AG, joins in for episode 145 of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid! This episode covers marketing and branding tips for luxury and small businesses and provides insights into some of Davidoff Cigars's latest releases, the AVO Experience, a collaboration with DJ D-Nice, and the return of the Davidoff Maduro.
Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 145
John Ferrigan and Willy Marante, La Aurora Cigars | Deep Cuts Live w/ Antoine Reid | Episode 144
La Aurora is the oldest cigar factory in the Dominican Republic, but does its reputation make it an easy sell in the U.S.? In Episode 144 of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, hear from two men who are part of La Aurora's U.S. sales team. Learn about the legacy of this Dominican Republic cigar brand, the visionary and entrepreneur who leads the company today, and why this premium cigar brand should be on your radar and in your humidor today. Watch this episode of Deep Cuts Live on https://Yo...
Dec 15, 2023•55 min•Season 4Ep. 144
Juan Lugo, Don Doroteo Cigars | Deep Cuts Live w/ Antoine Reid | Episode 143
In episode 143 of Deep Cuts Live, host Antoine Reid has a conversation with Juan Lugo, founder of Don Doroteo Cigars. Juan comes from a four-generation tobacco growing family, though he did not immediately get into the tobacco business right away. Instead, he served in the military and worked in Silicon Valley where he learned a lot about what it takes to make a startup successful. Taking what he had learned in the past, Juan set out to honor his family's tradition in tobacco and later launched ...
Nov 21, 2023•2 min•Season 4Ep. 143
15 Tips for Premium Cigar Smokers
It's Deep Cuts Live's first ever tip show! Tune in for 30 minutes of viewer's questions about premium cigars. This show covers a number of commonly asked questions from cigar smokers including how to choose a cigar, the best budget cigars, how a cigar's shape affects how a cigar smokes, when to ash, and if price reflects quality in a cigar. Guests include: Allen Sanabria (Family x Loyalty), Luciano Meirelles (Luciano Cigars), Brandon Marsh (Big Sky Cigar), Damon Robinson (Charlotte Cigar Week), ...
Nov 14, 2023•29 min•Season 4Ep. 142
Julio Cabrera - Cafe La Trova and Sacrificio Cigars | Deep Cuts Live w/ Antoine Reid | Episode 141
We're mixing things up a bit with this week's Deep Cuts Live! For Episode 141, the special guest is Julio Cabrera, the award-winning bartender behind Miami's Café La Trova and the new premium cigar brand Sacrificio Cigars. Julio has a unique and engaging story that's sure to inspire everyone to take some action in their life. After studying to become an agricultural engineer, Julio realized something that many do at some point in their professional careers–his work wasn't fulfilling. He wanted t...
Sep 15, 2023•55 min•Season 4Ep. 141
Mechelle Merkerson | Deep Cuts Live w/ Antoine Reid | Episode 140
Becoming a content creator is a popular professional track for many people, but what does it take to be a successful content creator? What does it take to put together a video or to build a dedicated audience? In episode 140 of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Mechelle Merkerson shares how her desire to teach and educate others about premium cigars led to her creating her own online show, "Cigars with 'M'." Hear her unique approach to creating content, including scripting videos, handling ...
Sep 08, 2023•56 min•Season 4Ep. 140
Interview: Quesada Cigars’ Hector Becerra
Hector Becerra is the national sales manager for Quesada Cigars, a well-established cigar manufacturer based in the Dominican Republic. In this interview with Deep Cuts Live, Hector dives into what makes Quesada a brand that should have a regular place in your humidor and what it takes to be a successful salesman and marketer in today's cigar industry. For anyone in sales, learn why "being on" at all times is more of the norm and, at times, necessary to achieve success.
Sep 01, 2023•56 min•Season 4Ep. 139
PANDA YAN: MOVING FROM CHINA TO MAKING CIGARS IN NICARAGUA
Ready to unlock the blueprint to conquering uncharted territories? Tune in now and be inspired by Panda Yan's exceptional expedition, proving that with tenacity and the right opportunities, you, too, can turn your dreams into reality. Join us in this exclusive interview to uncover the untold story of how Panda Yan, armed with determination and curiosity, forged an extraordinary path. Dive into the riveting narrative of his journey from China to the cigar factory floor in Nicaragua, where he hone...
Aug 25, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 138
THE KONSCIOUS AWAKENING THAT LED TO A CIGAR BRAND (feat. Kevin Brown, Konscious Cigars)
How does an epiphany sparked by women's hair product lead to a premium cigar brand? You'll learn how that happened with this week's Deep Cuts Live interview with Kevin Brown. Brown has long been into entrepreneurship and has launched several businesses. It was when he found himself faced with an inner conflict selling hair product to women that eventually launched him into the cigar industry. Learn how this UPS driver learned about the cigar culture by building a cigar lounge experience and even...
Aug 18, 2023•58 min•Season 4Ep. 137
HOW TO MAKE A STATEMENT WITH YOUR PRODUCTS (feat. Aric Bey, Black Star Line Cigars)
Aric Bey returns to Deep Cuts Live to talk about everything that's happened with his premium cigar brand, Black Star Line Cigars, since his first appearance in 2020. Since his first appearance, Aric has worked on and released several new cigars, most notably Mr. Fahrenheit and Rosewood 1923. Aric discusses working with new factories, such as Tabacalera La Isla and Fabrica Oveja Negra. Hear how Aric has better defined his brand, what it stands for today, and how he's using it to make a statement....
Aug 11, 2023•54 min•Season 4Ep. 136
HOW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS CAN TAKE ON BIGGER BRANDS (feat. Mario Caraballo, Casa Caraballo)
There's a misconception that "boutique" cigars aren't as good as more well-known brands, and this week's guest hopes to put that myth to rest once and for all with his company and its products. Mario Caraballo talks about what led him to launch his own premium cigar brand, Casa Caraballo, and a few lessons he's learned as a small business owner. Learn what the boutique cigar industry is really about in 2023 and how AI is moving the premium cigar industry forward. Suppose you're a new business ow...
Aug 04, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 135
INTERVIEW: ALLEN SANABRIA, FAMILY X LOYALTY CIGARS
If you're bored with the typical name-brand cigars, this podcast will inspire you to venture into the unknown and explore the world of boutique cigars! This week's Deep Cuts Live features special guest Allen Sanabria, co-owner of Family X Loyalty Cigars. Over five years ago, Sanabria and his business partner launched a pipe accessory designed for use with premium cigars. After nine months, Allen set out to create his premium cigar brand. With the help of Blackbird Cigar Co.'s factory, they blend...
Jul 31, 2023•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 134
C.L.E. Cigar’s Christian Eiroa: Planes, Train(ing)s, and Premium Cigars - An Exclusive Interview
Join us for an exclusive interview with Christian Eiroa, the renowned founder and president of C.L.E. Cigar Company. In this captivating discussion, Christian takes us on a journey through his upbringing in Honduras, where his father imparted invaluable knowledge of tobacco cultivation and cigar craftsmanship. Discover Christian's transformation from a hesitant outsider to a passionate force in the premium cigar industry as he shares his remarkable story. Christian Eiroa delves into the creation...
Jul 18, 2023•59 min•Season 4Ep. 133
Crowned Heads’ Miguel M. Schoedel - From Baseball Fields to Tobacco Fields | Exclusive Interview
Dive into an exclusive interview with Miguel M. Schoedel, the accomplished national sales manager of Crowned Heads, as he takes us on a compelling journey from the baseball diamond to the world of premium cigars. Uncover Miguel's inspiring career transition and invaluable insights into sales. Discover the fascinating story of Miguel's pursuit of his baseball dreams, his subsequent pivot into a sales career, and his rise to the position of national sales director at Crowned Heads, a prominent and...
Jul 18, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 132
The Life, Times and Cigars of Miami Cigar & Company’s Nestor Miranda
In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, famed cigar brand owner Nestor Miranda and his son-in-law, Jason Wood, the Vice President of Miami Cigar & Company, discuss their lives, careers, and the company's premium cigar portfolio. In this candid interview, Nestor Miranda talks about his childhood in Cuba, his move to the United States, and how he started Miami Cigar & Company in 1989. He also shares his insights on entrepreneurship, including how to start a business, what...
Jun 27, 2023•57 min•Season 4Ep. 131
Freud Cigar Co.’s Luis Miguel Torres on Creating an Ultra-Premium Cigar Brand
In this interview, Luis Miguel Torres, co-founder of Freud Cigar Co., shares his insights on how to create an ultra-premium cigar brand in 2023. Luis has spent his career working in the luxury product space, and he brings a wealth of experience to this conversation. He discusses the ultra-premium cigar category, how cigars are priced, and the link between price and quality. He also shares how his past experiences working in the luxury lifestyle space helped shape Freud Cigar Co. If you're intere...
Jun 21, 2023•56 min•Season 4Ep. 130
He Went from Farming to Making Cigars: An Interview with Brandon Marsh from Big Sky Cigars
In this interview, Brandon Marsh, co-founder of Big Sky Cigar, shares his story of how he went from farming to making cigars. Brandon grew up on a farm in Montana and has always loved the outdoors. He started his own cigar company, inspired by his love of Montana. Big Sky Cigar and its products are named after iconic Montana landmarks, and its cigar blends are made to be enjoyed in the outdoors while fishing and doing other activities one would do in Montana. In this interview, Brandon talks abo...
Jun 15, 2023•59 min•Season 4Ep. 129
Charlie Minato: The Man Behind Halfwheel
In this hour-long interview, Charlie Minato, editor and co-founder of Halfwheel, discusses his journey to becoming one of the most well-known voices in the premium cigar industry. Charlie shares his insights on the media landscape, the challenges of running a business, and his advice for anyone who wants to make it in the cigar industry. Whether you're a cigar enthusiast or simply interested in the business of media, this interview is a must-watch. Charlie's candid and insightful commentary is s...
Jun 06, 2023•23 min•Season 4Ep. 128
FINDING INSPIRATION IN TRAGEDY (feat. Luciano Meirelles, Luciano Cigars)
In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, we chat with Luciano Meirelles, owner of Luciano Cigars (formerly Ace Prime). When Luciano Meirelles' family faced a traumatic event, he knew he had to make a change. Determined to be more present with his loved ones, he decided to simplify his life and pursue his passion for cigars. But instead of launching his own brand right away, Luciano took a different approach – he grew tobacco, learned how to ferment it, and made cigars for others...
Apr 19, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 127
Everything You Need to Know About Charlotte Cigar Week
In this all-new Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, special guest Damon Robinson gives us all the details about Charlotte Cigar Week. Learn how this special week focusing on the cigar culture and lifestyle in and around Charlotte, North Carolina, came to be and the work it's taken to build this event up to a must-attend for many cigar enthusiasts in and outside of North Carolina. Damon gives us a rundown of the events of the week, the many sponsors that are helping to make this a memorable oc...
Apr 12, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 126
HOW AMENDOLA FAMILY CIGAR CO. MADE THE NYC SERIES WEST SIDE STORY CIGAR
In episode 125 of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, special guests Jeffrey Amendola and Chris Monaco from Amendola Family Cigar Co talk about their latest release, the Amendola NYC Series - West Side Story. You'll often hear that it takes 300 hands to make a cigar but what is the process behind taking a cigar from concept to a finished product on a store shelf? Learn how the NYC Series was created by Jeffrey and Chris and the various stages of production it took to create the cigar. Learn h...
Apr 05, 2023•58 min•Season 4Ep. 125
WHY BUSINESSES FAIL AND HOW YOURS CAN SUCCEED (feat. Ernesto Padilla, Padilla Cigars)
In episode 124 of Deep Cuts Live, host Antoine Reid speaks with special guest Ernesto Padilla, the owner of Padilla Cigars. Born in Cuba, Ernesto has been a key player in the premium cigar industry for over 20 years. In this fascinating interview, Ernesto shares his journey in creating a traditional cigar and how small brands in the industry have to navigate their own distribution companies. He also offers insights into why staying small and boutique gave his company longevity, and why getting b...
Mar 31, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 124
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