While at the PCA 2021 Trade Show, I sit down with Dan from the Cigar Saver. The Cigar Saver is a product that, well, saves your cigar. When you find it necessary to step away from your lit cigar, the Cigar Saver allows you to quickly put it out, saving your cigar to be easily re-lit when you can come back to it. Dan walks us through the process of creating the new cigar accessory, some of the difficulties and challenges of getting it manufactured, and verifying the proof of concept. We discuss D...
Sep 01, 2021•24 min•Ep. 63
I sit down with Dean Parsons of Epic Cigars at the 2021 PCA Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dean and I discuss his journey from Canadian hockey player, to police officer, to real estate development, to finally finding his passion and starting Epic Cigars. Dean opens up about the industry and the amount of effort, time, and money it takes to become successful. We discuss the Epic core lines and how they are a reflection of the cigar industry. Dean talks about his newest cigar, the Epic Ten, teas...
Aug 15, 2021•54 min•Ep. 62
I sit down at the Recluse Cigars/Iconic Leaf Cigar Company booth on the PCA Trade Show floor with owner and blender Scott Weeks. Scott and I talk about his and his family's background in the cigar industry and how he started Recluse Cigars and Iconic Cigar Leaf Company. We talk about federal regulations and how Scott navigates that. Scott discusses the pros of being a small cigar manufacturer versus a larger manufacturer and his approach to blending. Scott highlights Recluse's intubar/intubado r...
Aug 01, 2021•37 min•Ep. 61
I talk, via Zoom, with Nick Syris of LH Cigars . We discuss his journey from an audio business to his life as a retailer and how he eventually started LH Cigars. Nick talks about what he's learned and where LH Cigars is going in the future. We discuss the cigar industry, what it means to be boutique, how the global pandemic spurred cigar sales, and Nick's thoughts on trade shows in a post COVID-19 world. Nick briefly discusses his time in Cuba and what it means to be a true Master Blender....
Jul 15, 2021•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 59
James and Lucas, owner of Oxford Cigar Co. , discuss the 2021 PCA Trade Show LIVE from the show floor. Lucas is open and transparent with what he sees as good and bad about this year's trade show. The pair discuss how things could be better, fi the PCA will survive, if TPE is good for the premium cigar industry, and why Oxford Cigar Co. does what's best for their customers.
Jul 13, 2021•26 min•Ep. 60
I am joined, via telephone, with Instagram influencer, entrepreneur, and representative of Karen Berger Cigars, Anya Ramirez. We talk about her journey into the world of cigars and how it's a lifestyle for her and not just a hobby. We discuss how she came to be a rep for Karen Berger Cigars and some of the things she's seen in the industry. I ask her about women in the hobby and how smaller B&Ms can better cater to this growing demographic. Anya opens up about her experience starting a new c...
Jul 01, 2021•58 min•Ep. 58
I sit down with Giannis Koutsoupias, the Director of Business Development for the Vintage Whiskey and Cigar Bar in Charlotte, North Carolina, on the patio at the Vintage. We talk about Giannis' cigar journey, the lessons learned from his time in the restaurant and hospitality sector, the friends he made in the cigar industry, and his shared vision for the Vintage with Dan the owner. Giannis and I discuss how they curated their humidor, the blending process for the house stick (made by Nick Syris...
Jun 15, 2021•34 min•Ep. 57
James travels to sunny Orlando, Florida to have a conversation with Lucas Da Silva of Oxford Cigar Company. The pair sit outside next to large fans and a train station to discuss how Oxford Cigar Company does business, how they treat their customers, and their vision for the cigar industry. We also cover the PCA, the state of the cigar industry, some of the craziest things Lucas has seen, and the future of cigars. This is a great conversation that you're sure to enjoy. Visit Oxford Cigar Company...
Jun 01, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 56
I travel to sunny Orlando, Florida to chat live and in person with Jeremy and Donovan from Deep South Cigars. The three of us have a candid conversation about everything from politics, southern culture, diversity, family, cigars, self-promotion, the future, dating, starting your own business, and demystifying the cigar industry. This was a great conversation with a couple of real, down to earth, and generous BotLs that took time out of their schedule to sit down and have as open a chat as you'll...
May 15, 2021•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 55
I visit Capital Cigar Lounge in Lincoln, Nebraska to sit down and talk with Jeff Gaston. Jeff is the owner and founder of GSTN Cigar , who makes quality wood ashtrays for every budget and every need. Jeff and I discuss how he started his cigar journey and what led him to start GSTN Cigar. We talk about his process of making ashtrays, what inspires him, his inventory, and how long it takes him to ship out an order. We also dive into Jeff's background as a content creator, the podcasting process, ...
May 01, 2021•54 min•Ep. 54
This episode I chat with Evan, the founder of The Blend Newsletter, via Zoom and we discuss his cigar journey, how he fell in love with cigars, how the global pandemic helped him find his passion for the leaf, and how he curates the newsletter each week. We end up talking about what it's like being a content creator in the cigar industry, the time it takes to create content, how it affects our personal lives, and the relationships we've made along the way. It was a great conversation that I hope...
Apr 15, 2021•48 min•Ep. 53
I visit the Drawing Room QC and chats with two of the owners, Eric Norton and Shale Sage. The trio discuss the cigar community and rich cigar history in Davenport, Iowa, the cigar industry, how cigar manufacturers sell cigars to B&Ms, and how Eric and Shale started their cigar journeys. They also discuss opening a cigar lounge during a pandemic, how they train their staff, and so much more. Visit the Drawing Room on their Facebook Page ....
Apr 01, 2021•59 min•Ep. 52
I sit down with the third generation owner of David's Fine Tobaccos in Clive, Iowa, Sean David. Sean and I discuss a wide range of topics that both his customers and cigar aficionados and enthusiasts will find interesting. We talk about the 40+ year history of David's Fine Tobaccos, what's changed over that time, and the growing diversity of cigar smokers. We find out what goes into an event, how Sean views the PCA and CRA, state level politics, and where he sees the business in the next few yea...
Mar 15, 2021•33 min•Ep. 51
I welcome Robin Blue, founder and creator of Blue Smoke ATL, to the show. Robin and I discuss how she approaches creating her line of cigar pokers, flasks, and key chains. We talk about how she began her cigar journey, what prompted her to start her business, and how women are different cigar smokers than men. We find out how she chooses which lounges to do business with and how women have found their place in the cigar community. It was a great conversation that I hope you enjoy as much as I di...
Mar 01, 2021•49 min•Ep. 50
I sit down and chat via Zoom with the founder and admin of Keepers of the Flame cigar club, Anthony. We discuss how Anthony got into the cigar hobby as well as his thoughts on boutique cigars, diversity, growth during COVID, his approach to moderating, and the Cigarmageddon contest with the Simply Stogies cigar club. This was a great conversation that I hope you enjoy as much as I did. Keepers of the Flame Instagram...
Feb 15, 2021•44 min•Ep. 49
I chat (via a Zoom call) with two of the three organizers of the Queen City Cigar Fest, Clinton Douglas and Damon Robinson. Clinton and Damon tell us about the upcoming Queen City Cigar Fest being held in Charlotte, NC from May 19 - May 23, 2021. There will be daily and nightly events held at different cigar lounges across the Queen City those five days that will highlight both the cigar culture and local small businesses in Charlotte. We discuss how the Queen City Cigar Fest was brought about a...
Feb 01, 2021•54 min•Ep. 48
I give you my shortened opinion on the Cigar Aficionado Top 25 of 2020 list, why I think it is not a true list of the top cigars of 2020, and why we do not have advertisers or sponsors for the show and website. I then give you my list of Top 10 short cigars for winter or when you just don't have an hour to smoke. With both Cuban and non-Cuban cigars on the list, it's sure to have something for everyone. Please consider rating Simply Stogies Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or wherever you lis...
Jan 15, 2021•29 min•Ep. 47
I sit down with the new Administrator of SimplyStogies.club, Ryan Janus. Ryan and I discuss his cigar journey and how he started smoking, to working in a cigar lounge, to running simplystogies.club. We talk about the cigar community, the impact that COVID-19 has had on the online cigar community, some of the fun things they do, and the upcoming Cigarmageddon contest with the Keepers of the Flame cigar club. If you'd like to join simplystogies.club please email Ryan and the moderators of simplyst...
Jan 01, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 46
I invite everyone to go to The Blend News and sign up for their newsletter and for their holiday giveaway ! I then take a look back at the trials, tribulations, and victories of 2020. Yes, 2020 was a tough year on everyone and Simply Stogies Podcast and simplystogies.com were not immune from the 2020 curse. I then take a look at our future, what we hope to accomplish, and announce that our Buy Me a Coffee "Cutter Club" memberships and one-time donations are now up and running! I also take a look...
Dec 15, 2020•28 min•Ep. 45
I welcome our Content Director, Matthew Kang ( Twitter and Instagram ), and our Photographer, Wonho Frank Lee ( Instagram ) to the show. The three of us go through our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide on simplystogies.com and break down the gifts, why we chose particular products, and how they'll help you land on the nice list of the special BotLs and SotLs in your life. We also discuss how to choose cigars as gifts and what we would want if given a box of cigars as gift this holiday season. We round out...
Dec 01, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 44
I go through my review of the Stolen Throne Oath Taker , a Cigar Federation exclusive offering from Stolen Throne. I tell you why it scored what it did and where I believe the fault lies. Then, with the holiday season upon us, I cover what celebratory cigars are to me, and what I'm planning on smoking this year. I then ask you to tell me what you're looking forward to smoking. I also announce a new way to support the podcast coming January 1st!...
Nov 15, 2020•30 min•Ep. 43
I sit down with the Diana Hutton, the owner of Perfect Ash in Inver Grove Heights, MN. We discuss how an attorney from Mexico City winds up in Minnesota and then becomes the only Latina sole-owner of a cigar lounge in the state (and possibly the country). Diana opens up about what it took to open the new location of Perfect Ash. Diana also gives her perspective as a businesswoman on the business, the cigar community, the industry, and regulation. Please visit Perfect Ash at 9080 Buchanan Trail, ...
Nov 01, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 42
James catches up with one of the founders and blenders of Stolen Throne Cigars, Lee Marsh. The pair discuss how Stolen Throne has handled the pandemic, their new releases (Call to Arms, Argos, and Oath Takers), what makes boutique cigars boutique, and much more! Check out Stolen Throne's Facebook page Visit Stolen Thone on Instagram Get your Simply Stogies Podcast swag!!!...
Oct 15, 2020•52 min•Ep. 41
I sit down and catch-up with co-owner Tony Goins, and humidor coach Jeff Fry. We discuss their response to COVID-19 and how it has impacted their business. Jeff and I talk about the changes in their stock, their approach to customers, and how they treat their employees and customers like family. I also got the opportunity to talk with Tony about his new book Something in the Water, where the project came from, and who it is benefiting. Visit Capital Cigar Lounge at 5505 South 16th Street, Lincol...
Oct 01, 2020•55 min•Ep. 40
James sits down with the owners of Safari Cigars & Lounge, Jeff and Mari Doll. They discuss lounge etiquette, the impact that small business has on the local economy, how they got into the industry, and much more. This is a great interview with a couple of genuine, and down-to-earth entrepreneurs. Safari Cigars and Lounge is THE destination cigar lounge in Omaha, NE or Council Bluffs, IA. https://safaricigarsandlounge.com/ Safari Cigars and Lounge 13110 Birch Dr #108 Omaha, NE 68164...
Sep 26, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 39
I am finally back in my studio with power and internet! Thank you for your patience during my forced hiatus! I talk about the victory the cigar industry had over the FDA in court, what it means to small businesses and the industry at-large. I also give my opinion on where the next legal battles will likely take place. Then I move on to discussing my favorite Cuban Cigar retailers, and who I think you can trust when ordering Cuban cigars. *DISCLAIMER: None of the retailers mentioned are sponsors ...
Sep 15, 2020•30 min•Ep. 38
First, allow me to apologize to my listeners who may not follow me on social media. Where I live was hit hard by a derecho on August 10. I lost power until August 20 and I lost internet until August 30. For more information, check out the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast Presents: Cigars and Coffee here . This episode, I welcome Cuban Cigar expert, Joe, back to the podcast. Joe and I discuss the changes in the secondary Cuban cigar market, box codes and their importance, who you should l...
Aug 31, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 37
I give you my review of the Epic Cigars limited edition Project E Gran Ola. You can follow along with my review here. I also go over our new Statement of Ethics and why it's important to our staff and to our fans. You can get your own Simply Stogies Podcast SWAG here !
Aug 01, 2020•27 min•Ep. 36
James welcomes the new Content Director/Editor of simplystogies.com , Matthew Kang. Matthew discusses his cigar journey, and how his real job at Eater LA will help us give us some direction. We also talk a little COVID-19, and Matthew mistakes a travel humidor for a takeout box. James also announces a brand new Cuban Cigar review, a new pipe tobacco reviewer , and a new YouTube Channel featuring a new show called, Simply Stogies Presents: Cigars and Coffee hosted by Tim Allen and James Giehm....
Jul 15, 2020•44 min•Ep. 35
I had the opportunity to sit down with co-owner of Up Down Cigar (located at 1550 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL) and current PCA Board Member, Phil Ledbetter. Phil and I discussed his cigar journey, starting from pipe smoking and going all the way through his becoming co-owner of Up Down Cigar. We discussed the cigar industries love limited editions, the cigar community, how COVID-19 has affected his business and business model, the PCA, the FDA, and the cigar industry in general. It was a fantastic...
Jul 01, 2020•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 34
