I welcome Nick Syris, owner and blender of LH Cigars , back to the show. Nick discusses the impact Hurricane Ian had on Cuba. He also lets us know if Cuba has improved since his visit earlier this year. Nick then dives into Cohiba's 55th Anniversary event in Cuba last month. We focus on his interview with Habanos SA vice presidents José María López Inchaurbe (Development VP) and Leopoldo Cintra González (Commercial VP). He lets us know what he thinks about their answers to his questions. Watch t...
Nov 01, 2022•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 93
I return from vacation and catch up with Lucas Da Silva, owner of Oxford Cigar Company . We discuss our experience at Grand Cathedral Cigars in Tampa, FL before we jump into the industry. We talk about the Davidoff price increase, inflation, what's changed since COVID and a whole lot more. Order our coffee blend at Janus Coffee Roasters ....
Oct 15, 2022•58 min•Ep. 92
This episode, I am joined by the father and daughter team of Rick and Sara Rodgriguez of West Tampa Tobacco Co . The three of us discuss how Rick started his cigar journey, and who taught him to blend and run a cigar company. We talk about their vision for the West Tampa Tobacco Co. and Sara's role in the company. We find out Sara's journey and how she wanted to work with her dad. This was a very fun episode, as we got to see how family comes together to make something special. ORDER SIMPLY STOG...
Sep 15, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 91
James is joined by his Cuban Sub-Series host, Nick Syris of LH Cigars , as they discuss what makes Cuban cigars so unique...the soil. Before they discuss the unique properties of the soil in Cuba and the different growing regions around the island, Nick catches us up on some of the news coming our of Cuba. We also discuss the upcoming 55th birthday celebration of Cohiba, white ash vs black ash, and storing your cigars. To order the Simply Stogies coffee blend from Janus Coffee Roasters, click he...
Sep 01, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 90
In a simulcast with Simply Stogies Presents: Cigars & Coffee , James welcomes his co-host from Cigars & Coffee (Timothy Allen) back to the podcast. They also welcome Shad and Shea Bates of Janus Coffee Roasters to the show. We talk with them about their cigar journeys, how Janus Tobak started, and their first foray into coffee roasting. Part two we dive into how Janus Coffee Roasters was started, their process and creativity, “coffee for a cause,” and some of the mistakes people make whi...
Aug 15, 2022•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 89
While at the PCA 2022 Trade Show I sat down with Dan Ravanelli of 505 Cigar Review . Dan and I discuss this year's trade show before finding out more about Dan's cigar journey and how his 505 Cigar Review came into being. We talk about how he's gained traction and how he's been perceived by some in the industry. We then shift gears and talk about cigar media, our roles in that "sphere" and how we see ourselves. Check out 505 Cigar Review's linktr.ee to find all of his content....
Aug 01, 2022•49 min•Ep. 88
We continue our interviews from the PCA 2022 Trade Show floor with Rick Rodriguez of West Tampa Tobacco Co., Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne, John Laurendi of Peter James, Desiree Sylver of Drunk Chicken Cigars, Bradley Rubin of Alec Bradley Cigars, and Dan Thompson of Micallef Cigars. There is a lot of great information on their new blends, PCA attendee exclusives, and some thoughts on Cigar Aficionado from Dan Thompson.
Jul 25, 2022•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 87
James takes to the PCA 2022 Trade Show floor to interview Jeremy Casdagli of Casdagli Cigars , Uncle Bobi of XhaXhi Bobi Cigars, Dr. Stephan Lampert of Lampert Cigars , and Luis Falto of Falto Cigars . With James battling COVID he picked up as he was leaving Las Vegas, it falls to Tim to close this episode out! You can see all of our PCA 2022 Trade Show coverage here !...
Jul 19, 2022•54 min•Ep. 86
I am joined by Cuban cigar expert and the owner of LH Cigars, Nick Syris, as we discuss the impact of the US embargo on Cuban cigars. The conversation begins with some news coming out of Cuba and quickly turns to the Habanos SA price increases. Nick gives his thoughts on why Habanos SA has raised their prices and what impact that will have on the cigar industry around the world. We talk discuss the future of Cuban cigars, if new manufacturers will be able to sustain their success given the curre...
Jul 01, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 85
I sit down, via Zoom with Peter James founder, John Laurendi. John and I discuss how he got into his cigars, and John shares with us his very first cigar experience. John tells us how Peter James came to be and the some of the obstacles that the company faced upon its inception. We then talk about his new cigar line, Los Estoico, that includes a Habano and a Maduro, his vision behind them, and how they were blended. John and I get into the weeds on coffee, before John talks about being an entrep...
Jun 15, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 84
I am joined by Nick Syris, owner of LH Cigars , my co-host for our Cuban Sub-Series. We discuss the latest news from Cuba: The explosion near Hotel Saratoga in Cuba, the Biden Administrations change in Cuban policy, and Habanos S.A. dramatically raising Cuban cigar prices. We then talk about the innovators of Cuban cigars: Christopher Columbus, Fidel Castro, Zino Davidoff, and more.
Jun 01, 2022•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 83
For this bonus episode, I chat with Luciano Meirelles of Ace Prime Cigars , Andy Yaffee of Micallef Cigars , Oscar Valladares of Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co , Nick Syris of LH Cigars , Greg Free of Fuerte y Libre Cigars , and Dwight Adkins of FatAsh Cigar Lounge and My Old Kentucky Herf . We find out why Dwight started the My Old Kentucky Herf and FatAsh Cigar Lounge, and also discuss what makes them both so successful. Dwight shares with us his vision and what's in store for the 3rd Annua...
May 24, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 82
I sit down with Mo Maali, the man behind Patina Cigars . We talk about the behind-the-scenes of running a cigar company. Mo opens up about lanceros, limited edition, and tobacco availability. We discuss how he gets into new shops and how he knows if a shop is the right fit. We talk about the economy, his podcast ( Sultans of Smoke ), and of course Patina Cigars!
May 15, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 81
Nick Syris, owner of LH Cigars , joins me for the next installment of the sub-series this year, while we look at the history of Cuban cigars. We start from when they believe the tobacco plant arrived on the island and go all the way to present day Cuba. Of course, we stop a little along the way to discuss modern issues: the FDA, marketing, censorship, and why cigar reviewers breakdown their reviews by thirds. As always, Nick is a wealth of information. Do not miss this look at the history of Cub...
May 01, 2022•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 80
James welcomes back co-host Nick Syris, a Master Blender and Cuban expert, to discuss his latest trip to Cuba. Is Cuba ready for tourism as the pandemic (hopefully) winds down? Nick talks about what he saw as he visited the island nation in April of 2022. From the changes in currency to the amount of inflation Cuba is now seeing, it does not bode well for those looking to travel to Cuba anytime soon. Nick discusses the ongoing exodus from Cuba and where they are all going, as well as how that wo...
Apr 15, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 79
I welcome back to the show Nick Syris of LH Cigars . We return to our sub-series on Cuba and discuss the Cuban people. Nick explains their daily lives, what they go through, how they live, and how they work to steal. We talk about their views and general attitudes towards Americans, racism, and the impact of a Communist run economy that sees 77% inflation. It's an eye-opening look at a proud people. You can contact Nick Syris on Instagram , Facebook , or Twitter ....
Apr 01, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 78
I am joined via Zoom by journalist, author, podcaster, and cigar aficionado Nick Hammond. Nick is the author of Around the World in 80 Cigars: The Travels of an Epicure. Nick and I discuss how the book came about before diving into some of the great stories found in the book. From his travels to Tunisia, Bosnia, Cuba, Nicaragua, and a safari in Africa Nick seamlessly weaves tales of his travels while bringing it all back to his love of cigars. Nick tells of his love affair with different countri...
Mar 15, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 77
This episode is a continuation of Episode 73 , where Nick Syris (owner of LH Cigars and Cuban cigar expert) continue our discussion of the history of Cuba. We begin with the infamous Fidel Castro coming to power and how that changed things for the Cuban people and the geopolitical landscape. We discuss how the Russians helped prop up Cuba and talk about China now propping up the Communist regime in Cuba....
Mar 01, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 76
I am joined via Zoom by Christopher Moore, owner and founder of Carolina Blue Cigars. Christopher calls in from a cigar lounge (I apologize for the audio quality and background noise) to talk about his brand Carolina Blue Cigars. We discuss how his 30yrs in the military impacted his blending process, as well as how cigars in the military brought his fellow soldiers together. We talk about his vision for Carolina Blue, where he sees it in the next few years, and the challenges of a boutique cigar...
Feb 15, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 75
This is the first of a new sub series of podcasts where myself and Nick Syris of LH Cigars will discuss all things Cuba. For Part 1, Nick and I discuss the beginnings of the island of Cuba, its Spanish colonization, and how the island of Cuba has been a political pawn for centuries. We make it through the Bautista era in this episode. Join Nick and I for an in-depth look at the Cuban island, its people, and their cigars, once a month through most of 2022....
Feb 01, 2022•49 min•Ep. 74
Thank you all so much for your support these past three years!! This is now the longest running podcast and most successful podcast that I've ever done. None of this would be possible without you, the listener. THANK YOU!! I break down Cigar Aficionado's 2021 Top 25 and why it's still problematic. I also cover the PCA's announcement of adding manufacturers to their board and why that's a good thing. LINK: https://halfwheel.com/pca-adding-more-manufacturers-to-boards-creates-new-mission-statement...
Jan 15, 2022•33 min•Ep. 73
I sit down with Devin Ashley, owner and founder of Bad Ash Cigars. Bad Ash Cigars is an ultra-boutique cigar company that is just getting off the ground. We discuss the challenges that face small cigar manufacturers, where he sources his tobacco, how he started rolling cigars, super tasters, and how he handles being in the cigar industry and the healthcare field.. We talk about the FDA, rules and regulations, and a lot more. Visit Bad Ash Cigars' website here !...
Jan 01, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 72
I am joined via Zoom by the PCA's Head of Government Affairs, Joshua Habursky, and State Advocacy Director, Glynn Loope. We take a look back at the legislative victories of 2021 and then look forward to the legislative fights coming in 2022. We discuss the how the PCA approaches the Federal Government fights, and the multi-faceted fights at the state and local levels. We also let our listeners know how they can become involved in the fight, by going to cigaraction.org, staying up to date on the ...
Dec 15, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 71
I chat, via Zoom, with the one and only Tommy Zman. Tommy "Zman" Zarzeki is a writer, producer, voice actor, humorist, and content creator. While he has worked on projects outside of the cigar industry, Tommy is well-known for his work in the cigar industry. Tommy talks about how he broke into the cigar industry and where his journey took him. Tommy recalls his time at JR Cigars and Famous Cigars, among other, and what it was like working with guys like Steve Saka. Tommy also talks about his arr...
Dec 01, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 70
I welcome Lucas Da Silva, owner of oxfordcigarcompany.com , back to the podcast. We discuss the state of cigar retail, what it's like to do business during the second cigar boom, and how Oxford Cigar Company chooses what new cigar manufacturers to carry. Lucas also talks about the current logistical problems plaguing the industry and why it may be harder to find your favorite cigar on store shelves and online. Lucas tells us what hot new products and cigars will make the perfect Holiday gift for...
Nov 21, 2021•55 min•Ep. 69
I welcome Nick Syris, the owner and Master Blender of LH Premium Cigars and a Subject Matter Expert on all things Cuban cigars, to the show. Nick and I run the gamut of Cuban cigars, as we discuss the U.S. embargo on Cuba and some of the effects on the Cuban people, the changing U.S. stance on Cuba from administration to administration, some of the challenges Cuban cigars face, how the rest of the world views Cubans and "New World" cigars, what Cuban cigars might look like in a post-embargo worl...
Nov 15, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 68
I travel to Capital Cigar Lounge in Lincoln, Nebraska and sit down with Alec Rubin of Alec Bradley Cigars . Alec and I discuss what it was like growing up in the industry and his unique cigar journey. Alec describes what it's like working with family, what he believes makes a cigar manufacturer "boutique," and his opinions on vitolas and accessories. We touch a little bit on how the global pandemic has affected the industry, how it affected their business, and that leads to a discussion on the m...
Nov 01, 2021•52 min•Ep. 67
I chat, via Zoom, with Antonio Lam of Reinado Premium Cigars. There are things in the world that are more important than cigars and more important than business. Antonio and I discuss one of those things: family. Antonio explains where he has been for the past seven years and the reason for Reinado's long hiatus from the industry. We talk about the cigar industry, what it means to be boutique, and where Reinado's seat at the table is. Antonio also talks about the future of Reinado before we have...
Oct 15, 2021•50 min•Ep. 66
I am joined via Zoom by Andy Sweis, owner of Cedar Room Fine Cigars & Lounge in Scottsdale, AZ. We talk about how he got into the cigar industry and how it is a family affair for him and his brother. Andy talks about staying on the bleeding edge of boutique cigars and new releases. We talk about both the physical space and their online space and the challenges of competing in an online market. We find out how Andy sees his customers as family and how that translates into one of the best expe...
Oct 01, 2021•58 min•Ep. 65
I sit down with Joe from Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety at Prime Cigars in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Joe and I have a great conversation that covers a wide array of topics. We get to know Joe and how he started his cigar journey before getting to know what the Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety is all about. Joe explains their focus on those in and around the cigar industry, how they got started, and what's next for the E3C5. Joe and I also discuss Instagram "influencers" and what it means to be an "influencer," ...
Sep 15, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 64
