James and Nick welcome Enrique Sanchez of 1502 Cigars to the show. Enrique talks about how he got into the business and working with the Plasencia family on his first release. He shares his passion for Nicaragua and the differences between InterTabac and the PCA Trade Show, and his philosophy of "Relax and enjoy." Enrique also discusses being a boutique brand and what separates them from the "big guys," and why quality matters. James shares his thoughts on the Sopranos, volcanos, and freshwater ...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 183
As usual, Tim gets all the facts wrong but luckily James and Nick are back to help set him straight as they discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest Hector Alfonso Sr., the blender and Director of Factory Operations for Espinosa Cigars. The three reflect on getting old as they continue to enjoy their cigars. Tim tries to revive the greatest movie quotes and punchlines Hector delivered during the episode without success, and they cover the rising costs of obtaining ...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 182
James and Nick welcome blender and Director of Factory Operations for Espinosa Cigars, Hector Alfonso Sr., to the show. The trio discuss the cigar industry at large: the differences in B&M's, the internal politics of lounges and how one or two "Alpha Dogs" can sway others in the lounge, and what differentiates "cigar slingers" from those who actually sell cigars. They also discuss why Simply Stogies Podcast is "legit" and what we do differently than others in the media space. Hector talks ab...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 181
Tim brings James and Nick back to the microphone to discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest Daniel Marshall who, as you know by now, is the world's #1 humidor maker. We dig a little deeper into a few of the conversations and stories that you heard on the episode and get some of their personal experiences and opinions. Daniel Marshall was kind enough to give our audience a coupon code for 40% off select humidors and cigars, plus a free copy of his book with every o...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 180
James and Nick welcome the world's #1 humidor maker, Daniel Marshall. Daniel tells us how he started making humidors, the trials and tribulations of getting started, and not letting anyone tell you "no" when you're following your dreams. Daniel discusses the importance of a good humidor; whether you're aging your cigars or just storing them for a short time, a good humidor will protect your investment. We also discuss what type of humidor works, pros and cons, and what Daniel Marshall offers. He...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 179
Tim, James, and Nick are back to talk about one of their favorite guys in the industry, Dan Thompson of Micallef Cigars, behind his back! Luscious locks and hand modeling in the cigar industry can be a thing. The three tell a few fun tales from their interactions at the PCA Trade Show with Dan over the past few years, while they enjoy some Micallef Cigars. They cover the pros and cons of boxes vs bundles, industry collabs and their breakups, and how to be a decent human being.
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 178
James and Nick welcome Dan Thompson, President of Micallef Cigars, back to the show. Dan talks about the new Micallef Red and the manufacturing and research & development that went into the Red and all of their color series. Dan discusses what's next and teases something new for the PCA 2025 Trade Show in New Orleans. We talk about the "Micallef Effect," what James thinks it is, and what Dan believes it is. There is discussion around the cigar industry, pricing, how manufacturers work with B...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 177
Tim brings James back to the microphone to discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast about Mo Maali of Patina Cigars. The two dig deeper into judging a brand by it's Connecticut Cigar, cigar journeys, the PCA Trade show, the Oro De Nicaragua, and some business practices of small and large cigar manufacturers.
Sep 22, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 176
James and Nick welcome Mo Maali, owner and founder of Patina Cigars back to the show. We discuss the current economy, its impact on the cigar industry, and how it affects cigar releases and how Patina approaches releases. Mo talks about the Oro de Nicaragua, which factory it came from, and why it was released before the PCA Trade Show. He gives advice to new boutique manufacturers on the scene. We talk about the smoke and mirrors of the cigar industry and how it reflects society. We also touch o...
Sep 15, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 175
Tim, James, and Nick go down rabbit hole after rabbit hole following the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars. It's easy to do and that's what Clear the Air is all about. Join the trio as they talk about many troubles within the cigar industry.
Sep 08, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 174
Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars returns to Simply Stogies Podcast to chat with James and Nick about what he has been up to. Nimmer talks about his process of validating blends and the time it takes to make sure they're ready for release. He also discusses his latest release, the Astronomia. The Astronomia is the newest addition to Valacari Cigars' core lines. Nimmer tells us why it was important to get the Astronomia right and why it took so long to add to his core line.
Sep 01, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 173
Tim brings your favorite cigar podcast hosts back to the microphone to talk about the latest episode featuring Eddy Guerra, head of marketing for some of the best cigars around, Davidoff. As always, Tim leads James and Nick down rabbit holes that prove hard to get out of.
Aug 22, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 172
James and Nick welcome Eddy Guerra, Head of Brand Marketing for Davidoff Cigars, to the show. Eddy tells the story of how he got in the industry and the type of people that he interacted with. Eddy's goal was to eventually work for Davidoff, but his journey had a few stops along the way. Eddy talks about cigar marketing in the industry, the good and the bad, as well as what he believes hurts the industry. There's a great discuss of "cigar events" vs "cigar experiences" and what he and Davidoff h...
Aug 15, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 171
Tim brings your favorite cigar podcasters back to the microphone once again to dive deeper into the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Rick and Sara Rodriguez of West Tampa Cigar Company. The trio talk about the fun that can be had in the industry when going to events and meeting you favorite cigar "icons". There's more to the industry than just a cigar and a price. We have lots of laughs and admire WTTC, Rick, and Sara as they pave a pathway to the cigar industries future. Watch on You...
Aug 08, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 170
James and Nick sit down with Chef Rick Rodriguez and his daughter Sara, of West Tampa Tobacco Co. We discuss what they've learned since starting West Tampa Tobacco. From what they thought being prepared looked like, to wearing different hats for the company, to learning to delegate. Sara discusses the stories that she's making, the memories and the friends along the way. She also talks about forging her own path and focusing on the human side of the industry.
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 169
Tim, James, and Nick are back at the microphones to make another attempt to talk behind peoples back. Listen as they discover how hard that is to do when it's great people like Al and Amanda Micallef of Micallef Cigars. The three talk about the latest episode and dive deeper into things like the "Micallef Effect".
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 168
James and Nick sit down for an in-depth discussion about business and entrepreneurship with Al Micallef, founder of Micallef Cigars, and his daughter and head of marketing, Amanda Micallef. The conversation begins with Al discussing how he had an interest in business from a young age and how he parlayed that into where he is now. We find out that Amanda started as a producer in Hollywood, and has her own IMDB page. The four of also discuss working with family, how Dan Thompson (President of Mica...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 167
Tim brings James and Nick back to the studio to talk about the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Miguel Schodel with Crowned Heads and OZ Family Cigars. We notice there are no screaming children in the background while we appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into leading a team to success. Nick tells us how boutique cigars are still a vital part of the industry and we discuss how information at our finger tips can hurt and help the industry.
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 166
This episode we have a great conversation with Crowned Heads and OZ Family Cigars' National Sales Manager, Miguel Schoedel. Miguel walks us through his history in the cigar industry: from his early interest in tobacco and agriculture, to his time with CAO, and ultimately to where he is today. Miguel discusses informed cigar consumers and how they have made the industry better and more competitive. We also talk about how technology has impacted the business through consumers, as well as the pros ...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 165
How hard is it to run a good cigar of the month club? Tim brings James and Nick back to the microphones to discuss the this and much more about the latest episode of the Simply Stogies Podcast with guest Ben Rotem and Luxury Cigar Club. Enjoy this conversation while saving 15% at luxury cigar clubs website. Use coupon code "SIMPLE" at checkout for 15% off anything except subscriptions at luxurycigarclub.com
Jun 22, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 164
James and Nick sit down with Ben Rotem, one of the founders and owners of Luxury Cigar Club . If you're not familiar with luxurycigarclub.com now, you will be after this episode. Luxury Cigar Club is more than just a "cigar of the month" club. They have a large online inventory of cigars, accessories, and humidors for the discerning cigar enthusiast. They boast a discord server that connects their customers to both manufacturers and themselves. Ben talks how they started, their ideas, their focu...
Jun 15, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 163
In this episode we dig behind the scenes of the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with guest Lou Cross, brand owner of Lure Cigars. We have been hearing the hype behind this new brand, and we're on board for the ride as we talk personality and story behind a brand.
Jun 08, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 162
<span;>James and Nick welcome Lou Cross III, founder of Lure Cigars to the show. Lou talks about honoring his late father, Lou Cross Jr., to naming his cigars after his family, and walks us through his journey. We discuss the "grind" that boutique cigar manufacturers go through to promote their brands and his focus on connecting directly with consumers. We also learn about his latest offering, "The Last Cast," an LE made to remember his dad. To find where you can try Lure Cigars, visit the...
Jun 01, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 161
In this episode of Clear the Air Tim, James, and Nick go behind the scenes of Episode 128 where James sits down and talks to Dwight Adkins and Stephen Wray of FatAsh Cigar Lounge. The three discuss the dynamics of what makes a cigar lounge enjoyable and friendly. They dig into what makes the My Old Kentucky Herf an event that you don't want to miss.
May 22, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 160
James visits FatAsh Cigar Lounge to talk with Dwight Adkins and Stephen Wray about FatAsh Cigar and My Old Kentucky Herf . We discuss how FatAsh started, why Dwight started it, how Dwight and Stephen met, and their new Live from the Lounge series on YouTube by MyTownTVHD , where they highlight local singers and musical artists at the lounge. We also talk about how My Old Kentucky Herf got started, where it's at, and where it's going....
May 15, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 159
Tim welcomes James and Nick back to another Simply Stogies After Show to dig in a little deeper on the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with their guests Jonas Santana and Miyagi Montes of Blackbird cigars.
May 08, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 158
James and Nick welcome Blackbird Cigar Co. owner Jonas Santana and his National Sales Rep. Miyagi Montes to the show. We discuss how Jonas got into the business, his focus, and his passion for the industry, as well as their newest core line: Superb. We discuss how Miyagi and Jonas met and why Miyagi joined Blackbird. We talk about Jonas' music, which you can find at @jontanard on Instagram, and how he finds time to make music, produce great cigars, run a company, start a factory, and be a father...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 157
Welcome back! Tim brings James and Nick back to the microphone to wrap up the 2024 PCA Trade Show coverage. Each provides their thoughts on how it all went down, their favorite cigars, and take a few minutes to look into the future of their coverage during the show.
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 156
We end our PCA 2024 Convention & Trade Show coverage from the floor of the show with some great interviews with: Skip Martin of RoMa Craft, John Laurendi of Peter James, Hendrik Kelner Jr. of Smoking Jacket Cigars and KBF, Toscano Cigars, and what a first time retailer thought of the show with Brian and Seana Bolen of Smoldering Cigars. You can find all of our coverage of the PCA 2024 Trade Show on YouTube, Rumble, or simplystogies.com
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 155
We have quite the lineup for part 2 of our coverage of the PCA 2024 Convention and Trade Show, sponsored by My Old Kentucky Herf. We begin with Nick at the General Cigars booth. He talks with Macanudo, CAO, Cohiba, Sancho Panza, and Matt Booth. Nick then heads over to Freud Cigar Co. and speaks with John Salley. James then talks to Ian Reith of Dapper Cigars, before heading over to the Foundation booth and speaking with Nick Melillo. He then visits the Micallef booth and talks with Dan Thompson ...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 154
