Simply Stogies is a podcast for the cigar enthusiast and the veteran cigar aficionado. Join James on his journey through the world of cigars as he covers a variety of topics that are important to cigar smokers. Cigar and cigar accessory reviews, cigar news, reviews with those in the cigar industry, and discussions about all things premium cigars are all on the dockett. Sit back, relax, light up a stogie, and enjoy the show.
Episode 137: Dan Thompson of Micallef Cigars
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...
Episode 136: Patina Cigars’ Mo Maali
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...
Episode 135: Valacari Cigars’ Nimmer Ahmad
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...
Episode 134: Eddy Guerra of Davidoff Cigars
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...
Episode 133: Chef Rick & Sara Rodriguez of West Tampa Tobacco Co.
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...
Episode 132: Al & Amanda Micallef of Micallef Cigars
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...
Episode 131: Miguel Schoedel of Crowned Heads and OZ Family Cigars
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...
Episode 130: Ben Rotem of Luxury Cigar Club
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...
