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 80: Patina Cigars’ Mo Maali
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,...
Episode 79: The Cuban Sub-Series: The History of Cuban Cigars
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...
Episode 78: The Cuban Sub-Series: Cuba Now
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...
Episode 77: The Cuban Sub-Series: The Cuban People
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...
Episode 76: Nick Hammond: A Chat with an Epicure
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 in to some of the great stories found in the book. From his travels...
Episode 75: The Cuban Sub-Series: The History of Cuba Pt. 2
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...
Episode 74: Christopher Moore of Carolina Blue Cigars
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...
Episode 73: The Cuban Sub-Series: The History of Cuba Part 1
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...
