Boutique Cigars

Episode 71: What the Hell is Paprika with Devin Ashley of Bad Ash Cigars

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…

Read More

Cigar Aficionado Misses the Mark With Its Top 25 By Leaving Out Boutique Brands

Every year the cigar industry waits with bated breath to find out which cigars will make Cigar Aficionado’s annual Top 25 list. And every year I become a little bit more disappointed — and a lot more jaded. For years the Top 25 was the “it” list that could make or break a cigar producer;…

Read More

Cigars & Coffee Episode 8: Boutique as F*CK!

James and Tim are back at Habano Cigar Lounge (432 E 4th St., Davenport, IA) to discuss boutique cigars and cigar bullying while waiting for their pizza to arrive. Spoiler: the pizza arrives and we wrap things up quickly! Interested in Simply Stogies #BoutiqueAsF*ck swag? Let us know. YAS! Tim

Read More

Episode 40: Catching-Up with Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne

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 …

Read More

Cigar Review: Stolen Throne’s Call to Arms Corona Is a Complex Anytime Smoke

The Stolen Throne Call to Arms is the second regular production release for Stolen Throne Cigars, and the follow-up to their highly successful Crook of the Crown release. The sophomore offering from Stolen Throne Cigars is comprised of a gorgeous Sumatra wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler). It is a full-bodied, medium to medium-full cigar…

Read More

Top 10 Boutique Cigar Companies You Must Try

What is a boutique cigar? That question has been asked by aficionados and enthusiasts for years causing much debate within the community. Definitions of what makes a cigar brand boutique include: Brands who do not own their own factory, brands who only produce lines in small batches, and even cigars manufactured in a small factory….

Read More