James Giehm

Episode 141: Small Batch Cigar

James and Nick welcome Dave and Andrew from smallbatchcigar.com to the show. The quartet quickly jump to it as they discuss the new tobacco laws in California. Andrew’s answer was insightful and gave some much needed context and perspective that seemed to be lacking in the coverage up to this point. We then talk about…

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Cigar Review: Las Calaveras Décimo Aniversario by Crowned Heads

Crowned Heads has put out a Las Calaveras release each year, since 2014. Las Calaveras is made to honor those who were close to Crowned Heads and have passed that year. The Las Calaveras annual release has become on of my most looked forward to releases. Beyond its significance for honoring those who passed, it…

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Cigar Review: Maestranza Valencia by RoMa Craft

In July of 2024, RoMa Craft released CRAFT Maquette La Maestranza, a limited edition cigar that was a petite gordo (4-1/4″ x 56). Honestly, that size held little interest for me, but after reading some reviews on it, I was pretty bummed that I missed out. The good news is that RoMa Craft added a…

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Episode 140: Enrique Sanchez of 1502 Cigars

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…

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Cigar Review: OneOff Black

Released in June of this year (2024), the OneOff Black is the latest LE in the OneOff brand from Don Giolito and Illusione. I could go through the history of the OneOff brand and how Don Giolito bought it back in 2017, but there’s something about this release that puzzles me. Some retailers have it…

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Episode 139: Hector Alfonso Sr of Espinosa Cigars

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…

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Cigar Review: Coffin Nails by Black Label Trading Co.

Earlier this year, Black Label Trading Co. announced a new core line to their portfolio; Coffin Nails. Coming in at the petite corona size, the Coffin Nails promised to deliver full flavor in a small package. This is something that a lot of cigars have “promised” over the years. Cigar smokers, especially those who live…

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Cigar Review: Tempura White Series by Cavalier Genève

I have always enjoyed the White Series from Cavalier Genève. It was one of he first cigars that I remember pairing with a coffee first thing in the morning. Smooth, flavorful, and a perfect way to start any day. When I heard they were releasing a new size I was pretty excited. You can see…

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Cigar Review: Dragon Fire by Punch

Punch (non-Cuban), like so many other cigar manufacturers, have followed in the footsteps of Davidoff by releasing cigars to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. The past few years Punch releases have followed the theme of Chinese take-out orders: the Egg Roll, Chop Suey, Spring Roll, and Kung Pow!. The exception to that theme was…

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Cigar Lounge Review: Boll Weevil Fine Cigars in Enterprise, Alabama

Back at the end of July ’24, I found myself in LA (lower Alabama) for a launch party for the “Mean Jean” from Lure Cigars. That cigar launch just happened to be at Boll Weevil Fine Cigars in Enterprise, Alabama. When I asked owner Stephen Frank why the shop was named after an insect, he…

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