James Giehm

Cigar Review: Warped’s La Hacienda First Growth

Warped Cigars is one of those brands that hits my palate just right, more often than not. In fact, the original La Hacienda is one of my favorite go-to cigars of all time. When I found out that they were releasing the La Hacienda First Growth, I knew that I’d have to review it. I…

Read More

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…

Read More

Cigar Review: The Elegancia Proclaims Ferio Tego’s Arrival

The man behind the resurgence of the Nat Sherman brand landed on his feet. After Altria Group Inc. closed down the Nat Sherman brand, Michael Herklots and business partner Brendon Scott purchased the Nat Sherman portfolio from Altria and started their own cigar brand, Ferio Tego. Ferio Tego is Latin for I strike I defend….

Read More

Cigars and Coffee Episode 41: Alma del Campo and Dirty Dozen Coffee Company’s Engine 10 Blend

James smokes and reviews the Alma del Campo from Plasencia Cigars and the Engine 10 Blend from Dirty Dozen Coffee Company. James shares his thoughts, tasting notes, and rating while enjoying both of these at David’s Fine Tobaccos in Clive, Iowa. Try the Engine 10 Blend from Dirty Dozen Coffee Company here.  

Read More

Cigar Review: The Jornal from Oxford Cigar Company is an Exceptional House Blend

House blends can be a weird area for cigar smokers. House blends are usually priced lower than “name brand” cigars, but are sold by B&Ms as “just as good as.” The problem that I have with most house blends is that they are rarely as good as advertised. There are a few exceptions to the…

Read More

Episode 72: 3 Year Anniversary, Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Problem, and PCA News

Thank you all so much for your support these past three years!! This is now the longest running podcast and most successful podcast that I’ve ever done. None of this would be possible without you, the listener. THANK YOU!! I break down Cigar Aficionado’s 2021 Top 25 and why it’s still problematic. I also cover…

Read More

Cigars and Coffee Episode 39: La Careme Cosacos and Disturbed’s Get Up Coffee

James returns to David’s Fine Tobaccos in Clive, Iowa to smoke and review the La Careme Cosacos from Crowned Heads and drinks Disturbed’s Get Up Coffee from Dead Sled Coffee.

Read More

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 Review: Stolen Throne’s War Council

When I heard that Stolen Throne Cigars was coming out with another LE/Cigar Federation Exclusive, I was a bit hesitant. Cigar Federation has, in the past, not been the greatest to place to order from. In fact, when Stolen Throne’s last LE/Cigar Federation exclusive came out and didn’t break into the 9’s, I laid the…

Read More

Quick Review: Hamlet 2020 by Rocky Patel

This content and more is currently only available to LE Club Members. Our members receive content on an average of 72 hours before it is available to non members. If you would like to receive content as soon as it is available please consider joining our LE Club.

Read More