James Giehm

Staff Quickie Review: Crowned Heads’ and Arrington Vineyard’s Double W

Previous Next Cigar Notes Construction Good Flavor Chocolate Strength Medium-Full Enjoyment Good Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Length: 6″ Ring Guage: 50 Vitola: Toro MSRP: Around $12.00 The Arrington Vineyard Double W is one of those cigar that falls into the category of “If you know, you know.” Sold only . . . This…

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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…

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Cigar Review: Fiat Lux Insight by ACE Prime

The first time I had heard about the Fiat Lux was at the PCA 2021 Trade Show in Las Vegas. It was Day 0 and Tim and I had been running around trying to get the lay of the land and set up interviews for the week. It was a blur of over 20k steps,…

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 43: Ashton Magnum and Mike Romeo Coffee

James returns to Habano Cigar Lounge in Davenport, Iowa for another Cigars & Coffee. James smokes and reviews the Ashton Magnum and pairs it with a cup of Mike Romeo coffee from Three Rivers Coffee Company.

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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…

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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…

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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….

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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.  

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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…

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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…

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