James Giehm

Episode 56: On the Patio with Giannis of the Vintage CLT

I sit down with Giannis Koutsoupias, the Director of Business Development for the Vintage Whiskey and Cigar Bar in Charlotte, North Carolina, on the patio at the Vintage. We talk about Giannis’ cigar journey, the lessons learned from his time in the restaurant and hospitality sector, the friends he made in the cigar industry, and…

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 19: The Vintage and Avocado Oil

James welcomes his friend (may be too strong a word) and Buy Me a Coffee supporter, Randy Carmichael to the show. The pair are at the Vintage Whiskey and Cigar Bar in Charlotte, NC. They discuss how we rate things, how we taste things, and LH Cigars. Randy tells the story of how he met…

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Cigar Review: LH Premium Cigars Claro Toro

Nick Syris, Master Blender and owner of LH Premium Cigars, sees his cigars as “Cuban bridges.” Coming from anyone else that statement might shock, but Nick has the bona fides to back that up. He has made countless trips to Cuba, learned how to blend tobacco in Cuba, and the Claro does very well in…

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Cigar Review: Deep South Cigars 770 BBC is More than Pun

Sometimes, you just have go along with the joke. That was the case for Jeremy Besecker of Deep South Cigars. When someone at the lounge dared him  to make a very large cigar and call it a “BBC,” Jeremy went along with the joke. Thus was born, the 770 BBC. A 7″x70 cigar that sports…

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Episode 55: Talking with Lucas from Oxford Cigar Co.

James travels to sunny Orlando, Florida to have a conversation with Lucas Da Silva of Oxford Cigar Company. The pair sit outside next to large fans and a train station to discuss how Oxford Cigar Company does business, how they treat their customers, and their vision for the cigar industry. We also cover the PCA,…

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Lounge Review: Franklin Cigar is the Perfect Mix of Boutique and Mainstream

Located in an upscale suburb of Nashville, Franklin Cigar sits unassumingly in a strip mall. However, you quickly realize how special Franklin Cigar is once you walk inside. From the impressive selection of cigars that sit in their walk-in humidor, to their local beers on tap, to their friendly and knowledgeable staff, everything about Franklin…

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 18: Capital Cigar Lounge

James and Tim visit Capital Cigar Lounge, located at 5505 S 16th St Ste 100, Lincoln, NE. The pair welcome Capital’s Humidor Coach, Jeff, to the show. The trio smoke an Alec and Bradley Kintsugi Robusto while drinking the “Eye Opener” from Bagels and Joe in Lincoln, NE. They review the cigar, the coffee, discuss…

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Episode 54: Talking Shop with Deep South Cigars

I travel to sunny Orlando, Florida to chat live and in person with Jeremy and Donovan from Deep South Cigars. The three of us have a candid conversation about everything from politics, southern culture, diversity, family, cigars, self-promotion, the future, dating, starting your own business, and demystifying the cigar industry. This was a great conversation…

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 17: On Safari with Caramelicious

James and Tim head to Omaha, Nebraska to visit Safari Cigars & Lounge. We meet with Jeff Doll, owner of Safari Cigars & Lounge, and talk about Safari, how they’ve faired during the pandemic, and introduce our Simply Stogies 5pk! Just give Safari Cigars & Lounge a call (website found at bottom) and ask for…

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Episode 53: A Conversation with GSTN Cigar

I visit Capital Cigar Lounge in Lincoln, Nebraska to sit down and talk with Jeff Gaston. Jeff is the owner and founder of GSTN Cigar, who makes quality wood ashtrays for every budget and every need. Jeff and I discuss how he started his cigar journey and what led him to start GSTN Cigar. We…

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