James Giehm

Cigars and Coffee Episode 7: The CRA and Getting Involved

James and Tim visit Habano Cigar Lounge (432 E 4th St, Davenport, IA), their other home lounge, and discuss a couple of topics important to the cigar community. The first is the importance of the CRA, how to get involved, and what it means to become a CRA Ambassador. The second is women in the…

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 6: Lounges, Trips, and Synthetic Urine?

James and Tim record from David’s Fine Tobaccos (9759 University Ave, Clive, IA) as James stops by after his trip to Omaha, Nebraska. They discuss the importance of supporting your local cigar lounge, trips to other lounges, and synthetic urine.

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Episode 39: A Revisit with Capital Cigar Lounge in Lincoln, NE

I sit down and catch-up with co-owner Tony Goins, and humidor coach Jeff Fry. We discuss their response to COVID-19 and how it has impacted their business. Jeff and I talk about the changes in their stock, their approach to customers, and how they treat their employees and customers like family. I also got the…

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Episode 38: Jeff and Mari Doll of Safari Cigars & Lounge

James sits down with the owners of Safari Cigars & Lounge, Jeff and Mari Doll. They discuss lounge etiquette, the impact that small business has on the local economy, how they got into the industry, and much more. This is a great interview with a couple of genuine, and down-to-earth entrepreneurs. Safari Cigars and Lounge…

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Cigar Review: Epic Maduro Robusto Is a Full-Bodied, But Nuanced Smoke

Anytime I see a wrapper this dark on a cigar, I immediately think twice. Will it be a pepper bomb? Will it be too spicy? The Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper on the Epic Maduro is dark and toothy, but don’t be scared away! While the Maduro may be on the full end of the spectrum, it…

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Episode 37: FDA News and Cuban Cigar Retailers

I am finally back in my studio with power and internet! Thank you for your patience during my forced hiatus! I talk about the victory the cigar industry had over the FDA in court, what it means to small businesses and the industry at-large. I also give my opinion on where the next legal battles…

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 5: I’m So Tired

James and Tim visit David’s Fine Tobaccos (9759 University Ave, Clive IA 50325) for this episode of Cigars and Coffee. David’s is a great place, with friendly staff, and a great selection of cigars and pipe tobaccos. James smokes a My Father Connecticut, while Tim chooses a Sobremesa Brulee. Is the cap sweetened? Who cares?!…

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Episode 36: A Discussion About Cuban Cigars

First, allow me to apologize to my listeners who may not follow me on social media. Where I live was hit hard by a derecho on August 10. I lost power until August 20 and I lost internet until August 30. For more information, check out the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast Presents: Cigars…

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 3: Drive-Thru Coffee and Cuban Cigars

James and Tim discuss Cuban cigars while drinking drive-thru coffee. Tim bemoans ordering food through a drive-thru and James complains about the show’s budget before discussing if fast-food/drive-thru coffee is “premium.” The pair then discuss Cuban cigars, if they’re better or worse.

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Epic Cigars Project E San Andres Gran Ola

OVERVIEW VITOLA:   Toro SIZE:   6-1/4″ x 54 ORIGIN:   Dominican Republic FACTORY:   Charles Fairmorn WRAPPER:   Mexican San Andres BINDER:   Indonesian Sumatra FILLER:   Dominican Republic and Nicuaraguan STRENGTH:   Medium – Full SOURCE:   Received Sample from Epic Cigars ENVIRONMENT WHERE: My deck WHEN: July 12, 2020 DRINKS: Iced Tea WEATHER: Perfect warm Summer night – low 80’s with 65%…

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