Simply Stogies Podcast

Simply Stogies is a podcast for the cigar enthusiast and the veteran cigar aficionado. Join James on his journey through the world of cigars as he covers a variety of topics that are important to cigar smokers. Cigar and cigar accessory reviews, cigar news, reviews with those in the cigar industry, and discussions about all things premium cigars are all on the dockett.  Sit back, relax, light up a stogie, and enjoy the show.

Episode 123: Brooks Whittington & Festival del Habano

James and Nick welcome co-founder, author, and editor of halfwheel.com, Brooks Whittington to the show. James asks Brooks and Nick about their time in Cuba for the 2024 Festival del Habano. The trio discuss the Festival, the humidors, and the events; they also talk about the general state of Cuba and Cuban cigars. Brooks explains...

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Episode 122: Cigar Coop on the PCA Trade Show

We are excited to welcome back our friend, William “Cigar Coop” Cooper to the podcast. Cigar Coop, Nick, and James discuss the upcoming PCA ’24 Trade Show in Las Vegas. Coop lets us know what he’s looking forward to the most this year, changes to the PCA over the years, and who will be there...

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Episode 121: Dr. Stefan Lampert of Lampert Cigars

James and Nick welcome Dr. Stefan Lampert of Lampert Cigars. As Nick was traveling to Tabacos de Costa Rica, he ran into Dr. Lampert who visiting the factory, as well. We discuss Dr. Lampert’s vision for the company, how he juggles travel between Europe, the US, and South America. We talk about how Dr. Lampert...

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Episode 120: Scott Pearce of the Premium Cigar Association

We welcome Scott Pearce, the Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association, to the show. Scott tells us about how he got into cigars, his background before joining the PCA, and his love of cigars. Scott fills us in on some of what the upcoming annual PCA Trade Show has in store for us and...

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Episode 119: Rob Ayala of FOH and Bond Roberts

Rob from Friends of El Habano (FOH) and Bond Roberts tells us how and why he got into the cigar industry. Rob tells of how FOH and Bond Roberts were brought into existence. He discusses the importance of customer service and understanding your client. We talk about the Cuban price increases and how it has...

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Episode 118: Tabacos de Costa Rica – A Virtual Tour

Do you have questions about how your cigars are rolled? We’ve all heard “200 hands” touch your cigar, but what does that look like? Nick Syris of LH Cigars and Filipe Leon of Tabacos de Costa Rica walk us through their factory and show us how the tobacco is sorted, what a pilón is, and...

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Episode 117: Charlie Minato of Halfwheel.com

James and Nick welcome Charlie Minato, co-founder of Halfwheel.com. The trio discuss how Halfwheel came to be, when Charlie started smoking cigars, as well as find out how they review cigars. Charlie details their review process and if there is such a thing as a 100pt cigar. Charlie gives us his expert opinions on the...

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Episode 116: Nimmer Ahmed of Valacari Cigars

On this episode, James and Nick welcome Nimmer Ahmed of Valacari Cigars. The trio find out about Nimmer’s background: how and where he started his cigar journey, how Valacari came to be, and how he chose the name “Valacari.” Nimmer has great insights into the manufacturing side of the cigar industry, as well as on...

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