Archives: Episode

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…

Read More

Cigars and Coffee Episode 16: CAO Mortal Coil and Cafe Bustelo

James and Tim are at David’s Fine Tobaccos in Clive, Iowa and take the CAO Mortal Coil through its paces while sipping some Cafe Bustelo Coffee. The pair discuss a new show on the Creative Brain Candy Media Cooperative, how we carry our cigar accessories, the cigar industry’s use of social media, and our thoughts…

Read More

Cigars and Coffee Episode 15: Be Bright Coffee Honduran Pacayal and a Rocky Patel Number 6

James and Tim return to David’s Fine Tobacco with the Honduran bean Pacayal Coffee from Be Bright Coffee (not a sponsor), and pair it with a Rocky Patel (not a sponsor) Number 6. We talk about the tasting notes from both, how well they pair together, and finally give a score for both the coffee…

Read More

Episode 52: Talking Shop with Evan from The Blend Newsletter

This episode I chat with Evan, the founder of The Blend Newsletter, via Zoom and we discuss his cigar journey, how he fell in love with cigars, how the global pandemic helped him find his passion for the leaf, and how he curates the newsletter each week. We end up talking about what it’s like…

Read More

Cigars and Coffee Episode 14: The Cost of the Hobby

James and Tim return to Habano Cigar Lounge in Davenport, Iowa to drink coffee and smoke cigars. This time we discuss how expensive the hobby can be and how to get started without breaking the bank. Freddy, the owner of Habano gives his take while we drink some Caribou Coffee.  

Read More

Episode 51: Chatting at the Drawing Room QC

I visit the Drawing Room QC and chats with two of the owners, Eric Norton and Shale Sage. The trio discuss the cigar community and rich cigar history in Davenport, Iowa, the cigar industry, how cigar manufacturers sell cigars to B&Ms, and how Eric and Shale started their cigar journeys. They also discuss opening a…

Read More

Cigars and Coffee Episode 13: Celebrities, Cigars, and Coffee

James and Tim sit down at David’s Fine Tobaccos in Clive, Iowa and discuss what celebrities they’d like to have a cigar with. We find out who Tim’s hall pass, how disappointed she must be, and how much better Janus Coffee Roasters Peru Capili Medium Roast is compared to Sam’s Club coffee.

Read More

Episode 50: Sitting Down with Sean David of David’s Fine Tobaccos

I sit down with the third generation owner of David’s Fine Tobaccos in Clive, Iowa, Sean David. Sean and I discuss a wide range of topics that both his customers and cigar aficionados and enthusiasts will find interesting. We talk about the 40+ year history of David’s Fine Tobaccos, what’s changed over that time, and…

Read More

Cigars and Coffee Episode 12: I Hate What I’ve Become

James and Tim drink some of Sam’s Club’s best coffee, Member’s Mark Colombian Supremo, while James smokes a Perdomo Habano Connecticut and Tim smokes an Island Jim by Oscar Valladares. The pair discuss legislation that is being introduced in various states around the US, what it means for cigar smokers, and how you can get…

Read More

Episode 49: Chatting with Robin Blue of Blue Smoke ATL

I welcome Robin Blue, founder and creator of Blue Smoke ATL, to the show. Robin and I discuss how she approaches creating her line of cigar pokers, flasks, and key chains. We talk about how she began her cigar journey, what prompted her to start her business, and how women are different cigar smokers than…

Read More