Aficionado

Episode 69: The One and Only Tommy Zman

I chat, via Zoom, with the one and only Tommy Zman. Tommy “Zman” Zarzeki is a writer, producer, voice actor, humorist, and content creator. While he has worked on projects outside of the cigar industry, Tommy is well-known for his work in the cigar industry. Tommy talks about how he broke into the cigar industry…

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 34: Blackbird Finch and Nicaragua Jinotega Paraiso

Tim is back with the newest edition to the Cigars & Coffee lineup. Sit back and enjoy his inability to pronounce so many words while he tells us about the Blackbird Cigar Company Finch Robusto and some more coffee that he roasted, Nicaraguan Jinotega Paraiso from Burman Coffee Traders.  

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Episode 68: Bonus Episode with Lucas Da Silva of Oxford Cigar Company

I welcome Lucas Da Silva, owner of oxfordcigarcompany.com, back to the podcast. We discuss the state of cigar retail, what it’s like to do business during the second cigar boom, and how Oxford Cigar Company chooses what new cigar manufacturers to carry. Lucas also talks about the current logistical problems plaguing the industry and why…

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 33: Montecristo No. 2 (Cuban) and Three Rivers Coffee Company’s Hotel Bravo

James returns after his bout with COVID-19 and reviews the Montecristo no. 2 (Cuban) while drinking the Hotel Bravo blend from Three Rivers Coffee Company. The Montecristo no. 2 is the quintessential Cuban cigar experience. With notes of coffee, baking spices, barnyard, chocolate, and white pepper, how will James score this classic cigar? Three Rivers…

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Episode 67: The Cuba Episode with Nick Syris of LH Premium Cigars

I welcome Nick Syris, the owner and Master Blender of LH Premium Cigars and a Subject Matter Expert on all things Cuban cigars, to the show. Nick and I run the gamut of Cuban cigars, as we discuss the U.S. embargo on Cuba and some of the effects on the Cuban people, the changing U.S….

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Episode 66: Getting to Know Alec Rubin from Alec Bradley Cigars

I travel to Capital Cigar Lounge in Lincoln, Nebraska and sit down with Alec Rubin of Alec Bradley Cigars. Alec and I discuss what it was like growing up in the industry and his unique cigar journey. Alec describes what it’s like working with family, what he believes makes a cigar manufacturer “boutique,” and his opinions on vitolas…

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 32: Wild Hunter by Oscar and Nicaraguan Jinotega Paraiso

Tim enjoys a Wild Hunter Maduro Toro by Oscar Valladares and some home roasted Nicaraguan Organic Single Origin Jinotega Paraiso. LINKS: Be sure to use coupon code “simplystogies” for 10% off your entire purchase at Oxford Cigar Company: https://oxfordcigarcompany.com/?ref=567 Support Simply Stogies by joining our Buy Me A Coffee club: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/simplystogies

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 31: HUHC and Monsooned Indian Malabar Coffee

Tim sits down and enjoys what is left of the Monsooned Indian Malabar Coffee that he roasted in Episode 29 while enjoying an H. Upmann Half Corona Cigar. LINKS: Be sure to check out Oxford Cigar Company: https://oxfordcigarcompany.com/?ref=567 Grab your green coffee beans over at Burman Coffee Traders (Unsponsored): https://burmancoffee.com/green-coffee-beans/

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Episode 65: Return of the Reinado Empire

I chat, via Zoom, with Antonio Lam of Reinado Premium Cigars. There are things in the world that are more important than cigars and more important than business. Antonio and I discuss one of those things: family. Antonio explains where he has been for the past seven years and the reason for Reinado’s long hiatus…

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 30: The Sobremesa Brûlée Blue at Capital Cigar

James visits Capital Cigar Lounge in Lincoln, Nebraska to sample their restaurant quality coffee from a French Press and review the Sobremesa Brûlée Blue. A delightful pairing that brought out beautiful notes of wood, pepper, and spices.

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