Aficionado

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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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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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…

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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…

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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.  

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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…

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