Cigar Enthusiast

Review: Joya de Nicaragua Silver Ultra Tastes Way More Expensive Than $5

This is a new column where I’ll be reviewing less expensive smokes. I love a high-end cigar as much as the next person, and I’ll smoke an Opus, Casdagli or Atabey on special occasions, but I smoke one or sometimes even more cigars every day. I need good, lower priced daily rotation sticks so I…

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Episode 43: 2020 Holiday Gift Guide and Budget Cigar Reviews

I welcome our Content Director, Matthew Kang (Twitter and Instagram), and our Photographer, Wonho Frank Lee (Instagram) to the show. The three of us go through our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide on simplystogies.com and break down the gifts, why we chose particular products, and how they’ll help you land on the nice list of the special…

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 10: Sh*t Show

James and Tim stay socially distant and use Zoom due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in Iowa. The duo cover the third wave of COVID-19 and how it might impact cigar retailers before moving on to quickly giving their opinions on the election. They also give you tips on Christmas gifts for your significant…

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Why Cigar Lounges Are Useful During the COVID-19 Pandemic

First, I want to be very clear: I am not a doctor, epidemiologist, or expert whose advice or views should be followed. Ever. I can only speak for myself, and what is right for my family. Second, it is imperative that you follow all local and state mandates regarding social distancing and masks. Period. End…

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Safari Cigars and Lounge Blends Luxury and Customer Service

Safari Cigars and Lounge, located in a strip mall on the Northwest side of Omaha, is one of the nicest cigar lounges I have ever visited. Owned by Jeff and Mari Doll, this family run business is a destination spot for any cigar enthusiast or aficionado. Safari boasts two spacious smoking areas, a bar full…

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Episode 42: Stolen Throne Oath Taker Review and Celebration Cigars

I go through my review of the Stolen Throne Oath Taker, a Cigar Federation exclusive offering from Stolen Throne. I tell you why it scored what it did and where I believe the fault lies. Then, with the holiday season upon us, I cover what celebratory cigars are to me, and what I’m planning on…

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 9: Coffee, Sports, and in Sync

James and Tim return to David’s Fine Tobaccos (9759 University Ave, Clive, IA 50325) to drink some Cuban Blend coffee from Janus Coffee Roasters, talk sports, and pretty much scare off any future sponsors. James smokes a Padron Damaso, while Tim smokes a house blend maduro from David’s Fine Tobaccos. https://www.januscoffeeroasters.com/  

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Cigars & Coffee Episode 8: Boutique as F*CK!

James and Tim are back at Habano Cigar Lounge (432 E 4th St., Davenport, IA) to discuss boutique cigars and cigar bullying while waiting for their pizza to arrive. Spoiler: the pizza arrives and we wrap things up quickly! Interested in Simply Stogies #BoutiqueAsF*ck swag? Let us know. YAS! Tim

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Episode 41: A Chat with Diana Hutton of Perfect Ash

I sit down with the Diana Hutton, the owner of Perfect Ash in Inver Grove Heights, MN. We discuss how an attorney from Mexico City winds up in Minnesota and then becomes the only Latina sole-owner of a cigar lounge in the state (and possibly the country). Diana opens up about what it took to…

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Episode 40: Catching-Up with Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne

James catches up with one of the founders and blenders of Stolen Throne Cigars, Lee Marsh. The pair discuss how Stolen Throne has handled the pandemic, their new releases (Call to Arms, Argos, and Oath Takers), what makes boutique cigars boutique, and much more! Check out Stolen Throne’s Facebook page  Visit Stolen Thone on Instagram …

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