Cigar Knowledge

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…

Read More

23 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Your favorite cigar podcast after show is back to dig a little deeper behind the scenes of Episode 118 of the Simply Stogies Podcast. Tim and James have questions for Nick as they try to dive into a little more about life on the farm. Are there still kids running around the factory? How exactly…

Read More

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…

Read More

Top 10 Cigars of 2023: Number 10 – The Club Mareva Jure from Casdagli Cigars

Coming in at number 10 of our top 10 list is the Club Mareva Jure from Casdagli Cigars and is dedicated to the memory of Marko Bilic’s father. The Jure was rolled at IGM Cigars in Costa Rica. It features an Ecuadorian Claro Colorado wrapper over undiscolsed binder and fillers. Released in July of 2023,…

Read More

22 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim brings James and Nick back to the microphone to talk about the latest episode of Simplystogies Podcast with Charlie Minato of Halfwheel. In this hour the tree try to cover as many talking points as possible as Tim gets made fun of, James rants, and Nick points out many great points. It’s another hour…

Read More

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…

Read More

21 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim, James, and Nick are back again in another after show to talk about the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Nimmer Ahmed of Valacari Cigars. The trio talk about a new brand “Lure Cigars”, a collaboration between a new brand owner, Lou Cross and Nimmer. Discussions pursue into the hardships of creating a…

Read More

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…

Read More

20 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim brings James and Nick back to the mic to discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with guests John Peter Laurendi and Adrian Maharaj of Peter James Co. The trio discuss the hustle and bustle of running a company, high end, but affordable products and how important it is to surround yourself with…

Read More

Episode 115: Catching Up with Peter James

James sits down with John Peter Laurendi and Adrian Maharaj of Peter James Co. The trio discuss John’s journey with Peter James and how he overcame adversity by putting everything on the line to follow his dream and passion. John explains how Adrian came on board Peter James and the value he adds. Adrian explains…

Read More