I chat (via Zoom call) with two of the three organizers of the Queen City Cigar Fest, Clinton Douglas and Damon Robinson. Clinton and Damon tell us about the upcoming Queen City Cigar Fest being held in Charlotte, NC from May 19 – May 23, 2021. There will be daily and nightly events held at…
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I am still surprised each time I visit a lounge in a strip mall, but that seems to be the norm for lounges in the Midwest. Located in a busy area surrounded by businesses in Inver Grove Heights, a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota, Perfect Ash blends in with its surroundings. The storefront is very…
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Every year the cigar industry waits with bated breath to find out which cigars will make Cigar Aficionado’s annual Top 25 list. And every year I become a little bit more disappointed — and a lot more jaded. For years the Top 25 was the “it” list that could make or break a cigar producer;…
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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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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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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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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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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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James and Tim visit Habano Cigar Lounge (432 E 4th St, Davenport, IA), their other home lounge, and discuss a couple of topics important to the cigar community. The first is the importance of the CRA, how to get involved, and what it means to become a CRA Ambassador. The second is women in the…
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I sit down and catch-up with co-owner Tony Goins, and humidor coach Jeff Fry. We discuss their response to COVID-19 and how it has impacted their business. Jeff and I talk about the changes in their stock, their approach to customers, and how they treat their employees and customers like family. I also got the…
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