Cigar Smokers

Episode 141: Small Batch Cigar

James and Nick welcome Dave and Andrew from smallbatchcigar.com to the show. The quartet quickly jump to it as they discuss the new tobacco laws in California. Andrew’s answer was insightful and gave some much needed context and perspective that seemed to be lacking in the coverage up to this point. We then talk about…

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Cigar Review: Las Calaveras Décimo Aniversario by Crowned Heads

Crowned Heads has put out a Las Calaveras release each year, since 2014. Las Calaveras is made to honor those who were close to Crowned Heads and have passed that year. The Las Calaveras annual release has become on of my most looked forward to releases. Beyond its significance for honoring those who passed, it…

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Cigar Review: Maestranza Valencia by RoMa Craft

In July of 2024, RoMa Craft released CRAFT Maquette La Maestranza, a limited edition cigar that was a petite gordo (4-1/4″ x 56). Honestly, that size held little interest for me, but after reading some reviews on it, I was pretty bummed that I missed out. The good news is that RoMa Craft added a…

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Cigar Review: My Father Le Bijou 1922 100 Años Corona Extra (2024)

The last release of the Le Bijou 1922 100 Años was in 2022  and it has been revived for a second time in 2024. Le Bijou 1922 was a cigar that was created to honor José García Alayón, the father of  José “Pepín” García. The year 1922 is his birth year so it was fitting…

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43 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Tim, James, and Nick are back to continue the journey down the rabbit hole where the of “Relax and enjoy” still hold true. The three don’t spend too much time talking about their favorite TV shows but reflect on Nicaragua being on their bucket list of places to visit. Join a discussion where digging deeper…

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Episode 140: Enrique Sanchez of 1502 Cigars

James and Nick welcome Enrique Sanchez of 1502 Cigars to the show. Enrique talks about how he got into the business and working with the Plasencia family on his first release. He shares his passion for Nicaragua and the differences between InterTabac and the PCA Trade Show, and his philosophy of “Relax and enjoy.” Enrique…

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Cigar Review: OneOff Black

Released in June of this year (2024), the OneOff Black is the latest LE in the OneOff brand from Don Giolito and Illusione. I could go through the history of the OneOff brand and how Don Giolito bought it back in 2017, but there’s something about this release that puzzles me. Some retailers have it…

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42 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

As usual, Tim gets all the facts wrong but luckily James and Nick are back to help set him straight as they discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest Hector Alfonso Sr., the blender and Director of Factory Operations for Espinosa Cigars. The three reflect on getting old as they continue…

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Episode 139: Hector Alfonso Sr of Espinosa Cigars

James and Nick welcome blender and Director of Factory Operations for Espinosa Cigars, Hector Alfonso Sr., to the show. The trio discuss the cigar industry at large: the differences in B&M’s, the internal politics of lounges and how one or two “Alpha Dogs” can sway others in the lounge, and what differentiates “cigar slingers” from…

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Cigar Review: Coffin Nails by Black Label Trading Co.

Earlier this year, Black Label Trading Co. announced a new core line to their portfolio; Coffin Nails. Coming in at the petite corona size, the Coffin Nails promised to deliver full flavor in a small package. This is something that a lot of cigars have “promised” over the years. Cigar smokers, especially those who live…

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