Back at the end of July ’24, I found myself in LA (lower Alabama) for a launch party for the “Mean Jean” from Lure Cigars. That cigar launch just happened to be at Boll Weevil Fine Cigars in Enterprise, Alabama. When I asked owner Stephen Frank why the shop was named after an insect, he…
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Just a little over three years ago FUMA Cigar Social was under different management. When the original owners wanted to sell, they approached two of their regular customers and asked if they would be interested in taking over the business. Chuck and Marquis said, “Yes.” Three years later and FUMA Cigar Social has made some…
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You may have heard of Iowa and many mid-western states referred to as “fly-over country” in the cigar industry. It’s sad, but it’s true. In this fast paced world we flock to the big cities engulfed with big brand chains, convenience, and high speed internet. Everything is fast, and we just try to keep pace….
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It is hard to believe that it’s been three years and almost seventy podcasts ago when I sat down and chatted with one of the owners of Up Down Cigars in Chicago, Illinois, Phil Ledbetter. It’s even harder to imagine that it took me that long to get to Up Down Cigars…but it did. If…
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Ok, so you are on vacation in Myrtle Beach, SC and want to know where to go to get some vacation cigars? A short 15 minute ride south is the small town of Murrells Inlet, SC. There sits a great spot to pick up some cigars or sit in the comfortable lounge and enjoy a…
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Located near the “cigar capital of the world,” Ybor City, Grand Cathedral Cigars opened in May of 2021. Owner Angela Yue renovated an old church into a beautiful cigar lounge complete with member only areas, a walk-in humidor, fully stocked bar, a large patio with outdoor bar service, a koi pond, and plenty of room…
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Located in the Western Slope region of Colorado and less than a 2hr drive from the Utah border, sits Grand Junction, Colorado. Grand Junction is known as the wine hub of Colorado’s “wine country.” However, on my way back from the PCA 2022 Trade Show, I’m looking for something a bit. I’m looking for a…
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Located in the northeastern region of Kentucky, and hidden away in the Highlands, is the small town of Ashland, Kentucky. Ashland is the largest city in Boyd County, with a population of just over 20,000 (according to the United States Census Bureau). Ashland is full of small town charm, a Main Street USA feel, and…
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Hidden away between the Quad Cities and Chicago is the sleepy town of Oregon, Illinois. There, near the bank of the Rock River, you will find a haven for cigar smokers in the area: Bad Ash Cigars LLC. Bad Ash Cigars LLC. is a poorly kept secret amongst cigar aficionados and enthusiasts in the Eastern…
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Picture this: I love food. I love cigars. I love gin. You know what I don’t like? Exercise. Of any kind. However, I have friends that are more active in that way than I am and I acquiesced to their request to go hiking while on vacation in Arizona. The location we hiked (I attempted…
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Stay smoky, friends.