Podcast

Episode 35: Project E Gran Ola Review

I give you my review of the Epic Cigars limited edition Project E Gran Ola. You can follow along with my review here. I also go over our new Statement of Ethics and why it’s important to our staff and to our fans. You can get your own Simply Stogies Podcast SWAG here!

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Episode 34: Getting to Know Our New Content Director, Matthew Kang

James welcomes the new Content Director/Editor of simplystogies.com, Matthew Kang. Matthew discusses his cigar journey, and how his real job at Eater LA will help us give us some direction. We also talk a little COVID-19, and Matthew mistakes a travel humidor for a takeout box. James also announces a brand new Cuban Cigar review,…

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Episode 33: Up and Down with Phil Ledbetter from Up Down Cigars

I had the opportunity to sit down with co-owner of Up Down Cigar (located at 1550 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL) and current PCA Board Member, Phil Ledbetter. Phil and I discussed his cigar journey, starting from pipe smoking and going all the way through his becoming co-owner of Up Down Cigar. We discussed the…

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Episode 32: Catching Up with Glynn Loope

I get to catch up with the Executive Director of the Cigar Rights of America, Glynn Loope. We discuss how COVID-19 has impacted cigar retailers and manufacturers, the government’s response, and the current fight against regulation and why it’s so important given the global pandemic. We also discuss the cigar industry as a whole, we…

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Episode 31: Zooming with Andy Yaffee of Micallef Cigars

I sat down, via Zoom, with Andy Yaffe, National Sales Director for Micallef Cigars. Andy tells the story of how his cigar journey began, how he came to in the cigar industry, and the friendships he has made. Andy and I then have a frank discussion on the impact COVID-19 has had on local B&Ms,…

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Episode 30: Cigar Scanner App and Hygrometer Review

This week, I quickly gives my thoughts on the PCA cancelling the 2020 trade show and how this presents the PCA with a unique opportunity for change; change for themselves, and change for the industry. I then jumps into my review of the Cigar Scanner Application and the Cigar Scanner WiFi Hygrometer and Thermometer. I…

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Cigar Scanner Wireless Hygrometer and Thermometer Review

OVERVIEW PRODUCT MANUFACTURER Cigar Scanner WiFi Hygrometer and Thermometer Cigar Scanner PRODUCT PRODUCT TYPE ORIGINALLY RELEASED STILL IN PRODUCTION CLAIM/GIMMICK BREAKDOWN Wireless Hygrometer and Thermometer 2017 Yes o  Ability to monitor your humidor condition anytime, anywhere. o  Notify you of changes to temperature and humidity levels inside your humidor. o  Track the history of humidity…

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Cigar Scanner App Review

OVERVIEW PRODUCT MANUFACTURER        Cigar Scanner The Cigar Lab Co.   PRODUCT PRODUCT TYPEORIGINALLY RELEASED STILL IN PRODUCTION  CLAIM/GIMMICK BREAKDOWN Cigar Inventory Application2015 Yes o  Scan your cigar and learn about ito  Track your cigars/Virtual Humidoro  Find local B&Mso  Cigar ring gauge toolo  Share your reviews and experience with otherso  Control your humidor’s conditions Anywhere, Anytime RESEARCH…

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Episode 29: Review: Casdagli Daughters of the Wind Cremello

Before I dive into my review of the Cremello, I discuss what reviews look like across the industry. While they’re not standardized, there is room for differing viewpoints and tastes that are diverse and subjective. SimplyStogies.com is still looking for at least two staff writers. If you like reviewing cigars and can do a better…

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Micallef Cigars “To Be Named” Maduro

OVERVIEW VITOLA:   Gran Toro SIZE:   6-3/4″ x 54 ORIGIN:   Nicaragua FACTORY:   Micallef Cigars S.A. WRAPPER:   Nicaraguan Maduro BINDER:   Sumatra FILLER:   Nicaraguan and Dominican STRENGTH:   Medium SOURCE: Micallef Cigars ENVIRONMENT WHERE: Deck at home WHEN: April 7, 2020 @ 1:00pm DRINKS: Ice Mountain bottled water WEATHER: Mid 70’s – warm and mostly sunny WHAT’S ON: Metallica Mix…

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