Simply Stogies Podcast

Episode 106: Greg Free of Fuerte Y Libre

James and Nick sit down and chat with the owner of Fuerte Y Libre Cigars, Greg Free. We find out how Greg got started in the cigar industry and he has more than a few surprises in store for us. We talk about his karaoke prowess (copyrights prevent me from sharing the footage with all…

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Cigar Review: Micallef Black Toro

Micallef announced at the end of May, 2023, that they would be releasing their first new blend since 2020 called the Micallef Black at the PCA Trade Show in July. While it won’t get a wide release until July, there are several retailers who have had access to “pre-release” events and have been able to…

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Cigar Review: Patina Sumatra Rustic

Patina is one of those “if you know, you know” brands. It just doesn’t get a lot of love from some in the industry, which is a shame. I fell in love with the Patina Connecticuts and never looked back. I have been excited about the Patina Sumatra ever since owner Mo Maali announced it…

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10 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim is joined by Nick and James and the trio dissect the latest Simply Stogies Podcast episode that features William “Cigar Coop” Cooper. There’s a lot of talk around what is “cigar media” and what isn’t. Who should be allowed to cover the trade show? What’s an influencer? What is the “job” of cigar media?…

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Episode 105: Cigar Coop on Media & the PCA Trade Show

James and Nick welcome William “Cigar Coop” Cooper back to the show. This time we pick Coop’s brain about what exactly constitutes “cigar media” and their role in the industry. We also discuss the upcoming PCA 2023 Trade Show in Las Vegas, Coop tells us what his theme is this year, and he gives Simply…

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Cigar Review: H. Upmann Nicaragua AJ Fernandez Heritage

There have been a few cigars put out by Altadis by AJ Fernandez. These blends go all the way back to 2017 when the H.Upmann by AJ Fernandez was released with a sumatra wrapper. Then in 2019, the H. Upmann 175th Anniversary was released and was a highly rated cigar also by AJ Fernandez. With…

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09 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim welcomes the Simply Stogies Podcast hosts, James and Nick, back for another Clear the Air. This time the trio discuss Episode 104: Catching Up with Jeremy Casdagli. The discussion starts with some of what Jeremy Casdagli had to say before winding up discussing the logistics of on location recording. Once we get done bemoaning…

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Episode 104: Catching Up with Jeremy Casdagli

Our first time on location (using video), and James is at the Humidor of Lisle, in Lisle, Illinois, to sit down with Jeremy Casdagli of Casdagli Cigars. The pair discuss everything from upcoming releases and cigar reviews, to the Casdagli themed room at the Humidor of Lisle and the FDA. There might be a few…

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08 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim welcomes James and Nick back to Clear the Air and the trio talk a little bit about everything. The trio discusses Simply Stogies Podcast Episodes 102 & 103, the interview with Zev Kaminetsky of Toscano and the My Old Kentucky Herf interviews.. Starting with Zev, the conversation starts to get political before pulling back…

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Episode 103: My Old Kentucky Herf 2023

James visits the crew of FatAsh Cigar Lounge in Ashland, Kentucky for the third annual My Old Kentucky Herf! James talks with Dwight Adkins, owner of FatAsh Cigar Lounge and founder of MOKH, to discuss what’s new this year. During the event, James speaks with Riste of JSK, Greg Free of Fuerte Y Libre, Oscar…

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