Simply Stogies Podcast

Cigar Review Rethink: Micallef A

Micallef, there is a lot to unpack with this brand. Full disclosure, I like the Micallef / Gomez Sanchez Family cigars, every one I have smoked I have enjoyed. I have had the chance to chat up their team at the PCA this year. If we are looking at the beginning of an end to…

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Cigar Review: West Tampa Tobacco Co. Black Toro

My most recent podcast episode features Rick and Sara Rodriguez of West Tampa Tobacco Co. During our conversation, Rick discussed what it was like going from a “corporate kitchen” (CAO) full of “ingredients” (almost any tobacco he wanted to work with), to a “home kitchen” (WTTC) with few ingredients (limited access to tobacco) to work…

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Episode 90: A Conversation with Rick and Sara Rodriguez of West Tampa Tobacco Co.

This episode, I am joined by the father and daughter team of Rick and Sara Rodgriguez of West Tampa Tobacco Co. The three of us discuss how Rick started his cigar journey, and who taught him to blend and run a cigar company. We talk about their vision for the West Tampa Tobacco Co. and…

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Cigar Review: West Tampa Tobacco Co. White Toro

Rick Rodriguez is a name that most enthusiasts and aficionados have heard of. Rick has had a lot of accomplishments over his 22yrs with General Cigar Co. Learning from such Titans in the industry as E.P. Carillo, Daniel Núñez, and Benji Menendez, Rick took over as “Brand Ambassador” for CAO. There he had a string…

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Cigars & Coffee Episode 71: Bandolero Clandestinos & Simply Stogies Coffee

James returns to Habano Cigar Lounge in Davenport, Iowa to review the Bandolero Clandestinos Serie C and drink the new Simply Stogies Podcast blend from Janus Coffee Roasters. James reviews the cigar and gives an “unbiased” review of the Simply Stogies Coffee. Try our new Simply Stogies Coffee blend from Janus Coffee Roasters!

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Cigar Review: Los Estoico 54 Maduro from Peter James

John Laurendi, owner and co-founder of Peter James, announced his foray into cigars with his Los Estoico line. Listening to John talk about his cigars, you can hear the passion in his voice. Known for their leather cigar cases, cigars seem like the next logical step for Peter James. The Los Estoico line have a…

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Episode 89 The Cuban Sub-Series: Cuban Soil & More

James is joined by his Cuban Sub-Series host, Nick Syris of LH Cigars, as they discuss what makes Cuban cigars so unique…the soil. Before they discuss the unique properties of the soil in Cuba and the different growing regions around the island, Nick catches us up on some of the news coming our of Cuba….

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Cigars & Coffee Episode 69: Wisdom by King Solomon & Sumatra Mandheling Aged 4 Years

James returns to Habano Cigar Lounge in Davenport, Iowa to smoke and review the Wisdom by King Solomon (Lucky House Cigars) and pair it with Sumatra Mandheling Aged 4 Years from Janus Coffee Roasters. Don’t forget to try our very own coffee from Janus Coffee Roasters!  

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Episode 88: Janus Coffee Roasters

In a simulcast with Simply Stogies Presents: Cigars & Coffee, James welcomes his co-host from Cigars & Coffee (Timothy Allen) back to the podcast. They also welcome Shad and Shea Bates of Janus Coffee Roasters to the show. We talk with them about their cigar journeys, how Janus Tobak started, and their first foray into…

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The First-Timer’s PCA Guide

Premium Cigar Association 2022 For The First-Timer Imagine with me, if you will: I arrive at Treasure Island Hotel & Resort where the wait time for the line to check-in is over an hour with only two desk receptionists working and over 40 people trying to check-in. Behind me, there is a group of gentlemen…

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