Simply Stogies Podcast

Episode 63: Smoking with the Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety

I sit down with Joe from Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety at Prime Cigars in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Joe and I have a great conversation that covers a wide array of topics. We get to know Joe and how he started his cigar journey before getting to know what the Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety is all about….

Read More

Cigar Review: RoMa Craft Neanderthal and the Evolution of Pepper

I remember asking my local B&M for a peppery cigar recommendation in 2017 and was directed to this cigar. Flash-forward 4 years later, I finally was able to get my hands on a box to smoke through and review. I remember the strength and complexity of the cigar, along with the nerdiness of a name…

Read More

Cigars and Coffee Episode 26: Zino Nicaragua and Volado Blend by Janus Coffee Roasters

James visits Habano Cigars in Davenport, Iowa to review the Zino Nicaragua Robusto and the Volado Blend from Janus Coffee Roasters. The Zino Nicaragua is a medium to medium+ cigar with notes of cream, avocado oil, nuts, and earth. The Volado Blend coffee is a medium/dark roast with notes of barley and nuts. The pairing…

Read More

Cigars and Coffee Episode 25: CAO America Potomac and Cafe Bustelo

Tim kicks off our new weekly Cigars & Coffee format where we focus on the reviewing the cigar and the coffee we’re drinking. The inaugural episode in this format sees Tim reviewing the CAO America Potomac and Cafe Bustelo. Tim walks you through his CAO America cigar experience and drinks some Cafe Bustelo. If you…

Read More

Episode 62: Chatting with Dan from the Cigar Saver

While at the PCA 2021 Trade Show, I sit down with Dan from the Cigar Saver. The Cigar Saver is a product that, well, saves your cigar. When you find it necessary to step away from your lit cigar, the Cigar Saver allows you to quickly put it out, saving your cigar to be easily…

Read More

Pipe Tobacco Review: Rattray’s Exotic Orange Delivers Both Flavor and Aroma

Despite their image as what pipe tobacco is in popular culture, aromatic blends are among the most troublesome and divisive categories of blends. The primary issue is the inconsistency between smell and taste. These tobaccos smell rich and sweet, infused with the aromas of confectionery. But for most smokers, in most pipes, most aromatics taste…

Read More

Cigars and Coffee Episode 24: Don Fausto and Cigars for Warriors – Loyalty Blend

James and Tim return to Habanos Cigar Lounge in Davenport, Iowa to smoke a Don Fausto by Anya Ramirez and drink some Cigars for Warriors Loyalty Blend Coffee from Janus Coffee Roasters. Are your local B&Ms carrying enough boutique cigar brands? Are they carrying any boutique cigar brands? What’s enough? is the staff trained? Plus,…

Read More

Cigar Review: My Father Flor de las Antillas is a Great Introductory Smoke

May of 2012 saw the release of the My Father “Flor de las Antillas.” The cigar was named in honor of Jaime Garcia’s family home, which is located on the largest of the Greater Antillas Islands, Cuba. This cigar is a blooming flower in the My Father Cigar line. This rich, bold, and flavorful cigar…

Read More

Episode 61: An Epic Conversation with Dean Parsons of Epic Cigars

I sit down with Dean Parsons of Epic Cigars at the 2021 PCA Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dean and I discuss how his journey from Canadian hockey player, to police officer, to real estate development, to finally finding his passion and starting Epic Cigars. Dean opens up about the industry and the amount…

Read More

Cigars and Coffee Episode 23: PCA Recap, DE Undercrown 10, and BLK and Bold Coffee

James and Tim return to David’s Fine Tobaccos (9759 University Ave, Clive, IA 50325) to talk about what they saw at the PCA 2021 Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. They discuss their experience and all the good…and not so good they saw while attending. There is never a shortage of drama in the cigar…

Read More