Simply Stogies Podcast

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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Crowned Heads Cigars Announces Four Kicks-No. 7 Exclusively for Casa De Montecristo Retail Stores

Crowned heads Announces Casa De Montecristo Retail Exclusive Four Kicks-No.7 Today, Crowned Heads announces an exclusive release for 28 Casa de Montecristo retail locations around the country, the Four Kicks- No. 7. The Four Kicks- No. 7 uses the original Four Kicks blend which has earned 90+ ratings. The Four Kicks- no. 7 is crafted…

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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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Crowned Heads Announces Las Calaveras EL 2020

Crowned Heads Announces Las Calaveras EL 2020 Yesterday, Crowned Heads announced their seventh installment to the Las Calaveras franchise, Las Calaveras EL 2020. The Las Calaveras was first introduced in 2014 and was born as a tribute to those who have passed away the previous year. It is intended to be a celebration of life…

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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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Cavalier Genéve Cigars to Become Available in Norway

Cavalier Genéve Cigars Heading to Norway Nordic Cigars, owned by Arnt Anensen and Cavalier Genéve have agreed on an exclusivity agreement to distribute the brand on the Norwegian market. The first Cavalier Genéve cigars to be offered will be the White Series and the Black II. Norway will also have access to the yearly LE…

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Micallef Cigars Launches the Phoenix Program for Brick and Mortar Retailers

Micallef Cigars Launches the Phoenix Program for Brick and Mortar Retailers. While brick and mortar retailers are struggling to overcome hardship during these unprecedented times, Micallef Cigars launches the Phoenix program to better serve retailers. Micallef Cigars published an open letter to the cigar industry earlier this year, in which they made a commitment to…

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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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Casdagli Daughters of the Wind Cremello

OVERVIEW VITOLA:   LanceroSIZE:   7-1/2″ x 39 ORIGIN:   Costa RicaFACTORY:   Tobacos de la Cordillera WRAPPER:   Costa Rican ClaroBINDER:   Costa Rican Puriscal & NicaraguanFILLER:   Dominican Oscuro Ligero & Peruvian STRENGTH:   Medium SOURCE:   Small Batch Cigar ENVIRONMENT WHERE:   My deck WHEN:   April 25, 2020 @ 11am DRINKS:   Ice Mountain  WEATHER:   Low 60’s – a sunny Spring day WHAT’S ON:   Smoking…

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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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