Simply Stogies

Episode 55: Talking with Lucas from Oxford Cigar Co.

James travels to sunny Orlando, Florida to have a conversation with Lucas Da Silva of Oxford Cigar Company. The pair sit outside next to large fans and a train station to discuss how Oxford Cigar Company does business, how they treat their customers, and their vision for the cigar industry. We also cover the PCA,…

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Lounge Review: Franklin Cigar is the Perfect Mix of Boutique and Mainstream

Located in an upscale suburb of Nashville, Franklin Cigar sits unassumingly in a strip mall. However, you quickly realize how special Franklin Cigar is once you walk inside. From the impressive selection of cigars that sit in their walk-in humidor, to their local beers on tap, to their friendly and knowledgeable staff, everything about Franklin…

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Cigar Review: Centrofinos Vegueros Is an Impressive New Budget Cuban Vitola

Vegueros is the newest brand added to the Habanos S.A. regular production line. It was launched in 1997 and is dedicated to the generations of farmers that have cultivated tobacco in the Pinar del Río region of Cuba. Originally launched in 1997, the brand was entirely revamped in 2013. All previous vitolas were discontinued, the…

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Pipe Tobacco Review: C&D Engine #99 Could Be the Best Smoky Bulk Blend Ever

Every year, without fail, when winter is at its nadir, I crave smoke —smoky scotches and smoky tobaccos in particular. While there are several entry level scotches which deliver the heavy peaty smoke I crave, I am still on the search for something that reaches the smoky heights of the ever elusive Penzance but at…

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Episode 54: Talking Shop with Deep South Cigars

I travel to sunny Orlando, Florida to chat live and in person with Jeremy and Donovan from Deep South Cigars. The three of us have a candid conversation about everything from politics, southern culture, diversity, family, cigars, self-promotion, the future, dating, starting your own business, and demystifying the cigar industry. This was a great conversation…

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 17: On Safari with Caramelicious

James and Tim head to Omaha, Nebraska to visit Safari Cigars & Lounge. We meet with Jeff Doll, owner of Safari Cigars & Lounge, and talk about Safari, how they’ve faired during the pandemic, and introduce our Simply Stogies 5pk! Just give Safari Cigars & Lounge a call (website found at bottom) and ask for…

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Episode 53: A Conversation with GSTN Cigar

I visit Capital Cigar Lounge in Lincoln, Nebraska to sit down and talk with Jeff Gaston. Jeff is the owner and founder of GSTN Cigar, who makes quality wood ashtrays for every budget and every need. Jeff and I discuss how he started his cigar journey and what led him to start GSTN Cigar. We…

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Cigars and Coffee Episode 16: CAO Mortal Coil and Cafe Bustelo

James and Tim are at David’s Fine Tobaccos in Clive, Iowa and take the CAO Mortal Coil through its paces while sipping some Cafe Bustelo Coffee. The pair discuss a new show on the Creative Brain Candy Media Cooperative, how we carry our cigar accessories, the cigar industry’s use of social media, and our thoughts…

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Cigar Review: The Juan Lopez Selección No. 2 Underwhelms Without Age

In the world of Cuban robustos, there are plenty of names that stand out, but one that is often overlooked is the Juan Lopez Selección No. 2. The Juan Lopez brand as a whole is one that gets little attention in the cigar community, to the benefit of those who know what the brand is…

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Pipe Tobacco Review: Five Brothers Is a Terrific Smoke With a Deep History

With a pedigree lasting 155 years, Five Brothers Pipe Tobacco is a living classic. It is a shag cut pure burley blend with a legendary strength. This high nicotine sets it quite apart from some of the more well known pouch tobaccos. With its unassuming label, pure tobacco flavor, and strength, Five Brothers is primarily…

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