Simply Stogies

Episode 117: Charlie Minato of Halfwheel.com

James and Nick welcome Charlie Minato, co-founder of Halfwheel.com. The trio discuss how Halfwheel came to be, when Charlie started smoking cigars, as well as find out how they review cigars. Charlie details their review process and if there is such a thing as a 100pt cigar. Charlie gives us his expert opinions on the…

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Cigar Review: Las Calaveras Edicion Limatada 2023 LC54 from Crowned Heads

Each year Crowned Heads releases the Las Calaveras line of cigars. They began releasing Las Calaveras in 2014 as a way to honor and remember those in the cigar industry who passed away the previous year. It has become a release that I look forward to every year. Some are better than others, but I…

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21 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim, James, and Nick are back again in another after show to talk about the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Nimmer Ahmed of Valacari Cigars. The trio talk about a new brand “Lure Cigars”, a collaboration between a new brand owner, Lou Cross and Nimmer. Discussions pursue into the hardships of creating a…

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Episode 116: Nimmer Ahmed of Valacari Cigars

On this episode, James and Nick welcome Nimmer Ahmed of Valacari Cigars. The trio find out about Nimmer’s background: how and where he started his cigar journey, how Valacari came to be, and how he chose the name “Valacari.” Nimmer has great insights into the manufacturing side of the cigar industry, as well as on…

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Cigar Review: Lomo de Cerdo from Tatuaje

I once again find myself reviewing a cigar that has its beginnings pre-2018. (For those not in the know, 2018 was the year I started smoking cigars.) This time, it’s the Tatuaje Lomo de Cerdo, or “pork loin” in Spanish. The original Tatuaje Pork Tenderloin was released in 2010. Of the original release, I have…

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20 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim brings James and Nick back to the mic to discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with guests John Peter Laurendi and Adrian Maharaj of Peter James Co. The trio discuss the hustle and bustle of running a company, high end, but affordable products and how important it is to surround yourself with…

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Sutliff English: Majestic English and Count Pulaski

With the turn of the weather I step back from a pretty steady stream of Virginias to reach for something smoky, so I reach for…Sutliff? For those surprised by my confusion, when you’ve smoked a pipe for awhile you notice that each blending house has a reputation for certain kinds of blends. C&D is known…

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Episode 115: Catching Up with Peter James

James sits down with John Peter Laurendi and Adrian Maharaj of Peter James Co. The trio discuss John’s journey with Peter James and how he overcame adversity by putting everything on the line to follow his dream and passion. John explains how Adrian came on board Peter James and the value he adds. Adrian explains…

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Cigar Review: Four Kicks Mule Kick 2023 by Crowned Heads

The Mule Kick is a cigar that I look forward to every year. I have hopes that one of these years it will match the greatness that was released in 2012. While I have written about Crowned Heads being a good limited-edition cigar brand in the past, I have found myself smoking mostly Crowned Heads…

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19 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim brings James and Nick back to the mic to discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with guest Nick Mellilo of Foundation Cigars. The trio discuss boutique cigars, the rising costs, the inevitable Simply Stogies cigar of the year list and much more.

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