#ELOsoFumarTakes

  #ELOsoFumarTakes   #352ndTake  We’re back with another special episode, and this one is a must-watch for cigar enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. Joining me is Joshua Habursky, Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association   https://premiumcigars.org We dive into the current state of the premium cigar industry, advocacy efforts, legislative challenges, and why protecting premium ciga...

#ELOsoFumarTakes – #351stTake It’s that time of year again… my Top Ten Cigars of 2025 are about to be revealed.       WELCOME BACK! HAPPY NEW YEAR! The night is here! The time is right! It's time for the #ELOsoFumarTakes Top 10 Cigars of 2025! Once again, the legendary George Brightman joins us for the Top 10 Countdown for the ages! I’ve sent George my top ten cigars for him to sample and taste te...

MILESTONE ALERT — #Take350 TONIGHT! We’re celebrating Episode #Take350 of #ELOsoFumarTakes with an all-star lineup   Special Guests: • George Rico — Gran Habano Cigars #1 Cigar of the Year 2023: GRAN HABANO 20th Aniversario El Sueño • Pete Johnson — Tatuaje Cigars #1 Cigar of the Year 2024: Tatuaje Havana VI Verocú Blue No. 1   Two legendary cigar makers. Two #1 Cigars of the Year. One milestone e...

This week on #ELOsoFumarTakes for the #349thTake — we’re thrilled to welcome the return of our favorite Niitany Lion — Michael Cappellini as our special guest! ️Michael isn’t just a former political candidate — he’s also the official U.S. Brand Ambassador for Toscano Cigars . This episode dives deep into his unique journey: from running for public office in Lackawanna County to representing a lege...

#ELOsoFumarTakes #Take348     We welcome Todd Naifeh , President of the Premium Cigar Association and owner of ZT Cigars! Todd brings decades of passion, advocacy, and leadership to the premium cigar world — and this Take is one you won’t want to miss.   Expect a deep dive into the PCA’s mission, industry insights, and the story behind ZT Cigars.

For our #347thTake - We’re welcoming Gus Fakih & Billy Fakih of Artesano Del Tobacco, the family behind some of the most passionately crafted cigars in the industry. From their heritage to their bold blends, you won’t want to miss this conversation.   Catch past episodes here https://www.podbean.com/pi/pbblog-6vzdf-2834cd “At Artesano Del Tobacco, craftsmanship isn’t just tradition — it’s a pr...

This episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes Steve Saka to sit down for our #346thTake . It’s our annual visit with the man, myth, and legend. The Cigar Curmudgeon will no doubt have some self-deprecation to administer. But, fear not, for this <Snicker> Star is no match for the wits of El Oso, as I plan to get him to enjoy himself despite his fierce denials. This Liga Legend may even crack a smil...

Celebrating 8 Years of #ELOsoFumarTakes !   This episode is more than just another episode—it's a milestone. We're celebrating 8 incredible years of unforgettable guests, deep-dive conversations, and a shared passion for cigars. As part of our annual tradition, we're once again joined by Tim Wong, our very first guest, who returns every year to guest-host this special anniversary tribute.   And th...

It’s an annual tradition, this week #ELOsoFumarTakes celebrates its host’s birthday! Bear is getting older and older each year and despite Steve Saka’s opinion - we love to celebrate birthdays. Now, Steve cannot join us this year for this episode, but that doesn’t mean we’re shying away from celebrating or awesome guests. My good friends Jon Carney and Ben Lee stop by to make this a birthday one w...

This episode on #ELOsoFumarTakes Tripp Waldrop joins us for the Ultimate Pairing Showdown: The Top 3 Cigar Pairings We’re breaking it down in two ways: 1. Specific pairings — like “That mojito I had in Cancun was the perfect match for this cigar because…” 2. General pairings — like “Scotch overall is the best pairing because…” We want to hear from you: What’s your go-to pairing with a good cigar?...

#ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome Law Ream of Davidoff Cigars and Ambassador of all things Zino to sit down for our #342ndTake ! From media member to Brand Ambassador. From PCA Director look-alike to re-igniting a brand named for one of the industry’s icons. It’s another fun journey to explore. Enjoy!

Welcome Back! This week our #341stTake is A collaboration special!   William Cooper joins us as we combine #ELOsoFumarTakes and Cigar Coop Prime Time Special Edition. There’s been some comings and goings the last couple of weeks, including the prestigious Cigar Journal Awards. We’ll hold court with cigars and commentary. Enjoy!

What’s cooler than being cool? Well, this episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Sean Williams - Global Ambassador for Cohiba & Silencio. Our #340thTake will be cool, chill and amazingly fun. Here’s a riddle for you: If you had a job supported by another job, but it was your job to support both jobs and make it look cool and easy. How would you do it?     Enjoy!

This episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome first time guest Kevin Shahan of Cigar Prop fame and glory. Kevin’s energy and enthusiasm is always at a level 10, but his zany antics are a refreshing balance of charm and sincerity. And while his July 4th attire is something I’d rather not see again, personally, his drive and love for the industry has formed a journey I can’t wait to unfold. E...

#ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Matt Tye of How Bout That Cigar to sit down for our #338thTake . It’s going to be a rock’em, sock’em good time. We’ll look back on the last few years together as media brands that “came up together”. What’s surprised us? What hasn’t? It all starts here at 9:30pm Central. Enjoy!

#ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of John McTavish to sit down for our #337thTake . The ‘Cigar Surgeon’ operates at a different standard than most. As a member of the renowned Developing Palates team, every meticulous detail is recorded, analyzed and brought to bear against arguably the highest standard within the industry’s media. Don’t believe me? Tune in tomorrow night as we walk through a P...

This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes back 3 of the industry’s Kings of Road Warriors, Dukes of Deals, Earls of ‘Earn It’ and Marquises de Los Hombres (yeah, I took some license in languages there)! Our #336thTake promises to deliver some hot takes and witty words. Enjoy!

This episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes returns for our #335thTake and it will be one to remember! I'm pumped for this long-time-coming episode and the story to be be told. Cayman Cigar Company founder Scott Haugh joins us alongside a returning guest from a long time back - Mr. Anthony Cantelmo will join us as well. A story of cigars, charity and giving back.  Enjoy!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksWlc...

This week, fresh off a record double header last Sunday, William Coop returns for our #334thTake . Our show will focus on a theme of the best of the best. We’ll discuss our Best/Favorites in a cavalcade of categories. Enjoy!

This week, it’s going to be one hell of a Father’s Day celebration! As you know, Tom Lazuka is back per tradition. This time, we’ve got a whole panel of dads and a cigar big enough for the day….literally. Jay Davis, William Cooper, Ben Lee, Tripp Waldrop & Denis Tsvang bring the Dad power, we’re going to need it! It’s a Father’s Day Sunday Double Header. Join us for pairings on Let's Get Pairi...

Tonight, we join forces! The Smoking Syndicate & El Oso Fumar come together for Roundtable 22 - Cohiba Riviera Lancero. Ben Lee, William Cooper, Tripp Waldrop, and host, Bear Duplisea 

This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome back Eddy Guerra for our #331stTake . After years of working for some of the industry's large and corporate giants, the new family man is bringing back his talents to the family-owned icon La Flor Dominicana . One of the Cigar Boom's most successful stories lies within the confines of La Canela and Eddy is poised to help the world remember without...

This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Nick Libretti , host of the Long Ash Podcast and newly promoted Senior Brand Manager at JR Cigars to sit down for our #330thTake . We'll catch up with Nick on his PCA take, all things Long Ash and JR Cigars. Enjoy!

This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes is proud to welcome the return of Dave Garofalo of 2GuysCigars.com , Cigar Authority podcast, and United Cigar Group. Our 329thTake will be one to attend. Dave is never short on opinions, but I love chatting with him because of his indelible personality. Those opinions are backed by 40 years of retail and cigar industry wisdom. And we aim to hear straight from the man h...

This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes another first-time guest for our #328thTake . A long time ago, Tyler Jeffery was the first to ever tell me in-person that he watched this show. It was a surreal moment. Fast forward a few years, and that funny, curious, passionate 'kid' took his best qualities and chased a dream. He's worked hard, traveled on his own dime, and learned tons. With a factory and d...