Simply Stogies

In this after-show of Simply Stogies Podcast, hosts Tim, James, and Jimmy sit down to recap their recent interview with Mo Malley of Patina Cigars. The guys dive deep into the nuances of cigar blending, reviewer objectivity, and the rapidly shifting dynamics of the cigar economy.

James and Jimmy sit down with Mo Maalu of Patina Cigars. The trio discuss a wide range of topics. The conversation begins with the Red Pill and the difference in the vitolas and how they smoke and moves in to cigar revies. What's the right score? Do reviewers know the difference between a bad cigar and a cigar that just isn't for them? We ask Mo about keeping a positive attitude and why he is so w...

Clear the Air turns this after-show into a relentless, unfiltered battlefield as the hosts drag rival commentators for launching cowardly, passive-aggressive attacks against an independent lounge owner and manufacturer. Instead of focusing primarily on the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast, the conversation exposes the toxic gatekeeping and fragile egos of self-proclaimed industry authorities...

With Jimmy out sick, James sits down with Aaron Paoletta of LaVega Cigars. The two discuss how Aaron and LaVega got involved with Dogs Inc. and the LaVega Il Cane cigar. This leads to a larger discussion on why you shouldn't "f*ck people over" in the cigar industry. Aaron shares his thoughts on making and keeping commitments, follow-through, and why it matters. The two discuss Aaron's recent appea...

This week, hosts Tim, James, and Jimmy break down the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast interview with Rob Blumenthal from Tradecraft Cigars. They discuss Rob's deep family history in the cigar world and how that experience helps him build his own brand. The guys also debate the pros and cons of traditional twenty-count cigar boxes versus modern space-saving designs. Finally, they share the...

James and Jimmy sit down with one of the owners and founder of Tradecraft Cigars, Rob Blumenthal. Rob talks about his family's five generation in the tobacco business, something that started during the Civil War era with his family selling tobacco and cigars. The trio discuss what Rob has learned from owning a cigar company, how he approaches events, choosing to grow organically, and much more. Ro...

This week, Tim, James, and Jimmy are back at the microphones to dissect their recent interview with Vince McGlone of Vicente Blends. The audience feedback has been a total mixed bag, and the crew isn't holding back on why Vince's engineering background, low-volume production mindset, and luxury $60 price tags are polarizing the cigar community. From debating the definition of a true "industry disr...

James and Jimmy welcome Vincent McGlone, owner and blender of Vicente Blends, to the show. Vince talks about his engineering background and how he started Vicente Blends. What was a passion project has turned into a business. Vince discusses how his engineering background impacts is approach to blending and marketing. We talk about the difference in cultures between the Dominican Republic and the...

James interviews Fat Ash Cigar Lounge owner Dwight Adkins and GM Paul Wood to launch the sixth annual My Old Kentucky HERF, introducing exclusive cigars like the "Open Carry" and "Sturdy Girl" that reflect the lounge's culture of freedom and hospitality. Jimmy later joins James and Tim for a recap, detailing the event's charitable support for the Gary Sinise Foundation and genuine industry network...

James and Tim (Jimmy is on vacation) welcome Samantha Baliles from Code4Cigars. Sam explains that Code4Cigars supports first responders mental health by coming together over their love of the leaf. Sam gives first responders an informal way to support each other while dealing with traumatic events. Sam tells us how she started the group, how it has grown, future plans, how she got into cigars, and...

We sat down with some of the most interesting people at this year's Premium Cigar Association Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite a few hiccups with both audio and video, we sit down with Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, Rick and Sara Rodriguez of West Tampa Tobacco, Lou Cross of Lure Cigars, Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars, Zack Van Ginkel and Andray McCuien...

The team at Simply Stogies has officially wrapped up another incredible year at the annual Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show! In this special edition episode of Clear the Air, James takes the host’s chair to lead a lively discussion with Jimmy and Tim. Together, they break down their experiences from the massive convention floor, sharing their personal highlights and honest thoughts on ea...

In this episode of Clear the Air, hosts Tim, James, and Jimmy spend time reviewing a recent interview with Lou Cross of Lure Cigars and sharing their thoughts on different cigar products. They also discuss their upcoming trip to a major cigar trade show in New Orleans and officially announce that Jimmy D will be stepping up as the new co-host following the departure of a long-time team member.

James and Nick welcome Lou Cross of Lure Cigars back to the program. Lou promotes his new PCA exclusive, the "Wahoo." We discuss the changes for Lure Cigars and Valacari Cigars, Lou's role with both brands, and their relationship with La Tabacaria. We ask Lou what he's learned in his 2 years in the cigar industry, the challenges he's faced, and how he's overcome them. Lou discusses branding and br...

Tim and Jimmy D lead this episode of Clear The Air by examining the balance between modern technology and classic cigar traditions. They explain how artificial intelligence can manage data and inventory so that professionals have more time for genuine human interaction. Jimmy D supports this focus on relationships by often giving away free cigars to help customers discover new blends. The hosts al...

James is out sick so Jimmy is stepping into the host's chair for the first time to interview Antonio Lam of Reinado Cigars alongside co-host Nick. Antonio discusses his return to the business and shares the fascinating story behind a limited-edition cigar where he actually fermented broadleaf tobacco in Pinot Noir wine. He also explains his strict quality control process of refusing to release a b...

James and Nick welcome Jonas Santana from Blackbird Cigars. The trio discuss Blackbird's 10 years in the industry and how they're celebrating...with three new blends! Jonas talks about working with his mentor and master blender at his factory in the Dominican Republic. Jonas goes through the challenges he's faced, overcoming failures, and his greatest successes in his ten years in the industry. We...

James and Jimmy welcome Amanda & Paul Wood of FatAsh Cigar Lounge in Ashland, Kentucky. We discuss Paul's new job as the GM of FatAsh and what he brought with him from his time as a sales rep for Luciano Cigars. Amanda talks about life with Paul on the road vs life with Paul working in the lounge. Amanda and Paul discuss women in the lounge and the culture that drives women to a lounge and the...

In this unfiltered "Clear the Air" session, Tim, James, and Jimmy break down the highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with the most recent powerhouse interview with Mike Szczepankiewicz of Powstanie Cigars. The trio dives deep into the "Santa Claus" effect of the cigar industry, debating whether knowing the raw reality of the people behind the br...

James and Nick welcome Mike Szczepankiewicz from Powstanie Cigars, Pospiech Cigars, Cigar Hustler Lounge in Florida, and  ⁨A Cigar Hustlers Podcast.  Mike talks about getting into the cigar industry, working with Mike "BDP" Palmer, and doing a daily podcast. He talks about how important his family is to him and how he's able to juggle podcasting daily, Powstanie Cigars, his lounge, and coaching wh...

Tim, James, and Jimmy discussed the career and controversial opinions of industry veteran Dave Garofalo. The conversation focused heavily on Garofalo's bold business moves, specifically his decision to close profitable stores in Massachusetts and relocate to New Hampshire to escape a 12% tax—a gamble he took after competitors refused to unite against regulations.    The hosts also explored Garofal...

James and Nick welcome entrepreneur, author, and podcaster David Garofalo to the show. The trio discuss Dave's 40 years of experience with Two Guys Cigars, his reason for moving his stores from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, and how he has fought against raising taxes on cigars at the state level. We dive in to the retail side of the business as Dave talks about competition and working with them...

In this episode of Clear the Air, the crew celebrates Simply Stogies’ seven-year anniversary of the show , reflecting on its massive growth from a monthly hobby to a major industry voice. The conversation transitions into a deep dive on boutique cigar culture, comparing the different entrepreneurial paths taken by Lou Cross of Lure Cigars and recent guest Alex Martinez of Exile Cigars. A major the...

James and Nick welcome Alex Martinez of Exile Cigars to the show. We find out how Alex got into cigars, as he discusses his 25yrs as a cop. Alex talks about how retirement led to his managing a cigar shop and eventually to owning his own cigar brand. Alex discusses his love for his family, his desire to build a legacy, and lessons learned in both the retail and manufacturing sides of the business....

Industry titans collide as James, Nick, and Jimmy step into the arena to dissect the fallout from their explosive sit-down with PCA CEO Joshua Habursky. Representing the powerhouse trio of Manufacturer, Retailer, and Media, they bring perspectives that rarely align—and the tension is palpable. Just as the debate threatens to spiral out of control, a surprise return from an old friend shifts the en...