Simply Stogies

James catches up with one of the founders and blenders of Stolen Throne Cigars, Lee Marsh. The pair discuss how Stolen Throne has handled the pandemic, their new releases (Call to Arms, Argos, and Oath Takers), what makes boutique cigars boutique, and much more!   Check out Stolen Throne's Facebook page   Visit Stolen Thone on Instagram     Get your Simply Stogies Podcast swag!!!  

I sit down and catch-up with co-owner Tony Goins, and humidor coach Jeff Fry. We discuss their response to COVID-19 and how it has impacted their business. Jeff and I talk about the changes in their stock, their approach to customers, and how they treat their employees and customers like family. I also got the opportunity to talk with Tony about his new book Something in the Water, where the proje...

James sits down with the owners of Safari Cigars & Lounge, Jeff and Mari Doll. They discuss lounge etiquette, the impact that small business has on the local economy, how they got into the industry, and much more. This is a great interview with a couple of genuine, and down-to-earth entrepreneurs. Safari Cigars and Lounge is THE destination cigar lounge in Omaha, NE or Council Bluffs, IA.  https:/...

I am finally back in my studio with power and internet! Thank you for your patience during my forced hiatus! I talk about the victory the cigar industry had over the FDA in court, what it means to small businesses and the industry at-large. I also give my opinion on where the next legal battles will likely take place. Then I move on to discussing my favorite Cuban Cigar retailers, and who I think...

First, allow me to apologize to my listeners who may not follow me on social media. Where I live was hit hard by a derecho on August 10. I lost power until August 20 and I lost internet until August 30. For more information, check out the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast Presents: Cigars and Coffee here . This episode, I welcome Cuban Cigar expert, Joe, back to the podcast. Joe and I discu...

I give you my review of the Epic Cigars limited edition Project E Gran Ola. You can follow along with my review here. I also go over our new Statement of Ethics and why it's important to our staff and to our fans.   You can get your own Simply Stogies Podcast SWAG here !

James welcomes the new Content Director/Editor of simplystogies.com , Matthew Kang. Matthew discusses his cigar journey, and how his real job at Eater LA will help us give us some direction. We also talk a little COVID-19, and Matthew mistakes a travel humidor for a takeout box. James also announces a brand new Cuban Cigar review, a new pipe tobacco reviewer , and a new YouTube Channel featuring a...

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 cigar industries love limited editions, the cigar community, how COVID-19 has affected his...

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 talk about the political divide in the country right now and how c...

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, and how Micallef is making good on their promise to support brick and mortar retailers, including Micallef...

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 discuss my experience using both their cigar tracking application and their wirel...

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 job than I (who can't?) or if you enjoy writing and would like to wri...

I discuss the impact to local B&Ms and ask you, the listener, to support local whenever you can. The impact of COVID-19 is being felt everywhere, and I like to order online as much as the next guy; however, if you can, I implore you to check with your local B&Ms and see if they're still open for business. Then I dive into my first solo review, as I give my impressions of the Micallef "To Be Named"...

I welcome Dan Thompson, President of Micallef Cigars, to Simply Stogies Podcast. Dan and I discuss everything from how he started his cigar journey, to Micallef's open letter to the cigar industry , and where he sees Micallef in the future. Dan talks candidly about his overall vision for Micallef and the industry. Dan goes over the new Micallef Ultimate Inventory program for select retailers and d...

James begins the show by thanking Mike Breig, our content director and lead reviewer at simplystogies.com . Due to personal reasons, Mike must permanently step away from the cigar hobby. Mike was a driving force behind simplystogies.com and helped make it what it is today. He will be sorely missed. James then welcomes Aaron from Drunkenomics podcast  to discuss the global, national, and local econ...

I welcome SimplyStogies.com lead cigar reviewer, Mike Breig, back to the show. Before we dive into our reviews, we discuss Micallef Cigars shipping a cigar without a name and how that translates to their open letter released earlier this year . Mike and I then give our in-depth review of Stolen Throne's Crook of the Crown robusto. Mike's full, written review will be available the same day this epi...

I had the opportunity to spend some time chatting with Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne Cigars. We talked about how Stolen Throne came to be and where the name "Stolen Throne" came from. Lee gives a unique perspective of the industry, its internal politics, and what it's like navigating them. We also discuss Crook of the Crown and what other projects Stolen Throne Cigars has in the works. I hope you all...

I get to sit down with Freddy Allan, owner of the brand new Habano Cigar Lounge in Davenport, Iowa. We talk about what it takes to open a cigar lounge, the hurdles that have to be overcome, and his vision for Habano Cigar Lounge. Freddy also owns four other cigar shops in Chicago and the Chicagoland area; he brings his years of experience and knowledge to Davenport. Freddy also tells us how he bec...

Recorded at Capital Cigar Lounge (5505 S 16th St Ste 100, Lincoln, NE 68512) I sat down with the owner, Tony Goins, and the owner of Cigarz Lounge (800 Q St #104, Lincoln, NE 68508),  Stacy Williams. We also had Capital's lead bartender Kelly, and their head humidor coach, Jeff. We discussed how both lounges got their start, how Tony and Stacy started their cigar journey, and ended up discussing l...

I announce the first Patreon exclusive content from Simply Stogies Podcast called, Tales from the Lounge, is now available for Patreon supporters! To become a Patron of Simply Stogies Podcast please go to  https://www.patreon.com/simplystogies  and sign up to get instant access to this new bonus content! I welcome simplystogies.com Content Director and Lead Reviewer, Mike Breig, to discuss Isabela...

With the news that Drew Estate, Altadis, General Cigar Co., and Davidoff will not be exhibiting at the PCA Trade Show this year, I give an outsider's view of what appears to be going on. I discuss the lack of a shared vision between the PCA and the manufacturers, the PCA's perceived lack of direction, and reasons why the trade show must change in order to survive. I also announce a new show that i...

Congratulations to Chris Hansen, Gary Mehrl, and Caleb McReynolds on winning the Pupperdor.com contest. A big "thank you" to Pupperdor.com for supporting Simply Stogies Podcast and sponsoring such a great giveaway!  I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with @thecigarmadame (Coco Maria) an avid aficionada, cigar enthusiast, great Sister of the Leaf, and Instagram influencer. We discussed her...

During an AMA/Virtual Cut&Light for SimplyStogies.club with Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars, I get an opportunity to have a three hour conversation with Pete. We talk about everything from his cigar journey starting in a strip club, to how he looks at the FDA's overregulation, and everything in between. Pete was generous with his time and was more than happy to answer my questions, as well as the q...

Jon Huber from Crowned Heads cigars joins James and some of the members from simplystogies.club for an AMA. Jon discusses his cigar journey, how he got started in the business, and where he sees the future of the business. Jon also talks about what inspires him and finding the reason for cigars to exist. We briefly discuss the FDA, it's impact on the industry, and what that looks like from an arti...

I sit down with Jeremy Casdagli of Casdagli Cigars, formerly Bespoke Cigars, live from the Clayton in Chicago, Illinois. Jeremy and I discuss his cigar journey, how and why he started Casdagli Cigars, the name change from Bespoke to Casdagli, his family history and how that has influenced him, how he reacts to bad reviews and so much more!  Plus, I mention how to save 10% by using coupon code simp...