Simply Stogies

James begins this episode with several big announcements! James announces interviews with Jeremy Casdagli of Casdagli Cigars and Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars. He also announces a contest with pupperdor.com . Details and rules of the contest are found in this episode! Thank you to Pupperdor.com for sponsoring this contest. Have you ever wondered why there are so many different cigar accessories o...

I get the opportunity to sit down and chat with Nick Melillo, master blender, and founder of Foundation Cigars for a SimplyStogies.club AMA/Virtual Cut & Light via Zoom Meeting. We had a fantastic conversation about Nick's cigar journey, how he got started, what he's learned, and where he's going. We discussed a slew of topics that ranged from the various cigar lines at Foundation, to Nick's appro...

I am pleased to announce the launch of simplystogies.com ! I'd like to thank all the hard work put it in by the team (Timothy Allen, Mike Brieg, Wonho Frank Lee, Troy Kelso, and Stephanie Hattan) in order to get the website off the ground!!! Please, check out simplystogies.com and let us know what you think via social media. I discuss the recent Simply Stogies Mega Herf at Casa de Montecristo in C...

This episode, I welcome Joe from SimplyStogies.club. Joe has been smoking Cuban cigars for 20yrs and is an expert on the subject. I get his expert opinion on the moral and ethical issues of purchasing Cuban cigars, how to spot fakes, the implications of a free market Cuba, and much much more. This discussion, much like my cigar journey, is filled with twists and turns. If you have questions about...

I return to my journey and how I came to know the famous Cuban cigar. The Cuban cigar has mystery, romanticism, and maybe a bit of a taboo air that surrounds it. Is the Cuban cigar hype? What issues surround the Cuban cigar for someone living in America? Can you easily get your hands on an authentic Cuban cigar? I recall how my journey first crossed paths with this famous stogie.  

I recall how I was gifted with something completely unexpected by a great BOTL before jumping into Facebook cracking down on the buying/selling/trading/private transactions of cigars. As I discuss Facebook's shift in policy, I land on Netflix cutting down on scenes that portray tobacco use. This underscores the need to support groups like the Cigar Rights of America. If you haven't joined them yet...

I give my impressions and review of Sheepdog Humidors Bullet Torch and of the Padron 2000 Natural. Before I dive into those reviews, I put out the call to those who would like to join the Simply Stogies team! I'm looking for writers interested in reviewing products and cigars, writing about the latest news around the cigar industry, or imparting their knowledge to others. If that's you, send an em...

I discuss my recent visits to several cigar lounges and B&Ms around my area, what to look for when choosing a B&M, and the importance of supporting your local B&M. I also discuss the do's and don'ts when visiting a cigar lounge, and share some of my most embarrassing cigar lounge moments. If you have do or don't or funny anecdote you'd like to share, please email me at simplystogiespodcast@gmail.c...

I sit down with Global Ambassador for Casdagli Cigars, Vlada Stojanov. I join Vlad at The Clayton in downtown Chicago, where we discuss the name change from Bespoke to Casdagli, the Casdagli lines of cigars, what the future holds for Casdagli, and I pick the brain of a sommelier on how to develop your palate. It's a fantastic conversation with a genuine BOTL who has a ton of knowledge. I hope you...

I interview a moderator for SimplyStogies.club and a cigar reviewer at Burn1.net, Mike. Mike walks us through his process of reviewing a cigar: from the pre-cut ritual, to the cut and light, to writing his review. Thank you to Mike for taking the time, on his birthday, to sit down and give us some insight on what goes in to reviewing a cigar.  You can find more of Mike's reviews at  https://burn1....

For this episode, James goes on location to the Walker Homestead in Iowa City, Iowa to interview a couple of the founding members of the Eastern Iowa Cigar Appreciation Society. Keith Chiavetta and Doug Wagner sit down with James to discuss what it means to be a local cigar club, what it means to interact with the community, and how to give back.  To join or follow the EICAS: Facebook:  https://ww...

James reviews Guardian of the Farm Apollo, a collaborative effort between Warped and Casa Fernandez. James also announces Simply Stogies is now available on iHeart Radio, as well as Simply Stogies first contest! Make sure to listen for details.    OUTSIDE SOURCES: https://www.bobalu.com/cigar-size-chart https://halfwheel.com/five-thoughts-imperials-decision-to-sell-its-premium-cigar-business/29852...

James welcomes the executive director of the Cigar Rights of America, Glynn Loope, and one of the CRA Ambassadors for the state of Iowa, Timothy Allen, to Simply Stogies. They discuss what the Cigar Rights of America does, how the FDA is trying to regulate the premium cigar industry, how the CRA is pushing back against that, how cigar enthusiasts and aficionados can get involved, and how the curre...

For Episode 2, James discusses the proper storage and humidification of cigar, and also reviews the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story. James tells you about his journey through cigar storage and humidification, while also giving you the very basics of what you need to know. James briefly touches on the "mold v plume" debate and emphasizes the importance proper humidification and storage. James t...

For the inaugural episode of Simply Stogies, James takes you along on how his journey through the world of cigar smoking. He recalls his decision to begin cigar smoking, the first few cigars he tried, and how his collection has grown. James has something for both new cigar smokers and veteran aficionados for his very first episode!