The Cigar Pulpit

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios... Not all bad cigars are dangerous — but forgettable ones might be. In this episode, Nick breaks down why “fine” is the most damaging word in the hobby, and how forgettable cigars quietly steal time, ritual, and enjoyment. If you’ve ever smoked something just to avoid wasting the good stuff, this one’s for you. Find out what Nick has been watchin...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Aladino National Sales Director Trey Mac Shipley to discuss the year that was, 2025. The guys review some of their thoughts about the cigar industry and the state of the world. They also review the resolutions they made for 2025 and how they did through the year.  And listen in to find out what resolutions they make for 2026. Fr...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick rings in the new year by going over 2025 with a fine toothed comb and diving into the data of what he smoked last year.  Nick tracks every cigar he smokes so that he can review the data and analyze his smoking. We cover his most smoked cigar of the year, his top brands, his top vitolas, and much more. We also compare the 2025 data to 2024 to...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is hunkering down inside and not smoking a cigar this episode because of the cold weather that has hit. However, he's taking you calls and answering your questions on another Ask the Pulpit episode. This time we dive back and discuss a variety of topics ranging from bets for cigars, to Nicaragua, to cigar memories, to cigar dating profiles,...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Noah as they take their annual look back at those figures in pop culture who passed away this year. And after reviewing who we lost, they predict who we will lose in 2026. Find out if the guys got any predictions correct and who they think will pass away next year. Do you agree with their picks or did they miss someone?  Then le...

As a Christmas bonus, The Cigar Pulpit now presents "The Night Before Christmas" as read by Jerry Pulaski. Have a Merry Christmas!   SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS... For all your online cigar purchasing needs, head over to 2GuysCigars.com ! In business for 40 years, they are THE trusted name in the cigar industry! Family owned and operated, they provide a great selection, fair prices, and outstanding custo...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Ed Sullivan to celebrate Festivus! The guys perform a feat of strength and smoke the World's Strongest Cigar and get into the airing of grievances. Find out what they're upset with and if any resolution can be found.  And be on the lookout for special guests popping in to say hello! Find out what they've been watching lately in...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Parishioner Shawn Beaudry to hear all about his recent trip to Miami to attend the Smoke This event, put on by Sabor Havana.  Shawn details his trip, some of the lounges he visited, food he ate, and what the event was like. He also covers a second event he went to at Smoke on the Water in Weston, Florida, where Aladino was hosti...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Mike Brinker as they reflect back on just a few of the notable cigar memories they had over 2025. They think back over the moments where a cigar just hit perfectly, perhaps at an event or with a meal, where everything came together to create the best cigar experience.  From there, learn what they've been watching lately in the V...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick lights up a Villiger 1888 Nicaragua Churchill and discusses the latest as it pertains to Nicaraguan cigars and potential tariffs. While it appears the cigar industry may have dodged a bullet for now, Nick discusses why the manufacturers need to take notice of this and take action to prevent issues in the future. Then in the Villiger Cigars E...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studio, Nick fires up an Avalanche from Fuerte Y Libre cigars and discusses the idea of cigars having dating profiles. What would entice you to swipe right on a specific cigar if you saw one on a site like Tinder? What are you looking for in a cigar? Nick goes over a bit of it and gives some examples of well known cigars and their potential profiles.  And...

Listeners - Nick is taking today off from the normal schedule. Its been a very busy past two weeks, and while its been mostly all fun stuff, its been exhausting. So rather than half ass a show, Nick is taking today off and will be back on Tuesday, December 9. If you're not caught up on the show, it gives you a good opportunity to get up to date. Thanks for understanding and we'll see you Tuesday!...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick smokes a Montecristo Nicaragua Series and discusses some rumblings he's heard pertaining to Nicaraguan cigars coming in the very near future. If you're a fan of Nicaraguan cigars, you're going to want to pay attention to this episode and heed the warnings... Also, Nick addresses the topic of Seasonal Depression and ways to combat it. With wi...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick fires up a Camp Aladino Corona gorbusto and answers your questions in another edition of Ask the Pulpit. Nick takes calls about audiobooks, smoking in colder weather, cuts in Trey Mac's throat, and a suggestion for a way to enhance the show. Find out what Nick has been watching lately in the Villiger Cigars Entertainment Report. And learn ab...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Mike Brinker as they talk about Thanksgiving!  The guys discuss etiquette for smoking a cigar at a family member or friend's house. Learn all you need to know about how to enjoy a cigar on Thanksgiving, no matter where you are.  From there they discuss Thanksgiving food and cigar pairings. Do you agree with the cigars they say p...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Blackbird Cigars Owner Jonas Santana to discuss the new box pressed version of the Superb. The guys fire up the cigar and discuss some of the differences between it and its round counterpart. They also get into some of the various happenings in the cigar industry and Jonas's thoughts on them, such as the California UTL and how p...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Mike Brinker to have the Pulpit's annual discussion about gift ideas for cigar smokers for the holidays. The guys fire up a selection of cigars from Aganorsa Leaf and get into all sorts of ideas for presents and give advice as to how to ask for what they want from their non-smoking loved ones to ensure they get the right thing. ...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Studios, Nick lights up a West Tampa Red and discusses how changes in weather can impact your cigar smoking experience. We go over temperature and humidity and how the change from summer to autumn to winter can dramatically change the smoking experience. We also discuss a few factors that play into the experience all year long. Nick also makes an announcement at...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick takes listener calls in another Ask the Pulpit episode. You all called in and gave your thoughts on a recent episode where Nick discussed the cigar media and cigar reviews, and the media would do well to pay attention to your comments. Nick also discusses some breaking news, gives an update on his tree, and more. During the Villiger Cigars E...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Aladino Sales Director Trey Mac Shipley to catch up and smoke the Aladino 85th Anniversary Reserva toro. The guys are mostly taking it easy catching up, hearing about some of Trey Mac's travel adventures. They discuss a recent issue with NyQuil and how it resulted in the obliteration of many many crackers.  The guys also discuss...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick fires up a Joya Black and dives into some big trouble on the horizon for the cigar industry, as the United States may impose some big tariff's and trade-related changes on Nicaragua. These changes could result in significantly higher prices and availability issues for many of the cigars we enjoy, so this is definitely something every cigar s...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick celebrates Halloween by firing up the World's Strongest Cigar and discussing some spooky stuff! First, we touch on Halloween cigar etiquette. You may be planning on firing up a cigar and enjoying it while handing out candy to trick or treaters. Nick goes over a few basic rules for that so you don't end up being the evil monster on the street...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick potentially gets a bit controversial and expresses his thoughts on cigar media and cigar reviews. While firing up an HVC Hot Cake, Nick discusses some of the things about the cigar media that he both looks for and feels could use improvement. He also gives his thoughts on cigar reviews and asks listeners if they actually help aid in the purc...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is taking listener calls in another Ask the Pulpit episode. But first... there's more trouble with the intro music! Once Nick finishes raging about the music trouble, he fires up a Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne epicure and takes on your calls.  We discuss cigars, my garage, podcasting, and a lot more. You guys called in a lot and it was...

Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick recounts his adventure in Miami last week. Nick flew down to meet with the team at Villiger Cigars and, in the process, see some amazing cigar shops in the Miami area.  Nick actually sat down and spoke with the owner of Sabor Havana, George Valdez, about his shop, his bar expansion that should be open soon, his big annual event called Smoke...