Simply Stogies

James and Nick welcome Dave and Andrew from smallbatchcigar.com to the show. The quartet quickly jump to it as they discuss the new tobacco laws in California. Andrew's answer was insightful and gave some much needed context and perspective that seemed to be lacking in the coverage up to this point. We then talk about their magically fast shipping and packaging practices, how they maintain relationships in the industry, their philosophy on customer service, and working with manufacturers. Dave and Andrew then discuss their blind reviews and what Andrew thinks of them, reviewing biases in cigar reviews, what it's like working with manufacturers for shop exclusives, and so much more! This was a great conversation that we hope you enjoy as much as we did!

Tim, James, and Nick are back to continue the journey down the rabbit hole where the of “Relax and enjoy” still hold true. The three don’t spend too much time talking about their favorite TV shows but reflect on Nicaragua being on their bucket list of places to visit. Join a discussion where digging deeper into different tobaccos from various regions of the world will product something similar but far enough apart that it pays homage to its origins.

James and Nick welcome Enrique Sanchez of 1502 Cigars to the show. Enrique talks about how he got into the business and working with the Plasencia family on his first release. He shares his passion for Nicaragua and the differences between InterTabac and the PCA Trade Show, and his philosophy of "Relax and enjoy." Enrique also discusses being a boutique brand and what separates them from the "big guys," and why quality matters. James shares his thoughts on the Sopranos, volcanos, and freshwater sharks.

As usual, Tim gets all the facts wrong but luckily James and Nick are back to help set him straight as they discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest Hector Alfonso Sr., the blender and Director of Factory Operations for Espinosa Cigars. The three reflect on getting old as they continue to enjoy their cigars. Tim tries to revive the greatest movie quotes and punchlines Hector delivered during the episode without success, and they cover the rising costs of obtaining goods such as cigars and pizza.

James and Nick welcome blender and Director of Factory Operations for Espinosa Cigars, Hector Alfonso Sr., to the show. The trio discuss the cigar industry at large: the differences in B&M's, the internal politics of lounges and how one or two "Alpha Dogs" can sway others in the lounge, and what differentiates "cigar slingers" from those who actually sell cigars. They also discuss why Simply Stogies Podcast is "legit" and what we do differently than others in the media space. Hector talks about Cigar of the Year lists before we dive in to how he met Erik Espinosa and and how Espinosa Cigars began. He also discusses working with Guy Fieri and how he's just build different than other celebrities in the cigar space. Hector also discusses where he thinks Espinosa Cigars will be in five years. 

Tim brings James and Nick back to the microphone to discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest Daniel Marshall who, as you know by now, is the world's #1 humidor maker. We dig a little deeper into a few of the conversations and stories that you heard on the episode and get some of their personal experiences and opinions. Daniel Marshall was kind enough to give our audience a coupon code for 40% off select humidors and cigars, plus a free copy of his book with every order. Get yours before the offer disappears. Use code DMSimply40 at checkout!

James and Nick welcome the world's #1 humidor maker, Daniel Marshall. Daniel tells us how he started making humidors, the trials and tribulations of getting started, and not letting anyone tell you "no" when you're following your dreams. Daniel discusses the importance of a good humidor; whether you're aging your cigars or just storing them for a short time, a good humidor will protect your investment. We also discuss what type of humidor works, pros and cons, and what Daniel Marshall offers. He also gives some insight into what humidity he prefers and why. We talk to Daniel about his charitable humidor projects, his current projects, his cigars, how he met Arnold Schwarzenegger, and much more. Daniel Marshall was kind enough to give our audience a coupon code for 40% off select humidors and cigars, plus a free copy of his book with every order. Use code DMsimply at checkout!

Tim, James, and Nick are back to talk about one of their favorite guys in the industry, Dan Thompson of Micallef Cigars, behind his back! Luscious locks and hand modeling in the cigar industry can be a thing. The three tell a few fun tales from their interactions at the PCA Trade Show with Dan over the past few years, while they enjoy some Micallef Cigars. They cover the pros and cons of boxes vs bundles, industry collabs and their breakups, and how to be a decent human being.

James and Nick welcome Dan Thompson, President of Micallef Cigars, back to the show. Dan talks about the new Micallef Red and the manufacturing and research & development that went into the Red and all of their color series. Dan discusses what's next and teases something new for the PCA 2025 Trade Show in New Orleans. We talk about the "Micallef Effect," what James thinks it is, and what Dan believes it is. There is discussion around the cigar industry, pricing, how manufacturers work with B&M's and much more.

Tim brings James back to the microphone to discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast about Mo Maali of Patina Cigars. The two dig deeper into judging a brand by it's Connecticut Cigar, cigar journeys, the PCA Trade show, the Oro De Nicaragua, and some business practices of small and large cigar manufacturers.

James and Nick welcome Mo Maali, owner and founder of Patina Cigars back to the show. We discuss the current economy, its impact on the cigar industry, and how it affects cigar releases and how Patina approaches releases. Mo talks about the Oro de Nicaragua, which factory it came from, and why it was released before the PCA Trade Show. He gives advice to new boutique manufacturers on the scene. We talk about the smoke and mirrors of the cigar industry and how it reflects society. We also touch on his podcast, Sultans of Smoke, Patina's Anniversary blend releasing in different vitolas, the cost of cigars, and Mo's and Nick's celebrity look-a-likes.

Tim, James, and Nick go down rabbit hole after rabbit hole following the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars. It's easy to do and that's what Clear the Air is all about. Join the trio as they talk about many troubles within the cigar industry.

Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars returns to Simply Stogies Podcast to chat with James and Nick about what he has been up to. Nimmer talks about his process of validating blends and the time it takes to make sure they're ready for release. He also discusses his latest release, the Astronomia. The Astronomia is the newest addition to Valacari Cigars' core lines. Nimmer tells us why it was important to get the Astronomia right and why it took so long to add to his core line.

Tim brings your favorite cigar podcast hosts back to the microphone to talk about the latest episode featuring Eddy Guerra, head of marketing for some of the best cigars around, Davidoff. As always, Tim leads James and Nick down rabbit holes that prove hard to get out of.

James and Nick welcome Eddy Guerra, Head of Brand Marketing for Davidoff Cigars, to the show. Eddy tells the story of how he got in the industry and the type of people that he interacted with. Eddy's goal was to eventually work for Davidoff, but his journey had a few stops along the way. Eddy talks about cigar marketing in the industry, the good and the bad, as well as what he believes hurts the industry. There's a great discuss of "cigar events" vs "cigar experiences" and what he and Davidoff have done to change the game for the industry.

Tim brings your favorite cigar podcasters back to the microphone once again to dive deeper into the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Rick and Sara Rodriguez of West Tampa Cigar Company. The trio talk about the fun that can be had in the industry when going to events and meeting you favorite cigar "icons". There's more to the industry than just a cigar and a price. We have lots of laughs and admire WTTC, Rick, and Sara as they pave a pathway to the cigar industries future. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZYo2DN3rq90 Watch on Rumble: https://rumble.com/embed/v57sksh/?pub=14sdft

James and Nick sit down with Chef Rick Rodriguez and his daughter Sara, of West Tampa Tobacco Co. We discuss what they've learned since starting West Tampa Tobacco. From what they thought being prepared looked like, to wearing different hats for the company, to learning to delegate. Sara discusses the stories that she's making, the memories and the friends along the way. She also talks about forging her own path and focusing on the human side of the industry.

Tim, James, and Nick are back at the microphones to make another attempt to talk behind peoples back. Listen as they discover how hard that is to do when it's great people like Al and Amanda Micallef of Micallef Cigars. The three talk about the latest episode and dive deeper into things like the "Micallef Effect".

James and Nick sit down for an in-depth discussion about business and entrepreneurship with Al Micallef, founder of Micallef Cigars, and his daughter and head of marketing, Amanda Micallef. The conversation begins with Al discussing how he had an interest in business from a young age and how he parlayed that into where he is now. We find out that Amanda started as a producer in Hollywood, and has her own IMDB page. The four of also discuss working with family, how Dan Thompson (President of Micallef Cigars) joined the team and how he navigates differences of opinions between Al and Amanda, as well as women in the cigar industry and their importance of growing the consumer base and the industry. We talk cigar pricing and the "Micallef Affect." It was a great conversation. You can talk with Al, Amanda, and more of their team at their Micallef Socials later this year (you can find one nearest you on Eventbrite).

Tim brings James and Nick back to the studio to talk about the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Miguel Schodel with Crowned Heads and OZ Family Cigars. We notice there are no screaming children in the background while we  appreciate the hard work  and dedication that goes into leading a team to success. Nick tells us how boutique cigars are still a vital part of the industry and we discuss how information at our finger tips can hurt and help the industry.