Simply Stogies

Nick and James tackle Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 of 2022. Is it pay to play? Was choosing a Cuban cigar a slap in the face to the non-Cuban (New World) cigar industry? Is it fair to keep out "boutique" cigar brands from their review process? Does James just like to rant? We give our opinions on these questions, as well as raise some issues with "smaller" cigar media. It's an interesting and thought provoking conversation with an industry insider (Nick) and an industry watcher (James).  Send us your questions at questions@simplystogies.com

I give you a look back at 2022 and share my Top 5 Cigars of 2022.     YouTube Rumble Janus Coffee Roasters

We wrap up our Cuban Sub-Series with our friend, and new Simply Stogies Podcast host, Nick Syris of LH Cigars. Nick and I wrap up our sub-series in a nice big bow by giving you the latest news out of Cuba, and then spend a good amount of time discussing the current state of Cuban cigars: price increases, the impact of Hurricane Ian, what consumers can look forward to, and the future of Cuban cigars. We then talk about some myths and legends of Cuban cigars: Are they rolled on the thighs of virgins? What should you do when gifted a fake Cuban cigar? Should we consider the moral implications of supporting a Communist regime when purchasing Cuban cigars? Does Habanos SA use tobacco from other countries to help meet the demand of their cigars?

I welcome Nick Syris, owner and blender of LH Cigars, back to the show. Nick discusses the impact Hurricane Ian had on Cuba. He also lets us know if Cuba has improved since his visit earlier this year. Nick then dives into Cohiba's 55th Anniversary event in Cuba last month. We focus on his interview with Habanos SA vice presidents José María López Inchaurbe (Development VP) and Leopoldo Cintra González (Commercial VP). He lets us know what he thinks about their answers to his questions.    Watch the full interview with Habanos SA here.

I return from vacation and catch up with Lucas Da Silva, owner of Oxford Cigar Company. We discuss our experience at Grand Cathedral Cigars in Tampa, FL before we jump into the industry. We talk about the Davidoff price increase, inflation, what's changed since COVID and a whole lot more.   Order our coffee blend at Janus Coffee Roasters.

This episode, I am joined by the father and daughter team of Rick and Sara Rodgriguez of West Tampa Tobacco Co. The three of us discuss how Rick started his cigar journey, and who taught him to blend and run a cigar company. We talk about their vision for the West Tampa Tobacco Co. and Sara's role in the company. We find out Sara's journey and how she wanted to work with her dad. This was a very fun episode, as we got to see how family comes together to make something special.    ORDER SIMPLY STOGIES COFFEE HERE!

James is joined by his Cuban Sub-Series host, Nick Syris of LH Cigars, as they discuss what makes Cuban cigars so unique...the soil. Before they discuss the unique properties of the soil in Cuba and the different growing regions around the island, Nick catches us up on some of the news coming our of Cuba. We also discuss the upcoming 55th birthday celebration of Cohiba, white ash vs black ash, and storing your cigars.   To order the Simply Stogies coffee blend from Janus Coffee Roasters, click here.

In a simulcast with Simply Stogies Presents: Cigars & Coffee, James welcomes his co-host from Cigars & Coffee (Timothy Allen) back to the podcast. They also welcome Shad and Shea Bates of Janus Coffee Roasters to the show.  We talk with them about their cigar journeys, how Janus Tobak started, and their first foray into coffee roasting. Part two we dive into how Janus Coffee Roasters was started, their process and creativity, “coffee for a cause,” and some of the mistakes people make while making their coffee at home. Plus, we announce the launch of our own coffee blend from Janus Coffee Roasters: the Simply Stogies Podcast blend! It's a 3 bean dark roast that is full body.  Simply Stogies has has notes of earth, nuts, cocoa, hints of caramel.   This blend and roast has relatively low acidity and can be enjoyed no matter your brewing choice.

While at the PCA 2022 Trade Show I sat down with Dan Ravanelli of 505 Cigar Review. Dan and I discuss this year's trade show before finding out more about Dan's cigar journey and how his 505 Cigar Review came into being. We talk about how he's gained traction and how he's been perceived by some in the industry. We then shift gears and talk about cigar media, our roles in that "sphere" and how we see ourselves.   Check out 505 Cigar Review's linktr.ee to find all of his content.

We continue our interviews from the PCA 2022 Trade Show floor with Rick Rodriguez of West Tampa Tobacco Co., Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne, John Laurendi of Peter James, Desiree Sylver of Drunk Chicken Cigars, Bradley Rubin of Alec Bradley Cigars, and Dan Thompson of Micallef Cigars. There is a lot of great information on their new blends, PCA attendee exclusives, and some thoughts on Cigar Aficionado from Dan Thompson.

James takes to the PCA 2022 Trade Show floor to interview Jeremy Casdagli of Casdagli Cigars, Uncle Bobi of XhaXhi Bobi Cigars, Dr. Stephan Lampert of Lampert Cigars, and Luis Falto of Falto Cigars. With James battling COVID he picked up as he was leaving Las Vegas, it falls to Tim to close this episode out!   You can see all of our PCA 2022 Trade Show coverage here!

I am joined by Cuban cigar expert and the owner of LH Cigars, Nick Syris, as we discuss the impact of the US embargo on Cuban cigars. The conversation begins with some news coming out of Cuba and quickly turns to the Habanos SA price increases. Nick gives his thoughts on why Habanos SA has raised their prices and what impact that will have on the cigar industry around the world. We talk discuss the future of Cuban cigars, if new manufacturers will be able to sustain their success given the current economic climate, and how the price increases will affect "New World" cigars.   If you'd like to have Nick Syris on your podcast, please contact him at his webiste.

I sit down, via Zoom with Peter James founder, John Laurendi. John and I discuss how he got into his cigars, and John shares with us his very first cigar experience. John tells us how Peter James came to be and the some of the obstacles that the company faced upon its inception. We then talk about his new cigar line, Los Estoico, that includes a Habano and a Maduro, his vision behind them, and how they were blended. John and I get into the weeds on coffee, before John talks about being an entrepreneur. Look for his podcast coming soon!!! Peter James is a company that is synonymous with class, style, and luxury. They have a wide variety of high end products for any cigar aficionado or enthusiast. Check them out at peterjames.ca   *NOTE: We did have some technical issues later in the podcast where some audio was lost due to signal degradation. It has been edited.

I am joined by Nick Syris, owner of LH Cigars, my co-host for our Cuban Sub-Series. We discuss the latest news from Cuba: The explosion near Hotel Saratoga in Cuba, the Biden Administrations change in Cuban policy, and Habanos S.A. dramatically raising Cuban cigar prices. We then talk about the innovators of Cuban cigars: Christopher Columbus, Fidel Castro, Zino Davidoff, and more.

For this bonus episode, I chat with Luciano Meirelles of Ace Prime Cigars, Andy Yaffee of Micallef Cigars, Oscar Valladares of Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co, Nick Syris of LH Cigars, Greg Free of Fuerte y Libre Cigars, and Dwight Adkins of FatAsh Cigar Lounge and My Old Kentucky Herf. We find out why Dwight started the My Old Kentucky Herf and FatAsh Cigar Lounge, and also discuss what makes them both so successful. Dwight shares with us his vision and what's in store for the 3rd Annual My Old Kentucky Herf. The manufacturers tease what they'll bring to the 2022 PCA Trade Show, why cigar events like these are important, and much more.   To contact Dwight Adkins for information on The Munchies Continental Breefus or if you're a manufacturer or B&M wanting to attend next year's My Old Kentucky Herf call: (606) 254-0484

I sit down with Mo Maali, the man behind Patina Cigars. We talk about the behind-the-scenes of running a cigar company. Mo opens up about lanceros, limited edition, and tobacco availability. We discuss how he gets into new shops and how he knows if a shop is the right fit. We talk about the economy, his podcast (Sultans of Smoke), and of course Patina Cigars!

Nick Syris, owner of LH Cigars, joins me for the next installment of the sub-series this year, while we look at the history of Cuban cigars. We start from when they believe the tobacco plant arrived on the island and go all the way to present day Cuba. Of course, we stop a little along the way to discuss modern issues: the FDA, marketing, censorship, and why cigar reviewers breakdown their reviews by thirds. As always, Nick is a wealth of information. Do not miss this look at the history of Cuban Cigars.   You can follow Nick on Instagram, and Twitter.

James welcomes back co-host Nick Syris, a Master Blender and Cuban expert, to discuss his latest trip to Cuba. Is Cuba ready for tourism as the pandemic (hopefully) winds down? Nick talks about what he saw as he visited the island nation in April of 2022. From the changes in currency to the amount of inflation Cuba is now seeing, it does not bode well for those looking to travel to Cuba anytime soon. Nick discusses the ongoing exodus from Cuba and where they are all going, as well as how that won't affect Cuban cigar production. It's a very fresh look at a nation in the middle of a perfect storm of crippling inflation and effects of a 2yrs pandemic.    You can contact Nick Syris on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

I welcome back to the show Nick Syris of LH Cigars. We return to our sub-series on Cuba and discuss the Cuban people. Nick explains their daily lives, what they go through, how they live, and how they work to steal. We talk about their views and general attitudes towards Americans, racism, and the impact of a Communist run economy that sees 77% inflation. It's an eye-opening look at a proud people.   You can contact Nick Syris on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

I am joined via Zoom by journalist, author, podcaster, and cigar aficionado Nick Hammond. Nick is the author of Around the World in 80 Cigars: The Travels of an Epicure. Nick and I discuss how the book came about before diving into some of the great stories found in the book. From his travels to Tunisia, Bosnia, Cuba, Nicaragua, and a safari in Africa Nick seamlessly weaves tales of his travels while bringing it all back to his love of cigars. Nick tells of his love affair with different countries around the world and how cigars have played into those experiences. I even put Nick on the spot to find out if he's a Star Wars fan. This was one of the most fun and informative interviews that I've done, and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. Go and buy his book; I promise you won't be disappointed.   Click to purchase Around the World in 80 Cigars: The Travels of an Epicure Or visit Nick's website Listen to Around the World in 80 Cigars Podcast