Simply Stogies

Episode 155: Noel Rojas of Rojas Cigars

James and Nick welcome Noel Rojas of Rojas Cigars to the podcast. Noel discusses growing up in Cuba: from working on tobacco farms at a young age, to his military service, and why he went back to tobacco. He gives us an in-depth look into his career in tobacco from Cuba, to the US, and to Nicaragua. We dive in to why he chose Nicaraguan tobacco, working with newcomers in the industry like Lee Marsh from Stolen Throne, and if he feels a responsibility to teach the next generation.

54 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Tim brings James back to the microphone, to talk behind the scenes of the MOKH. During the 2025 My Old Kentucky HERF, Tim and James live streamed the event for nearly 7 hours, allowing you to experience the HERF from the comfort of your couch. After the dust settled, they talk about all the great things that made this year's MOKH a success.

You can watch that live stream here: https://youtube.com/live/sKuUi7muscM.

Episode 154: FatAsh and My Old Kentucky Herf

James visits with Dwight Adkins and Stephen Wray at FatAsh Cigar Lounge 8110 US-60, Ashland, KY 41102. The trio talk My Old Kentucky Herf, multi-vendor events, the planning that goes into them, and more. James asks Dwight and Stephen about the culture they've built at FatAsh Cigar Lounge and if it could be duplicated elsewhere. A great conversation with even better people. Make sure to join them at MOKH next year!!!

53 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Clear the Air is finally back after a nice little break following the PCA Trade Show. In this episode, Tim brings James and Nick back to discuss in further detail a little about the life of Alex Glez. Tim Admits he is the uneducated one and asks several questions of Nick and James to get a little more clarification of a few of the topics discussed in the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast.

 

Episode 153: Alex Glez of AG Cigars

James and Nick welcome Alex Glez to the show. Alejandro González Arias, or Alex Glez, talks about his time in Cuba as a torcedores at the El Laguito factory and later at a hotel. Alex talks about the opportunities America has provided him, Alex farm rolls, and his company AG Cigars.

Episode 152: PCA Trade Show: A Retailer's Perspective & Avowed Cigars

James and Nick welcome Andrew Considine and Dave West, from Small Batch Cigar and Avowed Cigars, back to the show. We ask Andrew and Dave their thoughts on this year's PCA Convention and Trade Show in New Orleans. They tell us about what upcoming releases caught their eye and what new releases they're looking forward to. We also dive into how Small Batch Cigar is able to find some of the hidden gems and bring their customers some of the best cigars in the boutique world. Once we're done talking about the trade show, we turn our attention to Avowed Cigars. We find out why they started the new venture, their vision for the brand, and their passion for all they do. This is a must watch episode!

Episode 151: 2025 PCA Convention & Trade Show from New Orleans

James, Nick, and Tim give you their thoughts (sans Day 3) of the 2025 PCA Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Episode 150: Pre-PCA with Charlie Minato

James and Nick welcome Charlie Minato of halfwheel.com back to the program. This special bonus episode and all of our 2025 PCA Convention & Trade Show is sponsored by Small Batch Cigar Our coverage is also brought to you by My Old Kentucky Herf. We ask Charlie what halfwheel will be looking for in New Orleans. It goes much deeper than what's this year's wrapper leaf of choice...it goes to the importance of the PCA's annual convention and trade show to the consumer. We discuss what consumers and our respective audiences look forward to each year and so much more!

52 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Tim brings James and Nick back for another Simply Stogies After Show. Last week James and Nick interviewed Vance Taylor, founder of Stoic Cigars. The three talk about the troubles of finding good balance between the brand, the cigars, and the customers. Tim pleads his case that he was not scrolling Only Fans as they further discuss the seriousness in the cigar industry and how Stoic Cigars can fit into your normal rotation. Tim gives props for Nick's attention to details such as where a certain tobacco could be from and ability to see things in logos that most would overlook.

Episode 149: Vance Taylor of Stoic Cigars

James and Nick welcome the owner and founder of Stoic Cigars, Vance Taylor, to Simply Stogies. Vance tells us how he was first in the cigar industry with LUJ Cigars, and how his first PCA trade show was in New Orleans. Bringing things full circle, his first trade show as an owner will also be this month in New Orleans. He discusses Stoicism and how that plays into his approach to the cigar industry and launching his own brand. We discuss if the industry is too serious, what Vance expects from the trade show, and much more!