Simply Stogies

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!

51 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Tim, James, and Nick are back for another after show. The three discuss cigars that may be meaningful enough to hold on to or smoke them to enjoy them when you can. They discuss some of the things behind the scenes to bring the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Michael Knowles of Mayflower Cigars to the show. James admits he may have been a little nervous about the interview but quickly relaxed as the conversation went on. From there, the conversation digs deeper into their discussion about dealing with politics or being known when you walk into a lounge. We are all grateful to Michael Knowles for being our guest, and to his staff Tessa, and Tara who helped arrange everything.

Episode 148: Michael Knowles of Mayflower Cigars

James and Nick welcome Michael Knowles of Mayflower Cigars and The Daily Wire to the program. Michael discusses how is passion for cigars began and shares why cigars and Mayflower Cigars are very personal for him. He tells us about how he launched his career, writing his first book, and smoking cigars at The Daily Wire. Michael does a few impressions and has some fun while also waxing philosophical about cigars. We find out how politics can sometime show up in the lounge and how Michael deals with that. We also touch on journalism and politics, but the conversation quickly returns to Mayflower Cigars, planning for the PCA 2025 Convention and Trade Show, and much more.

You can follow Michael by going to his website: https://www.michaeljknowles.com/

 

50 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Tim brigs James and Nick back to the stage to dig deeper int the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Riste of JSK Cigars. The three talk about controversial figures, the differences in the way JSK does things compared to the rest of the industry. Tim, James, and Nick also dive into a a little bit of information technology and how it could impact the industry. Of course nobody knows exactly what that would look like except for the Riste which James and Nick didn't get the chance to dig into during the podcast.

Episode 147: Riste Ristevski of JSK Cigars

James and Nick welcome Riste Ristevski of JSK Cigars. Riste talks about how he got into the cigar industry, what's changed over the last ten years, and some of the risks that he's taken to make JSK what it is today. Riste talks about switching to his newest factory and what that entailed, as well as what it has done for his brand. We discuss the cigar industry at large, some of the problems that come with some B&Ms, cigar pricing, what's wrong with the industry, and what's next for Colonel Riste and JSK.

49 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Tim brings James and Nick back for another episode of Clear the Air to talk behind the back of last week's guest, Vlada Stojanov of SOMM Cigars. The three work their way through technical difficulties while traveling down rabbit holes of tasting notes from fast food to cigars. Tim asks where in this country is the best place to live and enjoy cigars all year round. Nick gives us his inside on the blending processes, while James continues to give Tim grief!