Simply Stogies

Episode 98: Ish Olivan & BAMF Cigars

James and Nick welcome Ismael "Ish" Olivan, owner of BAMF Cigars and part of owner of Rodriguez Olivan Cigars Facotry, to the show. We talk to Ish about how he started his cigar journey and find out what he thinks the differences between the European cigar market and the American cigar market are. Ish tells us about his love of using tobacco leaves from regions of the world that might surprise you, as well as how he sometimes blends them there on the farm. Ish talks about starting BAMF Cigars and his vision for the company. This is a fascinating interview with a boutique cigar and factory owner that you do not want to miss.

Episode 2 of Clear the Air: The Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Tim brings James back into the after show lounge following Simply Stogies Podcast Episode 97 where they recap one of the most long awaited shows in cigar listening history, The Smooth Draws Reunion Show. Travel down the rabbit hole as the duo talk about media in the cigar industry.

Episode 97: The Smooth Draws Reunion Show

Nick and James are pleased to present the Smooth Draws Reunion Show. Nick welcomes part of the old Smooth Draws crew back: Chad "the Hangman" Potiers, Valerie Bradshaw, and William "Cigar Coop" Cooper. We find out how they started with the Smooth Draws radio show, some of what they did during their time with show, and what they're up to now. We look back fondly on the show and what Gary "Doc" Laden put together. Fans of the Smooth Draws Radio Show do not want to miss this reunion!

 

 

 

Clear the Air: Simply Stogies After Show: Episode 1

Tim and James discuss what the new after show is, before jumping into the new lounge and studio. The duo also discuss Simply Stogies Podcast Episode 96: Island Jim.

Episode 96: Island Jim

James and Nick welcome Island Jim to the first video show. Jim talks about how he got started in the business and his humble beginnings. We ask him about the industry, boutique cigars, and much more!

 

You can now WATCH Simply Stogies Podcast on YouTube or Rumble!

Episode 95: Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 & Cigar Media

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

Episode 94: Top 5 Cigars of 2022 and a Look Back

I give you a look back at 2022 and share my Top 5 Cigars of 2022.

 

 

YouTube

Rumble

Janus Coffee Roasters

Episode 93: The Cuban Sub-Series Finale with Nick Syris

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?

Episode 92:The Cuban Sub-Series Cohiba’s 55th Anniversary Interview

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.

Episode 91: Lucas Da Silva of Oxford Cigar Company

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.