Simply Stogies

Episode 83: On a Zoom with John Laurendi of Peter James

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.

Episode 82: The Cuban Sub-Series: The Innovators of Cuban Cigars

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.

Episode81: Bonus at My Old Kentucky Herf

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

Episode 80: Patina Cigars’ Mo Maali

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!

Episode 79: The Cuban Sub-Series: The History of Cuban 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.

Episode 78: The Cuban Sub-Series: Cuba Now

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.

Episode 77: The Cuban Sub-Series: The Cuban People

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.

Episode 76: Nick Hammond: A Chat with an Epicure

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

Episode 75: The Cuban Sub-Series: The History of Cuba Pt. 2

This episode is a continuation of Episode 73, where Nick Syris (owner of LH Cigars and Cuban cigar expert) continue our discussion of the history of Cuba. We begin with the infamous Fidel Castro coming to power and how that changed things for the Cuban people and the geopolitical landscape. We discuss how the Russians helped prop up Cuba and talk about China now propping up the Communist regime in Cuba.

Episode 74: Christopher Moore of Carolina Blue Cigars

I am joined via Zoom by Christopher Moore, owner and founder of Carolina Blue Cigars. Christopher calls in from a cigar lounge (I apologize for the audio quality and background noise) to talk about his brand Carolina Blue Cigars. We discuss how his 30yrs in the military impacted his blending process, as well as how cigars in the military brought his fellow soldiers together. We talk about his vision for Carolina Blue, where he sees it in the next few years, and the challenges of a boutique cigar manufacturer. This leads us into a discussion around the TPE and PCA, the differences between the two, how boutique cigar companies may have to choose between them, and how Christopher would rather market directly to consumers.

 

To order Carolina Blue Cigars and taste the difference, visit Carolina Blue Cigars' website or order from Oxford Cigar Company.