Simply Stogies

Episode 67: The Cuba Episode with Nick Syris of LH Premium Cigars

I welcome Nick Syris, the owner and Master Blender of LH Premium Cigars and a Subject Matter Expert on all things Cuban cigars, to the show. Nick and I run the gamut of Cuban cigars, as we discuss the U.S. embargo on Cuba and some of the effects on the Cuban people, the changing U.S. stance on Cuba from administration to administration, some of the challenges Cuban cigars face, how the rest of the world views Cubans and "New World" cigars, what Cuban cigars might look like in a post-embargo world, and what is currently allowed and not allowed under the Biden administration. Nick is a wealth of knowledge about Cuban cigars. Over the last 12yrs Nick has visited Cuba countless times and has worked hard to create a bridge cigar in his LH Premium Cigar lines.

 

Don't forget to visit Oxford Cigar Company and use coupon code "SimplyStogies" for 10% off your entire order!

Episode 66: Getting to Know Alec Rubin from Alec Bradley Cigars

I travel to Capital Cigar Lounge in Lincoln, Nebraska and sit down with Alec Rubin of Alec Bradley Cigars. Alec and I discuss what it was like growing up in the industry and his unique cigar journey. Alec describes what it's like working with family, what he believes makes a cigar manufacturer "boutique," and his opinions on vitolas and accessories. We touch a little bit on how the global pandemic has affected the industry, how it affected their business, and that leads to a discussion on the meaning behind the Kintsugi (and why it was 6mos behind schedule). 

A huge thank you to Jeff Fry, GM of Capital Cigar Lounge, and owners Tony and Austin for allowing me the opportunity to sit down with Alec Rubin and talk with him.

Episode 65: Return of the Reinado Empire

I chat, via Zoom, with Antonio Lam of Reinado Premium Cigars. There are things in the world that are more important than cigars and more important than business. Antonio and I discuss one of those things: family. Antonio explains where he has been for the past seven years and the reason for Reinado's long hiatus from the industry. We talk about the cigar industry, what it means to be boutique, and where Reinado's seat at the table is. Antonio also talks about the future of Reinado before we have a bit of fun.

 

Reinado Cigars is a proud supporter of the Dementia Society of America.

Visit Reinado Cigars website.

Halfwheels' article on Reinado's return.

Cigar Coop's article remembering Reinado.

Episode 64: A Conversation with Andy Sweis of Cedar Room Fine Cigars & Lounge

I am joined via Zoom by Andy Sweis, owner of Cedar Room Fine Cigars & Lounge in Scottsdale, AZ. We talk about how he got into the cigar industry and how it is a family affair for him and his brother. Andy talks about staying on the bleeding edge of boutique cigars and new releases. We talk about both the physical space and their online space and the challenges of competing in an online market. We find out how Andy sees his customers as family and how that translates into one of the best experiences I've had in a cigar lounge. We learn about their Cigar Text Club and how they are innovators in the industry!

 

Andy announces the Simply Stogies Sampler on both their website and via the Cigar Text Club! The Simply Stogies Casdagli Sampler - $90 value for $69.99 - add to cart and priority shipping will be included.  You can join the Cigar Text Club and order the Simply Stogies Casdagli Sampler by texting keyword "stogies" to 1-833-855-6464

 

The sampler includes:

 

Traditional Robusto
Gran Mareva 
Super Belicoso 
Grand Cafe Maduro 
Cottontail 

 

Follow Cedar Room Cigars on Instagram

Follow Cigar Text Club on Instagram

 

Episode 63: Smoking with the Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety

I sit down with Joe from Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety at Prime Cigars in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Joe and I have a great conversation that covers a wide array of topics. We get to know Joe and how he started his cigar journey before getting to know what the Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety is all about. Joe explains their focus on those in and around the cigar industry, how they got started, and what's next for the E3C5. Joe and I also discuss Instagram "influencers" and what it means to be an "influencer," the politics of the cigar industry, if we should be involved in those politics and how, and we talk about the cigar community. Joe also shares with us upcoming projects. It was a great conversation that I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

 

You can follow Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety on Instagram here.

Episode 62: Chatting with Dan from the Cigar Saver

While at the PCA 2021 Trade Show, I sit down with Dan from the Cigar Saver. The Cigar Saver is a product that, well, saves your cigar. When you find it necessary to step away from your lit cigar, the Cigar Saver allows you to quickly put it out, saving your cigar to be easily re-lit when you can come back to it. Dan walks us through the process of creating the new cigar accessory, some of the difficulties and challenges of getting it manufactured, and verifying the proof of concept. We discuss Dan's cigar journey and find out when they hope to launch this new product.

 

Visit the Cigar Saver website!

Episode 61: An Epic Conversation with Dean Parsons of Epic Cigars

I sit down with Dean Parsons of Epic Cigars at the 2021 PCA Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dean and I discuss his journey from Canadian hockey player, to police officer, to real estate development, to finally finding his passion and starting Epic Cigars. Dean opens up about the industry and the amount of effort, time, and money it takes to become successful. We discuss the Epic core lines and how they are a reflection of the cigar industry. Dean talks about his newest cigar, the Epic Ten, teases a new cigar and a new project, and his relationship with Zander-Greg and Nat Cicco. We also touch on TPE and the importance of supporting the industry with the PCA and CRA.

 

Buy Epic Cigars from Oxford Cigar Company and get 10% off using code SimplyStogies

 

Episode 60: On the PCA Show Floor with Scott Weeks of Recluse Cigars and Iconic Leaf Cigar Company

I sit down at the Recluse Cigars/Iconic Leaf Cigar Company booth on the PCA Trade Show floor with owner and blender Scott Weeks. Scott and I talk about his and his family's background in the cigar industry and how he started Recluse Cigars and Iconic Cigar Leaf Company. We talk about federal regulations and how Scott navigates that. Scott discusses the pros of being a small cigar manufacturer versus a larger manufacturer and his approach to blending. Scott highlights Recluse's intubar/intubado rolling technique, its advantages, and its drawbacks. 

 

Visit Iconic Cigar Leaf Company's website to find a retailer.

Episode 59: The Journey with Nick Syris of LH Cigars

I talk, via Zoom, with Nick Syris of LH Cigars. We discuss his journey from an audio business to his life as a retailer and how he eventually started LH Cigars. Nick talks about what he's learned and where LH Cigars is going in the future. We discuss the cigar industry, what it means to be boutique, how the global pandemic spurred cigar sales, and Nick's thoughts on trade shows in a post COVID-19 world. Nick briefly discusses his time in Cuba and what it means to be a true Master Blender. 

Episode 58: BONUS Live from the PCA Trade Show with Lucas Da Silva of Oxford Cigar Co.

James and Lucas, owner of Oxford Cigar Co., discuss the 2021 PCA Trade Show LIVE from the show floor. Lucas is open and transparent with what he sees as good and bad about this year's trade show. The pair discuss how things could be better, fi the PCA will survive, if TPE is good for the premium cigar industry, and why Oxford Cigar Co. does what's best for their customers.