Simply Stogies

25 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim brings James and Nick back to the After Show to talk about the latest episode of Simply Stogies Cigar Podcast with their guest Scott Pearce with the PCA. The three talk a little bit about burgers, smoking cigars with a steak, the PCA, and the trade show that they will attend in March.

Episode 120: Scott Pearce of the Premium Cigar Association

We welcome Scott Pearce, the Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association, to the show. Scott tells us about how he got into cigars, his background before joining the PCA, and his love of cigars. Scott fills us in on some of what the upcoming annual PCA Trade Show has in store for us and how he's excited to have it at the Las Vegas Convention Center. We find out about the 2025 Trade Show location, how the PCA works to keep the FDA from overreaching, and much much more!

24 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim is completley oblivious to who and what Friends of El Habano, Bond Roberts Auctions, and and Rob Ayala are due to his lack of experience with Cuban cigars. This leads to an interesting after show where Nick and James teach him a thing or two about Cuban Cigars.

Episode 119: Rob Ayala of FOH and Bond Roberts

Rob from Friends of El Habano (FOH) and Bond Roberts tells us how and why he got into the cigar industry. Rob tells of how FOH and Bond Roberts were brought into existence. He discusses the importance of customer service and understanding your client. We talk about the Cuban price increases and how it has affected the market, and how it might continue to affect the market. Rob shares his feelings and experience dealing with the price increases, moderating forums, and much more. "Get balls deep in your business."

23 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Your favorite cigar podcast after show is back to dig a little deeper behind the scenes of Episode 118 of the Simply Stogies Podcast. Tim and James have questions for Nick as they try to dive into a little more about life on the farm. Are there still kids running around the factory? How exactly does the factory purchase its tobacco? These are only a few of the things this episode tries to uncover.

Episode 118: Tabacos de Costa Rica

Do you have questions about how your cigars are rolled? We've all heard "200 hands" touch your cigar, but what does that look like? Nick Syris of LH Cigars and Filipe Leon of Tabacos de Costa Rica walk us through their factory and show us how the tobacco is sorted, what a pilón is, and much more.

22 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim brings James and Nick back to the microphone to talk about the latest episode of Simplystogies Podcast with Charlie Minato of Halfwheel. In this hour the tree try to cover as many talking points as possible as Tim gets made fun of, James rants, and Nick points out many great points. It's another hour of mayhem on Clear the Air.

Episode 117: Charlie Minato of Halfwheel.com

James and Nick welcome Charlie Minato, co-founder of Halfwheel.com. The trio discuss how Halfwheel came to be, when Charlie started smoking cigars, as well as find out how they review cigars. Charlie details their review process and if there is such a thing as a 100pt cigar. Charlie gives us his expert opinions on the FDA, PCA, cigar pricing, and the cigar industry at large. We also discuss cigar media's role and how social media has changed the game.

21 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim, James, and Nick are back again in another after show to talk about the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Nimmer Ahmed of Valacari Cigars. The trio talk about a new brand "Lure Cigars", a collaboration between a new brand owner, Lou Cross and Nimmer. Discussions pursue into the hardships of creating a brand and bringing it to market. Dealing with store owners and so much more.

Episode 116: Nimmer Ahmed of Valacari Cigars

On this episode, James and Nick welcome Nimmer Ahmed of Valacari Cigars. The trio find out about Nimmer's background: how and where he started his cigar journey, how Valacari came to be, and how he chose the name "Valacari." Nimmer has great insights into the manufacturing side of the cigar industry, as well as on the retail side. He and Nick discuss finding the right cigar factory and finding the right B&M to carry their cigars. Nimmer also dives into bringing new folks into the cigar industry, and much more! This was a great conversation full of great information. For more info on Valacari Cigars and where you can find them, go to https://www.valacari.com/