Simply Stogies

Episode 27: Sitting Down with Dan Thompson of Micallef Cigars

I welcome Dan Thompson, President of Micallef Cigars, to Simply Stogies Podcast. Dan and I discuss everything from how he started his cigar journey, to Micallef's open letter to the cigar industry, and where he sees Micallef in the future. Dan talks candidly about his overall vision for Micallef and the industry. Dan goes over the new Micallef Ultimate Inventory program for select retailers and discusses everything they're doing to bring content to Micallef Ambassadors during these strange times where everyone is home. Dan and Micallef have their focus right where it needs to be.

 

Episode 26: Drunkenomics and Cigars

James begins the show by thanking Mike Breig, our content director and lead reviewer at simplystogies.com. Due to personal reasons, Mike must permanently step away from the cigar hobby. Mike was a driving force behind simplystogies.com and helped make it what it is today. He will be sorely missed. James then welcomes Aaron from Drunkenomics podcast to discuss the global, national, and local economic impact of COVID-19. The pair discuss the importance of supporting your local B&Ms, what the post COVID-19 landscape might look like, and how it affects areas where tobacco is the primary source of income. 

 

We are also looking for a staff writer and lead reviewer for simplystogies.com. If you're interested in one or both positions, please email info@simplystogies.com

Episode 25: REVIEW: Stolen Throne's Crook of the Crown Robusto

I welcome SimplyStogies.com lead cigar reviewer, Mike Breig, back to the show. Before we dive into our reviews, we discuss Micallef Cigars shipping a cigar without a name and how that translates to their open letter released earlier this year. Mike and I then give our in-depth review of Stolen Throne's Crook of the Crown robusto. Mike's full, written review will be available the same day this episode is released to the general public, March 8, 2020.

 

To order Crook of the Crown from Cigar Federation, click here.

To apply to become a Micallef Cigar Ambassador, click here.

Episode 24: Chatting with Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne Cigars

I had the opportunity to spend some time chatting with Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne Cigars. We talked about how Stolen Throne came to be and where the name "Stolen Throne" came from. Lee gives a unique perspective of the industry, its internal politics, and what it's like navigating them. We also discuss Crook of the Crown and what other projects Stolen Throne Cigars has in the works. I hope you all enjoy this chat as much as I did. 

I am also pleased to announce that Simply Stogies Podcast is now part of the Creative Brain Candy media cooperative. Please check out https://creativebraincandy.com/ for other great content from our creators!

 

Episode 23: Habano Cigar Lounge Davenport, Iowa

I get to sit down with Freddy Allan, owner of the brand new Habano Cigar Lounge in Davenport, Iowa. We talk about what it takes to open a cigar lounge, the hurdles that have to be overcome, and his vision for Habano Cigar Lounge. Freddy also owns four other cigar shops in Chicago and the Chicagoland area; he brings his years of experience and knowledge to Davenport. Freddy also tells us how he became friends with Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate.

When you visit Habano Cigar Lounge in Davenport, mention Simply Stogies Podcast and get 10% off your purchase!!!

And check out the review of Habano Cigar Lounge Davenport; a first in our new series of lounge reviews coming to SimplyStogies.com!

Episode 22: Two Lounges

Recorded at Capital Cigar Lounge (5505 S 16th St Ste 100, Lincoln, NE 68512) I sat down with the owner, Tony Goins, and the owner of Cigarz Lounge (800 Q St #104, Lincoln, NE 68508),  Stacy Williams. We also had Capital's lead bartender Kelly, and their head humidor coach, Jeff. We discussed how both lounges got their start, how Tony and Stacy started their cigar journey, and ended up discussing liquor. With so much divisiveness, partisanship, and competition today, it was refreshing to sit down with two "competing" lounge owners who are good friends. If you're in Lincoln, you do not want to miss out on either of these lounges! Have Kelly make you his old fashioned at Capital, then head over to Cigarz and have Aaron make you his!

Episode 21: Isabela Time Traveler 2019 Review

I announce the first Patreon exclusive content from Simply Stogies Podcast called, Tales from the Lounge, is now available for Patreon supporters! To become a Patron of Simply Stogies Podcast please go to https://www.patreon.com/simplystogies and sign up to get instant access to this new bonus content!

I welcome simplystogies.com Content Director and Lead Reviewer, Mike Breig, to discuss Isabela Cigar Co. and to compare our reviews of the Isabela Time Traveler 2019. Our reviews, shockingly enough, were not that far off. We were impressed with the flavor notes, transitions, and overall construction of this beautiful, limited edition cigar; we were even more impressed considering MSRP is under $10.00. Mike and I talk about Isabela's footprint in the industry, and how there are a lot of people missing out on some fantastic cigars. A big thanks to Mike for coming on and discussing his review. You can find Mike's review of the Isabela Time Traveler at the link below.

 

OUTSIDE LINKS:

http://simplystogies.com/isabella-timetraveler2019le/

Episode 20: PCA Trade Show 2020 News

With the news that Drew Estate, Altadis, General Cigar Co., and Davidoff will not be exhibiting at the PCA Trade Show this year, I give an outsider's view of what appears to be going on. I discuss the lack of a shared vision between the PCA and the manufacturers, the PCA's perceived lack of direction, and reasons why the trade show must change in order to survive. I also announce a new show that is exclusive to our Patreon supporters, Tales from the Lounge, and let everyone know of the great new articles up on simplystogies.com

 

OUTSIDE SOURCES:

https://halfwheel.com/altadis-davidoff-drew-estate-general-not-exhibiting-at-pca-2020-trade-show/370803/

https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/major-cigar-companies-pull-out-of-pca-trade-show

https://s23.a2zinc.net/clients/tmg/tpe20/Public/exhibitors.aspx?&_ga=2.164869239.955363547.1579030274-165441018.1578858608

http://simplystogies.com/2020_pca_absences/

http://simplystogies.com/projectpandatravelcase/

Episode 19: An Interview with The Cigar Madame

Congratulations to Chris Hansen, Gary Mehrl, and Caleb McReynolds on winning the Pupperdor.com contest. A big "thank you" to Pupperdor.com for supporting Simply Stogies Podcast and sponsoring such a great giveaway! 

I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with @thecigarmadame (Coco Maria) an avid aficionada, cigar enthusiast, great Sister of the Leaf, and Instagram influencer. We discussed her cigar journey, how a woman's experience in the cigar community differs from most men's, and how in some ways it's exactly the same. We talk about social media, if glamor models smoke cigars, and The Cigar Madame brand! I had a blast getting to spend a bit of time with The Cigar Madame and hope that you do, too.

To book The Cigar Madame for events or to contact her for product and business promotion, please visit https://chocolateandcigars.com/

To follow The Cigar Madame on Instagram please search @thecigarmadame or click here

Visit The Cigar Madame's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thecigarmadame

Episode 18: An Afternoon Chat with Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars

During an AMA/Virtual Cut&Light for SimplyStogies.club with Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars, I get an opportunity to have a three hour conversation with Pete. We talk about everything from his cigar journey starting in a strip club, to how he looks at the FDA's overregulation, and everything in between. Pete was generous with his time and was more than happy to answer my questions, as well as the questions from the members of SimplyStogies.club. Thank you, Pete! It was a blast! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.