Simply Stogies

Episode 33: Up and Down with Phil Ledbetter from Up Down cigars

I had the opportunity to sit down with co-owner of Up Down Cigar (located at 1550 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL) and current PCA Board Member, Phil Ledbetter. Phil and I discussed his cigar journey, starting from pipe smoking and going all the way through his becoming co-owner of Up Down Cigar. We discussed the cigar industries love limited editions, the cigar community, how COVID-19 has affected his business and business model, the PCA, the FDA, and the cigar industry in general. It was a fantastic conversation, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

 

You can contact Up Down Cigar toll free by calling (800) 5UPDOWN. You can also reach them at  (312) 337-8025 or at http://www.updowncigar.com/index.cfm  Please visit Up Down Cigar at 1550 N. Wells, Chicago, IL 60610. You can email Phil directly at phil@updowncigar.com 

Episode 32: Catching Up with Glynn Loope

I get to catch up with the Executive Director of the Cigar Rights of America, Glynn Loope. We discuss how COVID-19 has impacted cigar retailers and manufacturers, the government's response, and the current fight against regulation and why it's so important given the global pandemic. We also discuss the cigar industry as a whole, we talk about the political divide in the country right now and how cigars can help bring everyone together.

 

Please, join the fight against Federal regulation of the cigar industry by supporting the Cigar Rights of America at https://www.cigarrights.org/ and becoming a member!

Episode 31: Zooming with Andy Yaffee of Micallef Cigars

I sat down, via Zoom, with Andy Yaffe, National Sales Director for Micallef Cigars. Andy tells the story of how his cigar journey began, how he came to in the cigar industry, and the friendships he has made. Andy and I then have a frank discussion on the impact COVID-19 has had on local B&Ms, and how Micallef is making good on their promise to support brick and mortar retailers, including Micallef's new Phoenix Program fro retailers. . We also talk about the PCA, trade shows, and the industry at large. It was a great conversation! 

Episode 30: Cigar Scanner App and Hygrometer Review

This week, I quickly gives my thoughts on the PCA cancelling the 2020 trade show and how this presents the PCA with a unique opportunity for change; change for themselves, and change for the industry. I then jumps into my review of the Cigar Scanner Application and the Cigar Scanner WiFi Hygrometer and Thermometer. I discuss my experience using both their cigar tracking application and their wireless hygrometers that work with the app.

*All equipment was purchased by me, and I am in no way affiliated with or paid by Cigar Scanner or Neptune Cigars.

Full Cigar Scanner app review found here.

Full Cigar Scanner WiFi Hygrometer and Thermometer found here.

Cigar Scanner WiFi Hygrometer and Thermometer

Episode 29: Review: Casdagli Daughters of the Wind Cremello

Before I dive into my review of the Cremello, I discuss what reviews look like across the industry. While they're not standardized, there is room for differing viewpoints and tastes that are diverse and subjective.

SimplyStogies.com is still looking for at least two staff writers. If you like reviewing cigars and can do a better job than I (who can't?) or if you enjoy writing and would like to write about the cigar industry, please send an email to info@simplystogies.com and let me know.

Written review at SimplyStogies.com:  

http://simplystogies.com/casdagli_daughters_of_the_wind_cremello/ 

NEW SIMPLY STOGIES MERCH:

https://creativebraincandy.com/shop#!/simply+stogies?collection=niKPHlTWoO 

Episode 28: Micallef To Be Named Maduro Review

I discuss the impact to local B&Ms and ask you, the listener, to support local whenever you can. The impact of COVID-19 is being felt everywhere, and I like to order online as much as the next guy; however, if you can, I implore you to check with your local B&Ms and see if they're still open for business. Then I dive into my first solo review, as I give my impressions of the Micallef "To Be Named" Maduro. 

My full review can be found here.

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!