Simply Stogies

Episode 137: Dan Thompson of Micallef Cigars

James and Nick welcome Dan Thompson, President of Micallef Cigars, back to the show. Dan talks about the new Micallef Red and the manufacturing and research & development that went into the Red and all of their color series. Dan discusses what's next and teases something new for the PCA 2025 Trade Show in New Orleans. We talk about the "Micallef Effect," what James thinks it is, and what Dan believes it is. There is discussion around the cigar industry, pricing, how manufacturers work with B&M's and much more.

39 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim brings James back to the microphone to discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast about Mo Maali of Patina Cigars. The two dig deeper into judging a brand by it's Connecticut Cigar, cigar journeys, the PCA Trade show, the Oro De Nicaragua, and some business practices of small and large cigar manufacturers.

Episode 136: Patina Cigars' Mo Maali

James and Nick welcome Mo Maali, owner and founder of Patina Cigars back to the show. We discuss the current economy, its impact on the cigar industry, and how it affects cigar releases and how Patina approaches releases. Mo talks about the Oro de Nicaragua, which factory it came from, and why it was released before the PCA Trade Show. He gives advice to new boutique manufacturers on the scene. We talk about the smoke and mirrors of the cigar industry and how it reflects society. We also touch on his podcast, Sultans of Smoke, Patina's Anniversary blend releasing in different vitolas, the cost of cigars, and Mo's and Nick's celebrity look-a-likes.

38 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim, James, and Nick go down rabbit hole after rabbit hole following the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars. It's easy to do and that's what Clear the Air is all about. Join the trio as they talk about many troubles within the cigar industry.

Episode 135: Valacari Cigars' Nimmer Ahmad

Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars returns to Simply Stogies Podcast to chat with James and Nick about what he has been up to. Nimmer talks about his process of validating blends and the time it takes to make sure they're ready for release. He also discusses his latest release, the Astronomia. The Astronomia is the newest addition to Valacari Cigars' core lines. Nimmer tells us why it was important to get the Astronomia right and why it took so long to add to his core line.

37 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Tim brings your favorite cigar podcast hosts back to the microphone to talk about the latest episode featuring Eddy Guerra, head of marketing for some of the best cigars around, Davidoff. As always, Tim leads James and Nick down rabbit holes that prove hard to get out of.

Episode 134: Eddy Guerra of Davidoff Cigars

James and Nick welcome Eddy Guerra, Head of Brand Marketing for Davidoff Cigars, to the show. Eddy tells the story of how he got in the industry and the type of people that he interacted with. Eddy's goal was to eventually work for Davidoff, but his journey had a few stops along the way. Eddy talks about cigar marketing in the industry, the good and the bad, as well as what he believes hurts the industry. There's a great discuss of "cigar events" vs "cigar experiences" and what he and Davidoff have done to change the game for the industry.

36 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim brings your favorite cigar podcasters back to the microphone once again to dive deeper into the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Rick and Sara Rodriguez of West Tampa Cigar Company. The trio talk about the fun that can be had in the industry when going to events and meeting you favorite cigar "icons". There's more to the industry than just a cigar and a price. We have lots of laughs and admire WTTC, Rick, and Sara as they pave a pathway to the cigar industries future.

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZYo2DN3rq90
Watch on Rumble: https://rumble.com/embed/v57sksh/?pub=14sdft

Episode 133: Chef Rick & Sara Rodriguez of West Tampa Tobacco Co.

James and Nick sit down with Chef Rick Rodriguez and his daughter Sara, of West Tampa Tobacco Co. We discuss what they've learned since starting West Tampa Tobacco. From what they thought being prepared looked like, to wearing different hats for the company, to learning to delegate. Sara discusses the stories that she's making, the memories and the friends along the way. She also talks about forging her own path and focusing on the human side of the industry.

35 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim, James, and Nick are back at the microphones to make another attempt to talk behind peoples back. Listen as they discover how hard that is to do when it's great people like Al and Amanda Micallef of Micallef Cigars. The three talk about the latest episode and dive deeper into things like the "Micallef Effect".