Simply Stogies

This week, hosts Tim, James, and Jimmy break down the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast interview with Rob Blumenthal from Tradecraft Cigars. They discuss Rob's deep family history in the cigar world and how that experience helps him build his own brand. The guys also debate the pros and cons of traditional twenty-count cigar boxes versus modern space-saving designs. Finally, they share their honest opinions on the current state of the industry, including the trend of Limited Edition releases and the frustration of backorders

James and Jimmy sit down with one of the owners and founder of Tradecraft Cigars, Rob Blumenthal. Rob talks about his family's five generation in the tobacco business, something that started during the Civil War era with his family selling tobacco and cigars. The trio discuss what Rob has learned from owning a cigar company, how he approaches events, choosing to grow organically, and much more. Rob's family also owns the Tinder Box, which gives Rob a unique perspective on the cigar industry. We found the conversation fascinating, and we hope you do too!

This week, Tim, James, and Jimmy are back at the microphones to dissect their recent interview with Vince McGlone of Vicente Blends. The audience feedback has been a total mixed bag, and the crew isn't holding back on why Vince's engineering background, low-volume production mindset, and luxury $60 price tags are polarizing the cigar community.

From debating the definition of a true "industry disruptor" to exposing the smoke and mirrors of factory blends, the guys clear the air on how the demographics of premium tobacco are shifting in 2026.

James and Jimmy welcome Vincent McGlone, owner and blender of Vicente Blends, to the show. Vince talks about his engineering background and how he started Vicente Blends. What was a passion project has turned into a business. Vince discusses how his engineering background impacts is approach to blending and marketing. We talk about the difference in cultures between the Dominican Republic and the US and what Vince does to work through those. Vince gives us his take on the industry, cigar bands, and much more!

James interviews Fat Ash Cigar Lounge owner Dwight Adkins and GM Paul Wood to launch the sixth annual My Old Kentucky HERF, introducing exclusive cigars like the "Open Carry" and "Sturdy Girl" that reflect the lounge's culture of freedom and hospitality. Jimmy later joins James and Tim for a recap, detailing the event's charitable support for the Gary Sinise Foundation and genuine industry networking with blenders like Rick Rodriguez and Hector Alfonso. The episode also highlights guest Detective Samantha Baliles' work with first responders, reinforcing that the HERF prioritizes relationships and community over profit.

James and Tim (Jimmy is on vacation) welcome Samantha Baliles from Code4Cigars. Sam explains that Code4Cigars supports first responders mental health by coming together over their love of the leaf. Sam gives first responders an informal way to support each other while dealing with traumatic events. Sam tells us how she started the group, how it has grown, future plans, how she got into cigars, and...somehow...becomes best friends with Tim.

We sat down with some of the most interesting people at this year's Premium Cigar Association Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite a few hiccups with both audio and video, we sit down with Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, Rick and Sara Rodriguez of West Tampa Tobacco, Lou Cross of Lure Cigars, Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars, Zack Van Ginkel and Andray McCuien of HDA Cigars, and Michael Knowles of Mayflower Cigars. A big shoutout to the entire team...Jimmy Dailing, Timothy Allen, Mimi VonSwagg and Mike Morrow. Their tireless work and dedication made our coverage of this year's PCA trade show a success. We also want to thank Small Batch Cigar and My Old Kentucky Herf for sponsoring our coverage of the show this year. Stay tuned to our YouTube and Rumble channels for more interviews and coverage of the 2026 Premium Cigar Association Convention & Trade Show.

The team at Simply Stogies has officially wrapped up another incredible year at the annual Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show! In this special edition episode of Clear the Air, James takes the host’s chair to lead a lively discussion with Jimmy and Tim. Together, they break down their experiences from the massive convention floor, sharing their personal highlights and honest thoughts on each day of the big event.

In this episode of Clear the Air, hosts Tim, James, and Jimmy spend time reviewing a recent interview with Lou Cross of Lure Cigars and sharing their thoughts on different cigar products. They also discuss their upcoming trip to a major cigar trade show in New Orleans and officially announce that Jimmy D will be stepping up as the new co-host following the departure of a long-time team member.

James and Nick welcome Lou Cross of Lure Cigars back to the program. Lou promotes his new PCA exclusive, the "Wahoo." We discuss the changes for Lure Cigars and Valacari Cigars, Lou's role with both brands, and their relationship with La Tabacaria. We ask Lou what he's learned in his 2 years in the cigar industry, the challenges he's faced, and how he's overcome them. Lou discusses branding and bringing in new cigar smokers the lifestyle, before talking about a brands relationship with B&Ms. What does support for a brand look like, who's responsibility is to move product at the store, and where does support begin.