36.6K
Downloads
203
Episodes
A podcast for both new cigar smokers and veteran cigar aficionados.
Episodes
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
I am pleased to announce the launch of simplystogies.com! I'd like to thank all the hard work put it in by the team (Timothy Allen, Mike Brieg, Wonho Frank Lee, Troy Kelso, and Stephanie Hattan) in order to get the website off the ground!!! Please, check out simplystogies.com and let us know what you think via social media.
I discuss the recent Simply Stogies Mega Herf at Casa de Montecristo in Countryside, IL. It was a fantastic time and I'd like to thank everyone who was able to make it. I use this as a springboard to discuss what a healthy cigar community, online or otherwise, should look like. Remember to be good to each other out there and stay smokey!
Sunday Sep 01, 2019
Sunday Sep 01, 2019
This episode, I welcome Joe from SimplyStogies.club. Joe has been smoking Cuban cigars for 20yrs and is an expert on the subject. I get his expert opinion on the moral and ethical issues of purchasing Cuban cigars, how to spot fakes, the implications of a free market Cuba, and much much more. This discussion, much like my cigar journey, is filled with twists and turns. If you have questions about Cuban cigars, Joe has answers!
Thursday Aug 15, 2019
Thursday Aug 15, 2019
I return to my journey and how I came to know the famous Cuban cigar. The Cuban cigar has mystery, romanticism, and maybe a bit of a taboo air that surrounds it. Is the Cuban cigar hype? What issues surround the Cuban cigar for someone living in America? Can you easily get your hands on an authentic Cuban cigar? I recall how my journey first crossed paths with this famous stogie.
Thursday Aug 01, 2019
Thursday Aug 01, 2019
I recall how I was gifted with something completely unexpected by a great BOTL before jumping into Facebook cracking down on the buying/selling/trading/private transactions of cigars. As I discuss Facebook's shift in policy, I land on Netflix cutting down on scenes that portray tobacco use. This underscores the need to support groups like the Cigar Rights of America. If you haven't joined them yet, please consider doing so. I then give you my experience and full review of Boveda's foray into hygrometers, the Boveda Butler.
OUTSIDE LINKS:
Monday Jul 15, 2019
Monday Jul 15, 2019
I give my impressions and review of Sheepdog Humidors Bullet Torch and of the Padron 2000 Natural. Before I dive into those reviews, I put out the call to those who would like to join the Simply Stogies team! I'm looking for writers interested in reviewing products and cigars, writing about the latest news around the cigar industry, or imparting their knowledge to others. If that's you, send an email to james@simplystogies.com.
Outside links:
Monday Jul 01, 2019
Monday Jul 01, 2019
I discuss my recent visits to several cigar lounges and B&Ms around my area, what to look for when choosing a B&M, and the importance of supporting your local B&M. I also discuss the do's and don'ts when visiting a cigar lounge, and share some of my most embarrassing cigar lounge moments. If you have do or don't or funny anecdote you'd like to share, please email me at simplystogiespodcast@gmail.com
OUTSIDE RESOURCES:
http://casademontecristo-chicago.com/
http://habanocigarloungehg.com/
Saturday Jun 15, 2019
Saturday Jun 15, 2019
I sit down with Global Ambassador for Casdagli Cigars, Vlada Stojanov. I join Vlad at The Clayton in downtown Chicago, where we discuss the name change from Bespoke to Casdagli, the Casdagli lines of cigars, what the future holds for Casdagli, and I pick the brain of a sommelier on how to develop your palate. It's a fantastic conversation with a genuine BOTL who has a ton of knowledge. I hope you enjoy the interview.
Link to Vlad's Flavor Wheel: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B0H8PlYeLC2-V2dRbVp4dWRYTDA
I also congratulate CigarandThings from Instagram for winning the one-of-a-kind Simply Stogies ashtray.
I thank my first Patreon supporters Stephanie Hattan and Chris Jones! Thank you!!! To support Simply Stogies podcast, please follow this link:
https://www.patreon.com/simplystogies
I have a new email address: To contact the show directly, please email me at simplystogiespodcast@gmail.com
OUTSIDE RESOURCES:
Saturday Jun 01, 2019
Saturday Jun 01, 2019
I interview a moderator for SimplyStogies.club and a cigar reviewer at Burn1.net, Mike. Mike walks us through his process of reviewing a cigar: from the pre-cut ritual, to the cut and light, to writing his review. Thank you to Mike for taking the time, on his birthday, to sit down and give us some insight on what goes in to reviewing a cigar.
You can find more of Mike's reviews at https://burn1.net/
Sunday May 19, 2019
Sunday May 19, 2019
For this episode, James goes on location to the Walker Homestead in Iowa City, Iowa to interview a couple of the founding members of the Eastern Iowa Cigar Appreciation Society. Keith Chiavetta and Doug Wagner sit down with James to discuss what it means to be a local cigar club, what it means to interact with the community, and how to give back.
To join or follow the EICAS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EIowaCigars/
Twitter: @CigarCR
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12208387/
Or you can contact Keith Chiavetta on Linkedin directly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithchiavetta/
Wednesday May 01, 2019
Wednesday May 01, 2019
James reviews Guardian of the Farm Apollo, a collaborative effort between Warped and Casa Fernandez. James also announces Simply Stogies is now available on iHeart Radio, as well as Simply Stogies first contest! Make sure to listen for details.
OUTSIDE SOURCES:
https://www.bobalu.com/cigar-size-chart
https://halfwheel.com/five-thoughts-imperials-decision-to-sell-its-premium-cigar-business/298529