Simply Stogies

Episode 11: Cuban Introduction

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.  

Episode 10: Boveda Butler Review

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:

https://www.patreon.com/simplystogies

https://www.cigarrights.org/

Episode 9: Sheepdog Humidors Bullet Torch & Padron 2000 Review

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:

https://sheepdoghumidors.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sheepdog_humidors/

Episode 8: B&Ms, Lounges, and Etiquette

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:

https://www.theclayton.com/

http://casademontecristo-chicago.com/

http://habanocigarloungehg.com/

https://www.habanocigarstinleypark.com/

https://leafbrotherscigars.com/des-moines-cigar-lounge/

Episode 7: An Interview with Vlad from Casdagli Cigars

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:

https://www.theclayton.com/

 https://bespokecigar.com/

 

Episode 6: Tabernacle Havana Seed Review

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/

Episode 5: The Eastern Iowa Cigar Appreciation Society

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/

 

 

Episode 4: Guardian of the Farm Apollo Review

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

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-simply-stogies-30907896/ 

Episode 3: The Cigar Rights of America

James welcomes the executive director of the Cigar Rights of America, Glynn Loope, and one of the CRA Ambassadors for the state of Iowa, Timothy Allen, to Simply Stogies. They discuss what the Cigar Rights of America does, how the FDA is trying to regulate the premium cigar industry, how the CRA is pushing back against that, how cigar enthusiasts and aficionados can get involved, and how the current political climate plays a role.

 

To become a member of the Cigar Rights of America and help them in their fight to protect our cigar rights please go to https://www.cigarrights.org/ 

To see a list of current state and federal cigar issues please visit http://www.cigarrights.org/news-info.php and choose your state

If you have questions concerning the Cigar Rights of America, please email info@cigarrights.org

 

You can follow the Cigar Rights of America on Twitter @CigarRights and on instagram https://www.instagram.com/cigarrightsofamerica/

You can follow Glynn Loope on Twitter @GlynnLoope

You can follow Timothy Allen on Twitter @MidwestAshes

Episode 2: A Short Story

For Episode 2, James discusses the proper storage and humidification of cigar, and also reviews the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story. James tells you about his journey through cigar storage and humidification, while also giving you the very basics of what you need to know. James briefly touches on the "mold v plume" debate and emphasizes the importance proper humidification and storage. James then gives his review of the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story. He regails you with his first encounter with this gem of a stogie, before reviewing it. Enjoy the stories and stay smokey.

 

OUTSIDE SOURCES:

https://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/topic/131757-foh-mould-study/