Simply Stogies

Episode 36: A Discussion About Cuban Cigars

First, allow me to apologize to my listeners who may not follow me on social media. Where I live was hit hard by a derecho on August 10. I lost power until August 20 and I lost internet until August 30. For more information, check out the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast Presents: Cigars and Coffee here.

This episode, I welcome Cuban Cigar expert, Joe, back to the podcast. Joe and I discuss the changes in the secondary Cuban cigar market, box codes and their importance, who you should look to before buying those Cubans you see on Facebook or Instagram, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the Cuban cigar market. 

Episode 35: Project E Gran Ola Review

I give you my review of the Epic Cigars limited edition Project E Gran Ola. You can follow along with my review here. I also go over our new Statement of Ethics and why it's important to our staff and to our fans.

 

You can get your own Simply Stogies Podcast SWAG here!

Episode 34: Getting to Know Our New Content Director, Matthew Kang

James welcomes the new Content Director/Editor of simplystogies.com, Matthew Kang. Matthew discusses his cigar journey, and how his real job at Eater LA will help us give us some direction. We also talk a little COVID-19, and Matthew mistakes a travel humidor for a takeout box.

James also announces a brand new Cuban Cigar review, a new pipe tobacco reviewer, and a new YouTube Channel featuring a new show called, Simply Stogies Presents: Cigars and Coffee hosted by Tim Allen and James Giehm.

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/ 

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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.