Simply Stogies

Episode 147: Riste Ristevski of JSK Cigars

James and Nick welcome Riste Ristevski of JSK Cigars. Riste talks about how he got into the cigar industry, what's changed over the last ten years, and some of the risks that he's taken to make JSK what it is today. Riste talks about switching to his newest factory and what that entailed, as well as what it has done for his brand. We discuss the cigar industry at large, some of the problems that come with some B&Ms, cigar pricing, what's wrong with the industry, and what's next for Colonel Riste and JSK.

49 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Tim brings James and Nick back for another episode of Clear the Air to talk behind the back of last week's guest, Vlada Stojanov of SOMM Cigars. The three work their way through technical difficulties while traveling down rabbit holes of tasting notes from fast food to cigars. Tim asks where in this country is the best place to live and enjoy cigars all year round. Nick gives us his inside on the blending processes, while James continues to give Tim grief!

Episode 146: Vlada Stojanov of SOMM Cigars

James and Tim (sitting in for Nick who is in Costa Rica) welcome Vlada Stojanov of SOMM Cigars to the show. Vlada discusses being a new father, what scares him, and how he'll help his daughter develop her palate. Vlada also discusses if there are objective flavors to a cigar, romanticizing tasting, and if cigar reviewers deserve a bit of grace when it comes to their reviews. The discussion turns to cigar boxes and Vlada's unique idea to the cigar box problem, and much more!

48 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Tim brings Nick back to the microphone to discuss some of the topics covered in the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest, Josh Habursky. The discussion focuses on some of the good times at the PCA Trade Show. They talk about PCA/TPE cigar exclusives, and the importance of being aware of laws that may affect your enjoyment of cigars. They quickly talk about laws moving from the Federal level to the State level and how that can make an impact in the hobby.

Episode 145: Joshua Habursky Executive Director of the PCA

James and Nick welcome the Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association, Joshua Habursky. The trio discuss the big wins for the cigar industry so far in 2025, and the importance of being vigilant against government overreach. Josh explains how the PCA, CRA, and CAA have all worked together to keep the government from taking the choice to smoke hand rolled, premium cigars away from informed adults. The discussion also turns to state advocacy, generational smoking bans, bipartisan support and challenges, and how the fight is at the state level. Of course, there is talk of the PCA Convention and Trade Show in New Orleans this year in April. We find out how long the show will be held in New Orleans, when it heads back to Las Vegas, and much more!!!

47 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Tim welcomes James and Nick back to the microphones in order to dig deeper into the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest, Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego Cigars. Just as you would expect, it's an episode of rabbit holes that lead the three deeper into the world of "Herklotsisms". Seriously, how often to you get one of the best dressed men in the industry to dump a load of cigar industry wisdom at your front door? Almost never! The three take a few of the conversation pieces from the latest episode and do a little self reflection.

Episode 144: Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego

James and Nick welcome Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego to the show. Michael has been in the industry on the retail side and the manufacturing side; so, it's no surprise that the discussion turns to B&Ms and cigar lounges. Michael talk about customer service and what consumers should expect from their retailer and cigar lounges. Yes, there's a difference between a cigar retailer and a cigar lounge. The conversation centers around familiarity vs formality. The trio also discuss what Michael looks for in these shops as a manufacturer, before the discussion turns to the manufacturing side. We ask Michael what he thinks is wrong with the industry before turning our attention to Ferio Tego, TPE, PCA, and more! 

46 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Back to the microphones, Tim welcomes James and Nick to dig deeper into the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest, Sean Williams, Brand Ambassador of Cohiba Cigars. It's an episode of making sausage without telling you how it's made, or not. Tim lets James know how proud of him he really is. It's funny how much bigger the world is when you open your eyes. Nick gives insider information on how cigars are made from a blenders' perspective. The three reflect on a few questions that they wish were in the episode but just didn't make it this time.

Episode 143: Sean Williams of Cohiba

James and Nick welcome Sean Williams to the show. Sean explains how he began in the cigar industry with his own brand, Premiere Mundo. The discussion turns to the pros and cons of boutique cigar companies vs the pros and cons of larger brands. Sean shares his passion for Cohiba and the blends he's done with them. We talk about the Cohiba Serie M, their collaboration with Weller, and the Spectre. We ask Sean what Cohiba blend he's most proud of, and what it's like going from boutique to "mainstream" cigars. Sean talks about why fans of boutique cigars should be more open-minded when it comes to the larger brands, and much more!

45 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Tim brings James and Nick back to the microphone to discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with guest William "Cigar Coop" Cooper. While James tries to go right into his opinionated rants about a very well known cigar publication, Tim and Nick bring it back to a few food related stories of our own. Nick instantly regretted that decision. The three talk about friendships in the cigar industry and how hard it is to find the time to get everyone together to build those bonds. Viewers and listeners will also get a sneak peak at our #10 cigar of the year in advance.