Simply Stogies

21 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim, James, and Nick are back again in another after show to talk about the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Nimmer Ahmed of Valacari Cigars. The trio talk about a new brand "Lure Cigars", a collaboration between a new brand owner, Lou Cross and Nimmer. Discussions pursue into the hardships of creating a brand and bringing it to market. Dealing with store owners and so much more.

Episode 116: Nimmer Ahmed of Valacari Cigars

On this episode, James and Nick welcome Nimmer Ahmed of Valacari Cigars. The trio find out about Nimmer's background: how and where he started his cigar journey, how Valacari came to be, and how he chose the name "Valacari." Nimmer has great insights into the manufacturing side of the cigar industry, as well as on the retail side. He and Nick discuss finding the right cigar factory and finding the right B&M to carry their cigars. Nimmer also dives into bringing new folks into the cigar industry, and much more! This was a great conversation full of great information. For more info on Valacari Cigars and where you can find them, go to https://www.valacari.com/

20 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim brings James and Nick back to the mic to discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with guests John Peter Laurendi and Adrian Maharaj of Peter James Co. The trio discuss the hustle and bustle of running a company, high end, but affordable products and how important it is to surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams.

Episode 115: Catching Up with PeterJames

James sits down with John Peter Laurendi and Adrian Maharaj of Peter James Co. The trio discuss John's journey with Peter James and how he overcame adversity by putting everything on the line to follow his dream and passion. John explains how Adrian came on board Peter James and the value he adds. Adrian explains his role and his vision for the future of Peter James and what it is like working with John and his creative processes.

19 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim brings James and Nick back to the mic to discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with guest Nick Mellilo of Foundation Cigars. The trio discuss boutique cigars, the rising costs, the inevitable Simply Stogies cigar of the year list and much more.

Episode 114: Nick Melillo

James and Nick Syris welcome back Nick Melillo to the show. Nick talks about what's new at Foundation Cigars (Metapa, Tabernacle Knight Commander, and the Charter Oak Pasquale and Pegnataro). The trio briefly talk about Nick Melillo running the DE Factory, before they deep dive on the Highclere Castle Senetjer. We discuss how things have changed since the Olmec Maduro was named the 2022 Cigar of the Year by Cigar Snob, and also talk about cigar pricing. We had a great time chatting with Nick Melillo and hope you enjoy our conversation.

18 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast

Tim calls the hosts of Simply Stogies Podcast, Nick and James, back to the microphones to discuss Episode 113: Jose Blanco. The trio expand on some of the topics touched on in Episode 113. Should you retrohale? Where do the thirds of cigars come from? Are cigar reviews helpful? The topic then turns to cigar media, as Jose Blanco vetted James, and what Simply Stogies Podcast is really all about.

Episode 113: Jose Blanco

James and Nick welcome cigar industry legend, Jose Blanco to the show. The trio discuss what cigar smokers should know and why they should know it, we take a look at how Jose got started in the industry, and how he started with Arturo Fuente. Jose Blanco is a wealth of knowledge and we are humbled that he shared some of that knowledge with us. We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did.

17 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

James takes over as host of Clear The Air for the first and last time (hopefully) as this particular occasion went to his head. Just kidding. Tim sat in as the guest host for the Pete Johnson interview on the last episode of Simply Stogies so James is now sitting in for Tim on Clear the Air. James gives Nick and Tim a hard time and asks whey they didn’t ask the hard questions.

Episode 112: Catching Up with Pete Johnson

With James out and about, Nick shows off his interviewing chops by having a great conversation with his longtime friend Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars. The trio discuss Pete's start in the industry, the CRA, Pete's involvement with the movie Hand Rolled: A Film About Cigars, and what Tatuaje has coming up. We find out that Nick and Tim have no pop culture in their lives. Oh yeah, Tim co-hosts too!