Simply Stogies

23 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Your favorite cigar podcast after show is back to dig a little deeper behind the scenes of Episode 118 of the Simply Stogies Podcast. Tim and James have questions for Nick as they try to dive into a little more about life on the farm. Are there still kids running around the factory? How exactly does the factory purchase its tobacco? These are only a few of the things this episode tries to uncover.

Episode 118: Tabacos de Costa Rica

Do you have questions about how your cigars are rolled? We've all heard "200 hands" touch your cigar, but what does that look like? Nick Syris of LH Cigars and Filipe Leon of Tabacos de Costa Rica walk us through their factory and show us how the tobacco is sorted, what a pilón is, and much more.

22 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim brings James and Nick back to the microphone to talk about the latest episode of Simplystogies Podcast with Charlie Minato of Halfwheel. In this hour the tree try to cover as many talking points as possible as Tim gets made fun of, James rants, and Nick points out many great points. It's another hour of mayhem on Clear the Air.

Episode 117: Charlie Minato of Halfwheel.com

James and Nick welcome Charlie Minato, co-founder of Halfwheel.com. The trio discuss how Halfwheel came to be, when Charlie started smoking cigars, as well as find out how they review cigars. Charlie details their review process and if there is such a thing as a 100pt cigar. Charlie gives us his expert opinions on the FDA, PCA, cigar pricing, and the cigar industry at large. We also discuss cigar media's role and how social media has changed the game.

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.