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Blind Label Cigar Podcast
Blind Label Cigar Podcast episodes
- He Donated 16 GALLONS of Plasma to Start a Cigar Brand?! | Auremio Cigars
How do you break into the tight-knit, multi-generational premium cigar industry when you are 23 years old, have zero family connections in the business, and absolutely no funding?
🔥 Subscribe to the Blind Label Cigar Newsletter: https://blcc.newsIn this episode of the Blind Label Cigar Podcast, host Norm Farrar sits down with Eduardo Carreño and Ariadna Hiller, the founders of Auremio Cigars. Eduardo shares the wild story of how he sold 16 gallons of his own blood plasma and hustled as a Mercedes valet and DoorDash driver just to buy inventory and packaging to launch his dream. Ariadna explains how she convinced him to make her a 50/50 partner, and how she lined up 15 clients on day one.They discuss the brutal reality of cold-calling cigar lounges in Tampa, facing intense sexism and ageism from the "old guard," and dealing with entitled customers who intentionally sabotage shipments to get free product. Plus, they reveal the secret behind their "Dolce Goma" (sweet gum) tip process and why an $11 cigar can rival the big legacy brands.📌 Main Topics CoveredBlood, Sweat, and Plasma: How Eduardo funded Auremio Cigars by donating 16 gallons of plasma and doing DoorDash runs.Breaking into the Tampa Scene: The brutal reality of cold-calling cigar lounges in Ybor City, facing intense industry gatekeeping, and dealing with sexism.The Dolce Goma Tip: The process behind Auremio Dulce Caña cigar, using natural sugarcane gum on the cap for a sweet finish without fully infusing the leaf.Dealing with Cigar Bullies: How they handle customers who intentionally damage cigars for free product and deal with fake "influencers" demanding free boxes.Why You Need to Stop Gatekeeping: Why the old-school cigar mindset of sticking to only four major brands is hurting the next generation of boutique cigar makers and smokers.The $10 vs. $40 Cigar: What actually separates a luxury boutique smoke from an expensive legacy brand (Hint: It's all about the story and the branding).🛠️ Mentions & Resources Auremio Cigars Official Website: auremio.co (Collectors Only)Blind Label Cigar is a community for cigar lovers at every level. New to cigars or decades in, you're in the right place. Pull up a chair.Find us: Website: https://blindlabelcigar.comNewsletter: https://blcc.newsPodcast: https://blindlabelcigar.com/media/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindlabelcigarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlindLabelCigarTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindlabelcigarX: https://x.com/BlindLabelCigarAGE & LEGAL NOTICE You must be 21 years of age or older, and of legal smoking age in your country, state, or region, to view or engage with this content. This channel is intended strictly for adults and does not promote or encourage tobacco use by anyone underage.1 hr - The Secret Giant of the Cigar World...
Terence Reilly left his family's established cigar business to take a chance on a Nicaraguan grower with incredible tobacco but a highly confusing brand identity.
🔥 Subscribe to the Blind Label Cigar Newsletter: https://blcc.newsToday, Aganorsa Leaf stands as one of the most respected and vertically integrated names in the premium cigar industry.In this episode of the Blind Label Cigar Podcast, host Norm Farrar sits down with Terence, Aganorsa's VP of Sales and Marketing, to uncover the untold stories behind the leaf. Terence reveals how Aganorsa's owner, Eduardo Fernandez, went from building a fast-food pizza empire in Spain to bringing exiled Cuban agronomists into Nicaragua to grow world-class tobacco.He also breaks down the psychology of the 8x80 ring gauge, the nightmare of Canada's plain packaging laws, and why modern cigar smokers need to stop chasing the Cuban hype and start trusting their own palates.📌 Main Topics CoveredThe Aganorsa Origin Story: How owner Eduardo Fernandez hired retired Cuban agronomists (who were exiled from the Communist party for believing in God) to build a Nicaraguan tobacco empire.Rebranding a Sleeping Giant: Why Terence pushed to consolidate Casa Fernandez, TABSA, and Tropical Tobacco under the single Aganorsa Leaf banner.The 8x80 JFR Lunatic: Why massive ring gauge cigars are actually Aganorsa's top sellers, and why long-haul truck drivers buy them by the box.Navigating Canada's Cigar Laws: Surviving 100% closed lounges, plain gray packaging, and the reality of smoking outside in the snow.Trust Your Palate: Why the obsession with Cuban cigars is outdated, and how to find the right non-Cuban blend for your specific taste.The "Crispy Boy" Collaboration: The story behind their new limited release with Cigar Dojo—a flavor-heavy, low-strength summer smoke designed to look like a tall boy beer can.🛠️ Mentions & ResourcesAganorsa Leaf Official Website: aganorsaleaf.comAganorsa Leaf on YouTube: @AganorsaLeafAganorsa Acolytes: Join the official Facebook GroupFollow Blind Label Cigar: @BlindLabelCigar across all social media platforms⏱️ Timestamps0:00 - Leaving the Family Business2:52 - Terence’s "Aha!" Moment3:47 - What "Aganorsa" Actually Means6:52 - The Rebranding Strategy10:56 - The Wild Origin Story14:30 - Why Rolling a Premium Cigar is a Miracle21:56 - Surviving Canada25:09 - The "Crispy Boy" Collaboration27:07 - Top Aganorsa Recommendations30:25 - The JFR Lunatic37:19 - The Secret to the Distinct Taste40:14 - Do Not Start Your Own Cigar Brand49:20 - Why You Need to Trust Your Own PalateBlind Label Cigar is a community for cigar lovers at every level. New to cigars or decades in, you're in the right place. Pull up a chair.Find us:Website: https://blindlabelcigar.comNewsletter: https://blcc.newsPodcast: https://blindlabelcigar.com/media/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindlabelcigarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlindLabelCigarTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindlabelcigarX: https://x.com/BlindLabelCigarAGE & LEGAL NOTICE You must be 21 years of age or older, and of legal smoking age in your country, state, or region, to view or engage with this content. This channel is intended strictly for adults and does not promote or encourage tobacco use by anyone underage.56 min - How to Pick the "Right" Cigar (Tips From a Cigar Manager)
Spending ten years behind the counter of a premium cigar shop teaches you a lot about tobacco but it teaches you even more about people. In this episode of the Blind Label Cigar Podcast, host Norm Farrar sits down with Joshua Harris, former cigar shop General Manager and the creator of Frankly Cigars.
Joshua shares the brutal truth about what tobacconists should never do, emphasizing that shaming a customer for smoking an infused cigar like an Acid Blondie is the ultimate industry offense. He also drops hilarious stories about getting cursed out by industry legend Willy Herrera for accidentally making him buy his own cigars, and sharing a profound, quiet moment in the humidor with Cynthia Fuente.They dive into why Joshua asks every guest the exact same ten questions on his show (inspired by Stephen Colbert), how to translate terms like "full-bodied" and "pepper" for beginners using coffee and soda analogies, and why the biggest cigar myth is believing your friend knows your palate better than you do.📌 Main Topics Covered In This EpisodeFrom Newbie to GM: How getting fired from a previous job led Joshua to dive headfirst into a 10-year career behind the cigar shop counter.The Frankly Cigars Format: Why asking every industry legend the exact same 10 questions reveals the most authentic answers.Cigar Snobs & Shop Mistakes: Why making fun of a customer's lack of knowledge or their choice of a flavored cigar is an absolute failure in customer service.Industry Encounters: Unforgettable run-ins with Cynthia Fuente and Drew Estate's Willy Herrera.Translating Taste: How to help beginners find the right cigar by comparing flavor profiles to steak, salad, Coke, and Sprite.Rapid Fire: Joshua’s take on the Lancero versus Toro, why he prefers a straight cut, and why he always leaves the cellophane on.🛠️ Mentions & Resources LinksFrankly Cigars on Instagram: @frankly_cigarsFrankly Cigars on YouTube: @frankly_cigarsBlind Label Cigar is a community for cigar lovers at every level. New to cigars or decades in, you're in the right place. Pull up a chair.Find us:Website: https://blindlabelcigar.comNewsletter: https://blcc.newsPodcast: https://blindlabelcigar.com/media/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindlabelcigarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlindLabelCigarTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindlabelcigarX: https://x.com/BlindLabelCigarAGE & LEGAL NOTICE You must be 21 years of age or older, and of legal smoking age in your country, state, or region, to view or engage with this content. This channel is intended strictly for adults and does not promote or encourage tobacco use by anyone underage.52 min - The Art of the Boutique Cigar (Money Can't Buy Premium Tobacco) | Sam Schöelen
What happens when 30 years of global cigar smoking meets a desire to create something entirely unique?
🔥 Subscribe to the Blind Label Cigar Newsletter: https://blcc.newsIn this episode of the Blind Label Cigar Podcast, host Norm Farrar sits down with Samuel Schöelen, founder of Schöelen Cigars, to uncover the fascinating journey behind his European-inspired boutique brand.Sam shares his experiences traveling the world, demanding "under the counter" local cigars instead of the usual Cubans, and how a transformative trip to Nicaragua led him to create his own custom blends.From the shocking story of how the premium tobacco industry truly operates (and why money alone can't buy you the best leaves) to the trials of finding the perfect cigar ring manufacturer, Sam holds nothing back. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the leaf, this episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build an award-winning cigar brand from scratch.📌 Main Topics Covered In This EpisodeThe Global Cigar Hunt: How Sam's 30 years of asking for "local only" cigars across Europe and Asia inspired him to start his own boutique brand.The Nicaraguan Tobacco Mafia: Why having "buckets of money" isn't enough to buy premium tobacco, and why relationships are everything in the cigar industry.The "European Inspired" Branding: Why Sam chose German naming conventions (like Dunkel) and minimalist, elegant branding to stand out in crowded American humidors.The 97-Rated Connecticut: How an Ecuadorian shade-grown Connecticut wrapper, paired with a Nicaraguan binder and filler, created a deceptive, non-linear flavor journey that won Cigar of the Year.The Pain of Creating a Brand: Sam reveals his biggest hurdles, including sitting on thousands of unsellable cigars due to a bad factory run, and the agonizing process of finding a ring manufacturer that doesn't use cheap, glue-heavy paper.Cigar Purists Are the Worst: Why Sam hates cigar snobs who insist there is only "one right way" to smoke a cigar.🛠️ Mentions & Resources LinksSchulman Cigars: schoelencigars.comBlind Label Cigar Official Website: blindlabelcigar.comBlind Label Cigar is a community for cigar lovers at every level. New to cigars or decades in, you're in the right place. Pull up a chair.Find us:Website: https://blindlabelcigar.comNewsletter: https://blcc.newsPodcast: https://blindlabelcigar.com/media/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindlabelcigarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlindLabelCigarTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindlabelcigarX: https://x.com/BlindLabelCigarAGE & LEGAL NOTICEYou must be 21 years of age or older, and of legal smoking age in your country, state, or region, to view or engage with this content. This channel is intended strictly for adults and does not promote or encourage tobacco use by anyone underage.50 min - Why Cigar Smokers Connect So Fast
What is it about cigar culture that makes complete strangers start talking like they already know each other?
🔥 Subscribe to the Blind Label Cigar Newsletter - https://blcc.newsIn this episode of the Blind Label Cigar Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Kevin King to talk about the part of cigars that has very little to do with the cigar itself: the people you meet while smoking one.Kevin tells the story of his first real cigar experience in Cuba and how he went from an occasional smoker to somebody with a cigar collection that makes me shake my head every time I see it. But the bigger conversation is about cigar culture.There is something about sitting down with a cigar that makes it easier to talk to people. You can walk into a lounge, sit beside somebody you have never met, ask what they are smoking, and an hour later you are swapping stories like old friends.Kevin and I talk about some of the people we have met that way, from business owners and cigar industry personalities to complete strangers with stories we never expected to hear.Some of those conversations turned into friendships. Others led to introductions, partnerships, and business opportunities.We also get into a few things that drive us nuts in cigar lounges and humidors, why we carry our own cutters and lighters, and the system we use when somebody says they are a cigar smoker but maybe has not quite earned the good stuff yet.At the end of the day, a good cigar makes you slow down. You sit. You talk.You listen. And every once in a while, you meet somebody you never would have met otherwise. That is a big part of why I love the cigar community.Subscribe to Blind Label Cigar for more conversations about cigars, cigar culture, and the people behind the smoke.Blind Label Cigar is a community for cigar lovers at every level. New to cigars or decades in, you're in the right place. Pull up a chair.Chapters0:00 Teaser0:31 Welcome to the Blind Label Cigar Podcast2:49 Kevin King’s First Cigar in Cuba6:05 How Kevin Got Into Cigars9:47 What Cigar Culture Really Means10:17 Why Cigar Smokers Connect So Fast12:00 The Conversations You Only Have Over a Cigar14:28 Strangers, Stories, and Business Connections19:08 Meeting Cigar Industry Personalities22:52 The $600 Behike Surprise25:04 The Cigar Sharing System28:55 Cigar Lounge and Humidor Pet Peeves32:01 The Shared Cutter Problem33:02 Join the Blind Label Cigar CommunityFind us:Website: https://blindlabelcigar.comNewsletter: https://blcc.newsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindlabelcigarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlindLabelCigarTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindlabelcigarX: https://x.com/BlindLabelCigarAGE & LEGAL NOTICE You must be 21 years of age or older, and of legal smoking age in your country, state, or region, to view or engage with this content. This channel is intended strictly for adults and does not promote or encourage tobacco use by anyone underage.35 min
About Blind Label Cigar Podcast
From the publisher's feed
Welcome to the Blind Label Cigar Podcast.
The longer you're into cigars, the more things you end up keeping track of.
A new release you want to try. A review you meant to read. The name of a cigar somebody mentioned last week. Notes on something you smoked months ago. Then there are podcasts, newsletters, group chats and social feeds.
It gets scattered pretty quickly.
Blind Label Cigar was built to bring those pieces together and let you use them your way.
Keep up with industry news, reviews, new releases and straightforward cigar education. Join the members area to save cigars, build your own digital humidor, write your own reviews and keep track of what interests you.
Then stay connected however you want. Listen to the Blind Label Cigar Podcast. Read the newsletter. Join the conversation on WhatsApp. Follow us on social media. Or just use the website.
You don't have to use everything.
Maybe you come for the reviews. Maybe the humidor is what keeps you coming back. Maybe you never miss the podcast. The point is to give you one place to come back to for whatever part of cigar life interests you.
Give cigar lovers one place for the information, tools and conversations they are looking for, then let them decide how they want to use it.
So pull up a chair. Good cigars, great people, better together.
New episodes weekly. You've got to be 21 or older, and of legal smoking age where you live, to listen.