It’s PoconoPalooza next week so we call JoJo Mo to get the 411 on what’s coming up. The Blue Ash returns from Alaska with a review of a new cigar lounge called Rat Pack Cigars. The objective for the Hacks this week is to not get eliminated from the squid events game. The Hidden Herf turns out to be another good one that has aged nicely.

Local Spotlight – Rat Pack Cigars; Fairbanks, AK

Controversy Corner – Hit ’em high, hit ’em low!

Hidden Herf 205

We’re direct from the newly renovated and reopened El Toro Cigar & Lounge. We are joined by the shop owners, Bugsy from Pura Soul, a group of regulars, and a few folks who just happened by. The Cigar is a relatively strong one so it gets mixed reviews from the mild smokers in the group, as is expected. There are some fishing stories and baseball is on the TV.

Local Spotlight – El Toro Cigar & Lounge; Hudson, NH

Controversy Corner – Where are all the workers? Let’s ask Brandon.

Hidden Herf 204

Were just back from “Smokey Karaoke” and it’s only a panel of four this week. We score a box of great lanceros while at the event, so we forego the Hidden Herf and just go with these cigars. We also discuss the two first release cigars that we received at the event. Plenty of cigar content this week plus the usual fun.

Local Spotlight – Smokey Karaoke at Two Smoke Shop; Salem, NH

Controversy Corner – Mandates and the pension angle.

Hidden Herf 203

Nurse Rick is under the weather and calls in on the remote. The mail bag brings us back to last week’s area code discussion and we receive a surprise package. The Hidden Herf is a perfect beginner cigar and after a few clues Comedy Chris nails it. There’s a full compliment of jokes and laughs. Somehow we mention cats, weddings, Alaska, and wisdom teeth, then tie it all back to cigars.

Local Spotlight – Twins 24th Annual Smokin’ Blues BBQ

Controversy Corner – Some things never change.

Hidden Herf 202 / .50 Cal Pen & MA DEUCE

It’s off the rails before we get started. The panel is literally “primed” for this one. If you want plenty of laughs this is the episode, we do eventually light the cigar. The Hidden Herf takes a few guesses, but we get there.

Local Spotlight – Two Guys Smoke Shop 36th Anniversary Dinner

Controversy Corner – Under a bridge.

Hidden Herf 201 / Nike-A / Sixteen Brands

Two Hundred! Time sure flies when you are having fun. We take a look back at all the things we’ve done under the Cigar Hacks umbrella, including the people we’ve met and the places we’ve been. A special thanks to all who have been part of this journey, on the show, behind the scenes, and especially the listeners. We have a birthday on the panel! The Hidden Herf is a real surprise for everyone. A new Hack and cigar smoker joins the panel on this special occasion.

Local Spotlight – Football at The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA

Controversy Corner – Nine-Eleven.

Hidden Herf 200

It’s a perfect evening on Enema Lake for this week’s episode. The Hidden Herf stumps the panel and gets a decent rating. NH Cigar Bar license updates and more in the news segment. We interview Abe Flores of PDR Cigars during the event at Plaistow Cigar.

Local Spotlight – Corona Cigar; Orlando, FL

Controversy Corner – Bass, Texas, and the weather hype.

Hidden Herf 199

Lauren from Ashton joins the Hacks for this episode during the Ashton Cigar Event at Cigars R Us. It’s 90 degrees and 90% humidity at sundown, we’re outside in the “alley” and the only thing keeping us cool is a nice cigar and the Podcast Juice. A few of the Danvers regulars also join in the fun. Nurse Rick calls in from Florida to give us a cigar lounge report. Frank won’t put on a headset and heckles us from the sidelines. Lauren tells us about the Ashton Company, San Christobal, La Aroma de Cuba and a “dad story”.

Follow Lauren on Instagram @miss_ashton401

Local Spotlight – Cigars R Us; Danvers, MA

Controversy Corner – I don’t want to talk about it.

Not-So-Hidden Herf 198

We have a couple of letters in the mailbag that drive the episode. CSM George sends us a set of Hidden Herfs that stump the panel and get a very high rating. This is a relaxed episode from The Domicile with plenty of laughs.

Local Spotlight – Castaways Seafood & Grille; Seabrook, NH

Controversy Corner – To the Moon and Back

Hidden Herf 197

We are at the Tobacco Shack for 2nd Anniversary of Eastie Paul at the helm. By the end of the evening it’s practically a full house with all the folks that drop in. The Hidden Herf stumps the panel and gets just an OK rating. Comedy Chris is in rare form, we do a Podcast Juice comparison with a hard seltzer, George calls in, and Frank won’t get on the mic. Paul tells us his “brush with greatness” story. There’s some Black Bottle Beard Co. news.

Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA

Controversy Corner – What a Country!

Hidden Herf 196