Cigar Snob Podcast

Is there such a thing as a cheap cigar that tastes expensive? Gloria J. from Danbury, Connecticut writes in looking for value picks, and the guys unload a machine-gun list of recommendations. The entire show is built around the My Father Blue, a Honduran-made blend that took Cigar of the Year and is selling out everywhere right now. In Perfect Pairings, the crew runs a vertical tasting of Tequila Partida — Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. Then for Share a Smoke, Ra'ed Saqfelhait of The Leaf Master goes in-studio to talk about building the Middle East's premier cigar destination from a Samsonite bag into two retail locations, a third on the way, and co-founding the World Cigar Show Dubai.

Is rum really the easiest pairing category for cigars, or does it just depend on the smoke? The guys tackle that exact question from Chris M. in Denver before lighting up the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust 10th Jubilee — a Corona Gorda with an Ecuador wrapper, Mexican San Andres binder, and an all-star Nicaraguan filler blend delivering cream, soft pepper, and a background sweetness that builds all the way to the nub. In Perfect Pairings, brought to you by El Leon Jimenez Rum and Total Wine & More, three mystery Italian reds get blind-tasted against the cigar before the big reveal: Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, a Tenuta San Guido Bordeaux blend, and a Pio Cesare Barolo 2021. Then for Share a Smoke, Jorge Valdez talks about reimagining his Doral cigar shop into a full cocktail lounge, and gives the details on this year's "Smoke This" event.

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Anto Mahroukian of Española Cigars joins the Cigar Snob Podcast to celebrate 30 years in the industry. We cover the brand's origin story, the JM Tobacco portfolio, and light up the new Española Aniversario — a cigar built on seven-year-aged tobacco that's been resting for two years. Find out why this West Coast brand deserves more East Coast love.

Pedro from Chicago ditched his traditional humidor for a portable plastic bin, and the guys have thoughts — from cedar buffering and Boveda packs to beetle outbreaks and the great debate over whether a tupperdore is a legit long-term solution or just a glorified food container. Then, the Drew Estate Underground 10 hits the desk — the legendary rollers' cigar turned cult classic — and gets paired with the Glenlivet 18 Single Malt for a combination the guys can only describe as fireworks. For Share a Smoke, PCA CEO Joshua Habursky joins to talk about the push to professionalize the cigar industry, from a sold-out luxury marketing masterclass at FIU to pop-up installations with champagne brands on ski slopes — making the case that premium cigars belong in the luxury conversation.

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In this episode of the Cigar Snob Podcast, Erik Calviño sits down with Jeremy Yoder, the creator of Mad Scientist BBQ, to talk about barbecue, cigars, and the unlikely path that led him from teaching science to building one of YouTube’s most respected barbecue channels.

Yoder shares what it was like growing up Amish in Michigan, how studying biochemistry and teaching shaped the way he understands fire and cooking, and why barbecue is less about recipes and more about understanding heat, airflow, and time. He also discusses the moment his catering business came to a halt and how that disruption led to the creation of Mad Scientist BBQ on YouTube.

The conversation explores Yoder’s appreciation for premium cigars, the parallels between barbecue and cigar culture, and how both crafts reward patience, attention, and respect for raw materials. From brisket and smoke to ritual and reflection, this episode is a deep dive into craft, curiosity, and finding purpose through fire.

The guys put three high-end brandies to the test alongside the newly released Montecristo 90th Anniversary. Planning to enjoy cigars in Paris or London? They tackle a listener's question about navigating cigar lounge etiquette across the pond. For Share a Smoke, Eric Douglas of Davidoff Hard Rock goes in-studio to talk about building a premium lounge experience at The Guitar Hotel and shares the story of his entrepreneurial path and connection to the Seminole Tribe.

Erik shares a smoke with the next generation at La Flor Dominicana, Litto Gomez Jr. The young cigar maker shares what it was like growing up in a cigar family and how he cut his teeth developing his first blend. There are stories of sibling rivalries, tales from the road, and an honest assessment of what cigar reps mean to the business.

Comedian Mario Ramil joins the show to drop some profound nuggets of comedic wisdom while smoking a Don Pepin Garcia Serie JJ. The guys answer a question from a listener concerned about microplastics in his cigars. What?! Lastly, the Romeo y Julieta 150th Anniversary gets a full review as well as a vertical tasting with Woodinville Whiskey.

My cigar is a dud, can I ask for a replacement? by Cigar Snob

Ever wonder if frigid temps mess with your favorite cigar? In this episode, the guys tackle a listener’s question: Does cold weather affect how my cigar smokes? They talk about temperature, humidity, construction, and how it all can impact the experience —plus, they drop some pro tips for braving winter with a stogie in hand.

Then, it’s time to put the Titan de Bronze Redemption to the test before making the ultimate sacrifice: a blind tasting of top-shelf single malt Scotches (someone’s gotta do it, right?). Finally, they sit down for an in-studio chat with Sandy Cobas and Giselle Herrera, the powerhouse duo behind Little Havana’s legendary Titan de Bronze Cigar Factory.

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Music in this episode:

"BossaBossa" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/