Deep Curts Live host Antoine Reid sits down with Scandinavian Tobacco Group's Justin Andrews to explore his journey from eastern North Carolina tobacco country to helping shape some of the cigar industry’s biggest brands and collaborations. From contract manufacturing and blending to Diesel Cigars and industry partnerships, this episode offers an inside look at how modern premium cigar brands are built behind the scenes.

In this episode, Justin discusses:

Justin also reflects on some of STG’s most impactful projects, including collaborations with brands like Espinosa, Room101, Caldwell, and Illusione, while sharing how Diesel evolved from an online catalog brand into one of the industry’s most respected Nicaraguan-focused portfolios.

Whether you’re interested in cigar blending, brand development, factory operations, or the business side of premium cigars, this episode delivers an honest look at the work happening behind the curtain of the modern cigar industry.

Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with the return of Robin James, founder of Blue Smoke ATL, for a conversation on creativity, entrepreneurship, and carving out a unique lane within the premium cigar industry.

Robin’s work sits at the intersection of function and design—handcrafting cigar pokers that double as statement pieces. In this episode, she shares how a simple idea turned into a growing business, evolving from direct-to-consumer sales to retail, wholesale, and distribution channels.

The conversation explores:

* The creative process behind designing custom cigar accessories

* How COVID-era demand accelerated early business growth

* The shift from individual sales to retail and wholesale expansion

* Challenges marketing cigar-related products in a restricted social media environment

* Why in-person experiences still outperform digital when it comes to product discovery

* Building a brand through relationships, consistency, and word-of-mouth

Robin also discusses her plans to expand Blue Smoke ATL into a broader accessory line, while reflecting on what it means to stay adaptable in an industry that continues to evolve.

This episode offers a different perspective on the cigar business—one rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and solving overlooked problems in the smoking experience.

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Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates.

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Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with a conversation centered on one of the most recognizable names in premium cigars.

Host Antoine Reid sits down with Alex Weghorn, Brand Ambassador for Davidoff Cigars, to explore the evolving role of brand storytelling, consumer experience, and innovation in today’s cigar industry.

In this episode, Alex shares his journey from retail tobacconist to representing one of the industry’s most established brands, offering insight into what it means to educate, engage, and connect with consumers in a more experience-driven marketplace.

This interview covers:

• The role of social media in shaping the modern cigar industry

• Why “time beautifully filled” still defines the Davidoff philosophy

• The importance of consistency, balance, and intentional smoking

• How experiences—not promotions—build lasting brand loyalty

• What it means to represent Davidoff as a brand ambassador

The episode also takes a closer look at Davidoff’s newest release, Puro Dominicana, a Dominican puro that highlights the brand’s continued focus on innovation while staying rooted in its core identity. Whether you’re a seasoned cigar enthusiast or new to the category, this conversation offers a deeper understanding of how premium cigar brands are adapting to a new generation of consumers—while preserving the craftsmanship that defines the industry. =============================================

Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates.

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Website: deepcutslive.com

YouTube: youtube.com/deepcutslive

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Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with a high-energy conversation featuring Paul Copeland, owner of Shore Thing Cigars—one of the most experience-driven retail concepts in the premium cigar industry.

In this episode, host Antoine Reid sits down with Paul to explore what it really takes to build a modern cigar retail business that goes beyond product and into atmosphere, hospitality, and storytelling. From launching a second location to rethinking customer engagement, Paul shares his unfiltered perspective on why the future of cigar retail is rooted in people—not product.

The conversation dives into:

• Why hospitality should come before inventory

• How lighting, music, and environment influence cigar sales

• The reality of limited editions and industry trends

• Retail mistakes that are holding shops back

• What trade shows look like from a seasoned retailer’s perspective

• Paul’s approach to creating “raving fans” instead of one-time customers Paul also opens up about joining the PCA Board, his philosophy on business and life, and why he refuses complacency in everything he builds. Whether you’re a retailer, a cigar enthusiast, or someone curious about the business behind premium cigars, this episode delivers raw insight, strong opinions, and real-world experience from one of the industry’s most outspoken voices. =============================================

Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates.

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Website: deepcutslive.com

YouTube: youtube.com/deepcutslive

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Facebook: facebook.com/deepcutslive

Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live kicks off with a deep dive into the world of ADVentura Cigars. Host Antoine Reid sits down with Marcel and Nicole Knobel and Henderson Ventura to explore the origins of the brand, the roots of its bold pirate theme, and the philosophy behind building a modern premium cigar company.

In this episode, the team breaks down their latest release, La Llorona, shares insight into a new tasting program currently in development, and offers an exclusive tease of what ADVentura Cigars has planned for 2026. It’s an honest, forward-looking conversation about creativity, storytelling, and why boutique cigar brands continue to push the industry forward.

Whether you’re new to premium cigars or searching for brands with real personality and purpose, this episode sets the tone for a strong start to 2026.

Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations like this, and visit deepcutslive.com to explore past episodes and upcoming releases.

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In this episode of Deep Cuts Live, I’m joined by Teresa Wessling, a seasoned tobacconist at Georgetown Tobacco, one of the longest-running specialty tobacco stores in Washington, D.C. We dive into what it truly means to be a modern tobacconist—balancing tradition, education, customer experience, and retail best practices in a highly regulated and fast-evolving market.

Teresa shares firsthand insight into building long-term customer relationships, maintaining a strong humidor program, and what makes a brick-and-mortar tobacco shop thrive in a city like D.C. This episode is especially valuable for cigar retailers, shop managers, and aspiring tobacconists, as well as anyone curious about the human side of premium cigar retail.

🔥 In this episode, we cover: • Best practices for premium cigar retail • The role of a professional tobacconist • Customer education & relationship building • Running a specialty tobacco shop in Washington, D.C. • Lessons from one of the country’s longest-standing cigar retailers

About Deep Cuts Live: Deep Cuts Live is an interview series exploring the business, culture, and people behind the premium cigar industry. Hosted by Antoine Reid, the show features honest, unscripted conversations with retailers, brand founders, manufacturers, and industry leaders shaping the future of cigars.

👍 Enjoyed the episode? Like, subscribe, and comment with your biggest takeaway—it helps more people discover the channel.

🔔 New episodes drop regularly. Turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next conversation.

📌 Follow & Connect: Instagram: @editor.reid Website: https://deepcutslive.com

In this episode of Deep Cuts Live, I sit down with Jason Wood, the founder of Outcast Cigars and a key figure behind Miami Cigar Co., to talk entrepreneurship, brand building, and what it really takes to carve out space in today’s premium cigar market. We go beyond the blends and the bands to explore Jason’s journey—from navigating distribution and retail relationships to building a brand identity that resonates with modern cigar smokers. This conversation dives into the business side of cigars, lessons learned along the way, and how Outcast Cigars fits into the larger Miami Cigar Co. ecosystem. If you’re a cigar retailer, brand owner, or aficionado who enjoys hearing the why behind the smoke, this episode is for you. 🔥

In this episode, we cover: • The story behind Outcast Cigars • Jason Wood’s role at Miami Cigar Co. • Building a cigar brand in a crowded market • Retailer relationships & distribution strategy • Lessons from the premium cigar business

📺 About Deep Cuts Live Deep Cuts Live is a weekly interview series exploring the business, culture, and people of the premium cigar industry. Hosted by Antoine Reid, the show features honest, unscripted conversations with brand founders, manufacturers, retailers, and industry leaders.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and comment with your favorite takeaway—it helps the channel grow. 🔔 New episodes drop regularly—turn on notifications so you don’t miss one.

📌 Follow & Connect: Instagram: @editor.reid Website: https://deepcutslive.com

An all-new Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid. Episode 158 with special guest Mike Palmer, national sales manager for Powstanie Cigars.

An all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid. Episode 157 with special guest Ra'ed W. Saqfelhait, co-founder of The Leaf Master Tobacco Trading, LLC.

An all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid. Episode 156 features special guests Sandy Cobas and Giselle Herrera from El Titan de Bronze. This mother and daughter duo run one of the most popular cigar factories in Miami, Florida's Little Havana neighborhood. Learn how El Ttian de Bronze got its start, Sandy's rise in the industry, and why several leading cigar brands including Cohiba, Warped, and Drew Estate have some of their award-winning cigars made here.