Eat Drink Smoke

On this episode of Eat Drink Smoke, Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy power through sickness, sarcasm, and a chest-cold-induced remote setup to deliver a packed show covering cigars, bourbon, holiday drinks, money, travel, and the absurdities of modern life.

Tony fires up an El Rey del Mundo’s “The Appointment” cigar, a 5x60 Gordo featuring a Cameroon wrapper by the Eiroa family, Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and a complex Honduran, Ecuadorian, and Nicaraguan blend. The guys break down flavor notes, including caramel, cedar, spice, and rich tobacco, debate ring gauge preferences, and ask the big question: Is this one of the best cigars under $10? (Spoiler: at $8.50, it might be.)

Because Fingers is under the weather, the drinks diverge this week. Tony revisits the Blue Run High Rye Bourbon (111 proof), calling it a must-have bottle with notes of caramel, butterscotch, spice, and rye heat. Fingers opts for holiday comfort, sipping Evan Williams Peppermint White Chocolate Eggnog, a surprisingly delicious seasonal pour made with bourbon, rum, and brandy — and available for under $10.

The conversation widens into the news of the week, including:

• Amazon Prime Video launching a news hub, and what it means for media companies

• Spirit Airlines selling O’Hare gate space, and why budget airlines feel riskier than ever

• The true cost of modern travel, nonstop flights, and airline reliability

• Why Americans are struggling to retire — and what the numbers really say

• How AI is reshaping jobs, careers, and spending habits

• The rise of 7- and 8-year car loans, $1,000/month car payments, and why used trucks suddenly make more sense

• The psychological traps of consumerism, Starbucks math, and “keeping up with the Joneses”

Along the way, the guys debate foot rubs, socks, Amazon impulse buys, holiday gift nonsense, and why financial literacy still isn’t taught when it matters most.

It’s classic Eat Drink Smoke: cigars, bourbon, food, money, culture, and humor — delivered even when Fingers probably should’ve stayed in bed.

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In this episode of Eat Drink Smoke, Tony Katz and Fingers Maloy dive into the world of bourbon with Maker’s Mark 101 (Special Proof). They discuss the classic bourbon's rich flavor profile, from caramel to oak, and how it's a great choice for the holidays. The guys also explore the importance of quality control in food manufacturing, highlighting a recent recall of shredded cheese due to the possible presence of metal fragments. They share their thoughts on the decline of quality and accountability in various industries, from food to aviation.

All that, and more, on an all-new Eat Drink Smoke!

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In this Happy Hour episode of Eat, Drink, Smoke, Tony Katz and Fingers Moley review the Battleborn cigar, a military-inspired smoke with a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper and Nicaraguan filler. They discuss the cigar's unique characteristics, including its rich tobacco flavor and subtle fruit notes. Tony shares his thoughts on the cigar's value, saying it's worth the price for the good cause it supports, the Fisherhouse Foundation. The guys also dive into current events, including the impact of AI on the job market and the trend of "car spreading" in Europe.

All that, and more, on an all-new Eat Drink Smoke!

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Tony Katz and America’s favorite amateur drinker, Fingers Malloy, fire up the E.P. Carrillo Battleborn Warrior—a Connecticut Broadleaf-wrapped, double-binder, Nicaraguan-filled cigar created in tribute to the military, with proceeds supporting Fisher House Foundation. At $23 a stick, they dig into whether the profile (rich, tobacco-forward, hints of dark fruit, wood, a touch of floral on the retrohale) and story justify the price—and why you should never panic if a cigar feels a little dry coming out of the humidor.

In the glass, they pour Maker’s Mark 101 (Special Proof)—a 101-proof take on a classic bourbon. Tony and Fingers break down the nose (caramel, oak, a little fruit), the surprising melon/citrus notes on the palate, how the heat presents for a 101-proofer, and how a cube of ice changes the entire experience. They land on an easy verdict: this is exactly the kind of “always-have-it-on-hand” bottle every holiday liquor cabinet needs.

From there, the guys dive into a run of real-world nonsense and news: Target’s Black Friday swag-bag backlash (gummies, Uno cards, travel shampoo and lip oil after waiting in line since 3 a.m.), the rise of oversized vehicles in Europe and the U.S. and what “car spreading” and policies like Vision Zero really signal, and why economic numbers—from jobs reports to Black Friday spending to AI layoffs—feel completely out of whack.

They also tackle the never-ending wave of food recalls, including shredded cheese and milk, and ask whether we’re just better at catching problems or worse at making the food in the first place. And in a truly gross moment of modern life, they break down the viral DoorDash “dropped wing” video—where a driver picks a boneless wing up off the concrete, tosses it back in the box, licks his fingers, and walks away—plus what basic decency in food handling should look like.

Along the way: cigar-notebook tips, why shredded cheese might haunt your dreams, talk of big steaks in Iowa, and a very real threat to road-trip to Memphis for King Jerry Lawler’s barbecue.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• A full review of the E.P. Carrillo Battleborn Warrior cigar: construction, flavor notes, strength, burn, and value.

• A tasting of Maker’s Mark 101—how it compares to classic Maker’s, what flavors pop neat vs. over ice, and if it belongs in your home bar.

• The Black Friday Target swag-bag outrage and how to build a promo that doesn’t insult your customers.

• “Car spreading,” Vision Zero, and the cultural war over big vehicles, comfort, and personal freedom.

• Why food recalls (cheese, milk, and more) feel constant—and what that says about quality control.

• The DoorDash chicken wing disaster and Tony’s…let’s just say strong feelings about consequences.

Perfect for cigar lovers, bourbon fans, and anyone who enjoys a little economic confusion and consumer-culture madness with their smoke.

All that, and more, on an all-new Eat Drink Smoke!

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Tony and Fingers keep the Thanksgiving weekend chill rolling with another round of the Arturo Fuente Rare Pink Sophisticated Hooker, then turn to meat, money, and modern misery.

First up: meat. They shout out Defiance Beef, talking quarter, half, and whole cow orders, 21-day aging, ribeyes, strips, brisket, and why freezer beef might be the smartest “Black Friday” buy you can make.

Then Tony unveils his own barrel pick:

• Old Hamer 11-Year Single Barrel (selected by Tony Katz)

• 99% corn, 1% malted barley, a monster at 127.6 proof

• Big butterscotch, cocoa, oak, cinnamon heat, sting on the tongue but a surprisingly gentle chest warmth

Fingers nearly tears up after a sip and warns that this pairing—Rare Pink plus 127-proof bourbon—is not for the faint of heart.

From there, they dig into the real world:

• Foreclosures up 20%, car repos climbing, and zero-percent car deals that scream “trouble.”

• Why some people are still spending like crazy while falling behind on mortgages and auto loans.

• Streaming overload: multiple services, skyrocketing sports rights, and how NFL Sunday Ticket and exclusive games are punishing traditional cable viewers.

• The slow fade of channels like MTV and Cartoon Network, and what that means for old-school cable.

Big cigar, bigger bourbon, and a sober look at an economy that doesn’t quite add up.

All that, and more, on an all-new Eat Drink Smoke!

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Slowed down, stuffed, and still smoking — Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy ride out Thanksgiving weekend with a rare Arturo Fuente and a whole lot of cultural madness.

Tony and Fingers ease into the holiday haze with the Arturo Fuente Rare Pink “Sophisticated Hooker” — a 7¼ x 53 Diadema with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers, and a white-pepper spice that works its way across the palate. They break down why Rare Pinks are so coveted, whether they’re worth the chase, and how MSRP ($17.75) becomes fantasy once the secondary market gets involved.

The guys also recap Tony’s Thanksgiving cigar marathon (yes, six cigars in 30 hours), the joys of brisket smoking overnight, and why cold-weather cigar logistics separate the casuals from the committed.

From there, they swing into a deeply fun, deeply ridiculous cultural grab bag:

• Influencers behaving badly — including a chronic dine-and-dash “Instagram star” arrested six times for scamming New York restaurants, even trying to barter stolen kitchen shears at Peter Luger’s.

• The decline of thank-you notes and the rise of singing telegrams — including Fingers’ nightmare scenario of receiving one.

• Black Friday memories, mayhem, and today’s endless “deals” — from 98-inch TVs under $1,000 to conversations about whether any of us really need designer sneakers, more AirPods, or another laptop.

• PC vs. Mac truce negotiations, because do either of them even know what version of Windows exists anymore?

Throughout, Tony and Fingers keep the Rare Pink smoke rolling, noting shifts from spice to hay to wood, and reflecting on how this year’s cigars and bourbons stack up heading into their Top Cigars & Top Bourbons of 2025 lists.

It’s the perfect post-holiday episode: relaxed, flavorful, a little silly, and full of those classic Eat! Drink! Smoke! left-turn conversations you can’t get anywhere else.

All that, and more, on an all-new Eat Drink Smoke!

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Are you ready to unwind after the holiday rush? Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy invite you to join them in a relaxed post-Thanksgiving episode where they're taking it easy just like you. The duo lights up Arturo Fuente Rare Pink "Sophisticated Hooker" cigars (named after a fishing boat!) and samples Tony's exclusive barrel pick from West Fork Whiskey.

Between puffs and sips, they dive into discussions about the rise of foreclosures, the absurdity of "influencer" culture, and the importance of writing thank-you notes in our digital age. The conversation meanders through Black Friday deals, the economics of streaming services, and whether a 98-inch television is simply too much (spoiler: Tony thinks not).

Key Takeaways:

Cigar review: The Arturo Fuente Rare Pink "Sophisticated Hooker" with its Ecuadorian habano wrapper and distinctive white pepper spice notes

The duo discusses the fraudulent "influencer" who's been arrested six times for dining and dashing at upscale restaurants

The lost art of thank-you notes and proper etiquette in the digital age

Tony unveils his barrel pick: West Fork Whiskey Old Hamer 11-Year Bourbon (127.6 proof) with notes of butterscotch, cinnamon, and oak

Economic discussion: Rising foreclosures and vehicle repossessions signaling trouble ahead

The overwhelming cost of streaming services and the decline of cable TV

Whether you're still in your turkey (or brisket) coma or just looking for some entertaining conversation to accompany your weekend relaxation, this episode delivers with the perfect blend of spirits, smokes, and spirited discussion. Pour yourself something nice, light up if you're so inclined, and join Tony and Fingers for this laid-back holiday weekend special.

All that, and more, on an all-new Eat Drink Smoke!

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In this Happy Hour edition of Eat Drink Smoke, hosts Tony Katz and "America's favorite amateur drinker" Fingers Malloy dive into holiday preparations with spirited debate and flavorful reviews. From Thanksgiving dinner traditions to bourbon tastings, the duo explores what makes the perfect holiday gathering while sharing personal anecdotes that will have you laughing along.

The conversation heats up as they discuss Thanksgiving side dishes, with passionate defenses of everything from funeral potatoes to eggplant parmesan. Tony reveals his ambitious feast plans featuring multiple briskets while Fingers shares his smoking turkey techniques. Their banter about proper Thanksgiving attire (pajama pants or slacks?) perfectly captures the casual-versus-formal holiday dilemma we all face.

Key Takeaways:
Jim Beam Winter Reserve bourbon review: An 86-proof bourbon with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and clove that divides the hosts.
Thanksgiving meal traditions and the great sides debate (green bean casserole, yams, and the controversial dinner rolls).
Tony's gravy-making technique uses blended aromatics and drippings.
Rocky Patel 30th Anniversary cigar review: A box-pressed beauty with tobacco-forward flavor and hints of cocoa.
Listener questions about The Late Hour by Davidoff and online cigar purchasing options.

Whether you're planning your own Thanksgiving feast or looking for the perfect holiday bourbon to serve guests, this episode delivers entertaining insights and honest reviews that will enhance your seasonal celebrations. Pour yourself something special and listen now!

All that, and more, on an all-new Eat Drink Smoke!

Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media!
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On this Happy Hour, Tony and Fingers explore the Rocky Patel Thirtieth Anniversary Toro. This episode takes you on a flavorful journey through this beautifully crafted box-pressed cigar, featuring a deep Mexican San Andreas wrapper and a seven-year-aged Nicaraguan binder.

The hosts dive into the rich tobacco-forward profile that evolves throughout the smoking experience, revealing subtle notes of cocoa, wood, and a gentle spice that develops as the cigar progresses. Their candid conversation captures both the artistry behind Rocky Patel's milestone release and whether this $18 stick deserves a place in your humidor.

Key Takeaways:

First impressions of the Rocky Patel 30th Anniversary's appearance and construction.
Initial flavor profile discussion: rich tobacco with subtle cocoa and wood notes.
The importance of keeping cigar tasting notes and how the weather affects your experience.
Second-third flavor development with increased cedar notes.
Final thoughts on value and whether this cigar belongs in your collection.                                      "Oreo Gate" - The hosts' hilarious misadventure with overpriced holiday-themed cookies.
News of the week: Economic indicators and what they mean for consumers.

Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or curious newcomer to premium cigars, this episode offers valuable insights into cigar appreciation while delivering plenty of laughs along the way. Light up your favorite stick and join Tony and Fingers for this entertaining exploration of Rocky Patel's anniversary celebration.

All that, and more, on an all-new Eat Drink Smoke!

Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media!
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Ever wondered what makes a cigar worth its price tag? Or why some bourbons capture the essence of winter? In this episode, Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy delve into the Rocky Patel Thirtieth Anniversary cigar and Jim Beam Winter Reserve bourbon, sharing their unfiltered thoughts on holiday traditions, disappointing Oreo purchases, and the ideal Thanksgiving spread.

The duo kicks off with an examination of Rocky Patel's extensive cigar lineup, focusing on the Thirtieth Anniversary Toro, which features a Mexican San Andreas wrapper and a 7-year-aged Nicaraguan binder. Their journey continues with a taste test of Jim Beam's Winter Reserve bourbon, where they detect notes of vanilla, clove, and spice that evoke the winter season - though not without some debate about whether it's worth its price point.

In a moment of consumer outrage that will have you laughing out loud, Tony recounts his $45 Thanksgiving-themed Oreo disaster, providing a cautionary tale about holiday marketing that resonates with anyone who's ever felt duped by seasonal packaging. The episode rounds out with an in-depth discussion of Thanksgiving side dishes, from the controversial green bean casserole to the merits of dinner rolls at the holiday table.

Key Takeaways:
* The Rocky Patel 30th Anniversary is a well-constructed box-pressed cigar with rich tobacco flavors, though the hosts debate whether it justifies its $17.50 price tag
* Jim Beam Winter Reserve offers subtle notes of vanilla, clove, and spice that might appeal to those seeking a seasonal bourbon, but at $29.99, it's not for everyone
* When it comes to Thanksgiving sides, the classics reign supreme, but everyone has their non-negotiables (and Tony will never understand dinner rolls at the holiday table)

Whether you're planning your holiday drinking and smoking lineup or just need some entertainment for your commute, this episode delivers laughs, insights, and honest reviews to help you navigate your next purchase. Give it a listen and join the Eat Drink Smoke community!

All that, and more, on an all-new Eat Drink Smoke!

Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media!
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The Podcast is Free! Click Below!

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