Eat Drink Smoke

Step into the world of premium cigars, nostalgic candy debates, and surprising holiday revelations with Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy. Their casual, witty banter creates an atmosphere that feels like sharing drinks with old friends as they explore the HVC Hotcake cigar – a beautifully crafted Connecticut broadleaf with a Nicaraguan binder and filler that delivers rich chocolate and coffee notes, accompanied by a surprising pepper finish.

The hosts dive into America's candy preferences just in time for Halloween, debating the merits of everything from Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to the controversial Sour Patch Kids (which Tony insists "are not candy"). Their passionate candy rankings and Halloween memories create a nostalgic journey that will have you reconsidering your own trick-or-treat favorites and neighborhood candy distribution strategies.

Key Takeaways:

HVC Hotcake cigar introduction and initial impressions
Tony's mysterious back injury story
America's most popular Halloween candies by state
The definitive list of worst Halloween candies (circus peanuts, candy corn)
Mid-smoke cigar review with emerging cedar notes
Surprising survey reveals Americans aren't taking vacation days
Why Halloween is actually the loneliest holiday for singles
The controversial topic of age-gap relationships

Whether you're a cigar aficionado looking for your next smoke, a candy enthusiast preparing for Halloween, or just someone who enjoys authentic conversation with plenty of laughs, this episode delivers premium entertainment with every puff. Grab your notebook to track those cigar flavors and listen now to experience the full flavor profile of both the HVC Hotcake and this delightfully engaging podcast.

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

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Are you ready for a cigar and bourbon pairing that delivers rich complexity and surprising flavor notes? Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy take you on a sensory adventure with HVC's Hot Cake cigar and the coveted Blanton's Gold Edition Bourbon in this episode that balances expert tasting notes with their signature entertaining banter.

The hosts dive into HVC's Hot Cake cigar, a 6 7/8 x 50 beauty featuring a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper with a Nicaraguan binder and filler. This limited-edition stick (only 350 boxes produced) showcases a distinctive appearance with its oil-rich, veined wrapper that Tony describes as "almost looking like a fossil." As they smoke, they discover evolving flavor profiles from rich black pepper and mocha to coffee notes, with an interesting cedar component emerging in the second third.

The episode pairs this smoke with Blanton's Gold Edition Bourbon (103 proof), exploring how this sought-after single barrel expression delivers a "luscious" nose with citrus, honey, and fruit notes. The hosts discuss how adding water or ice transforms the experience, opening up different flavor dimensions while maintaining the bourbon's character.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction to HVC's Hot Cake cigar and its Connecticut broadleaf wrapper characteristics
Halloween candy preferences and the hosts' take on the most/least popular options
Introduction to Blanton's Gold Edition Bourbon and initial tasting notes
Discussion of food recalls and creative land use ideas
Final thoughts on the cigar and bourbon pairing, plus economic observations

Whether you're a seasoned cigar enthusiast or bourbon aficionado, this episode offers valuable insights into flavor profiles, pairing techniques, and the stories behind these premium products. Listen now to discover if the $16 Hot Cake cigar and the highly coveted Blanton's Gold deserve a place in your humidor and liquor cabinet!

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

Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media!
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Facebook: @eatdrinksmoke
IG: @EatDrinkSmokePodcast

The Podcast is Free! Click Below!

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Are you ready to dive into a world where bourbon meets business, and everyday observations transform into profound insights? This episode takes you on a journey through the rich flavors of 2XO American Oak Bourbon while exploring everything from the skyrocketing costs of new vehicles to the questionable traditions of modern weddings.

Our hosts deliver an engaging tasting experience of 2XO's American Oak bourbon, revealing how this 92-proof spirit transforms from a sweet, creamy sipper neat to a more complex, balanced pour over ice. The conversation flows naturally from detailed flavor notes to broader cultural observations about automotive industry trends, media layoffs, and whether destination weddings are truly worth the expense.

Key Takeaways:

2XO American Oak bourbon tasting begins, revealing initial impressions of caramel, oak, and ethanol on the nose
Discussion of the bourbon's sweet, creamy mouthfeel with vanilla and caramel notes at 92 proof
News segment on new vehicle prices hitting an average of $50,000 for the first time
Conversation about manual transmissions becoming a "lost art" in modern vehicles
Cigar review of the Alec Bradley Gatekeeper Toro ($13)
How water and ice change the bourbon's flavor profile, bringing out more fruit notes
Media industry layoffs at NBC News and the changing business models in journalism
The surprising trend of brand-sponsored weddings and wedding traditions worth skipping

Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast looking for your next bottle, someone fascinated by cultural trends, or you simply enjoy thoughtful conversation with a side of humor, this episode delivers a perfect blend of substance and entertainment. Pour yourself something special and join us for this flavorful discussion about life's pleasures and peculiarities.

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Are you ready to step through the gateway to premium cigar enjoyment? Join Tony Katz and America's favorite amateur drinker, Fingers Malloy, as they light up the Alec & Bradley Gatekeeper Toro (6x52) and dive into a smoke-filled conversation about everything from proper tipping etiquette to the art of steak preparation. This episode offers an entertaining blend of cigar insights, cultural commentary, and the duo's signature banter, which will have you reaching for your humidor before the final third.

Key takeaways:

Cigar introduction: Alec & Bradley Gatekeeper Toro featuring an Ecuadorian habano wrapper with Nicaraguan and Dominican filler
First impressions: Bready sweetness, nuttiness, and a building cedar/pepper profile
Notebook tips: How to properly document your cigar experiences
Tipping culture debate -- When is it appropriate to tip, and when is it excessive?
Gaza ceasefire discussion and hostage situation updates
Steak marinating guide: Which cuts benefit from marinades and why

Throughout the smoke, the Gatekeeper reveals itself as a medium-plus bodied cigar with prominent cedar notes that some might interpret as white pepper. The hosts agree it's not a beginner's cigar, but offers excellent value at around $13 per stick.

Ready to experience this flavorful gateway to premium smoking yourself? Light up with Tony and Fingers by tuning in to the full episode, and don't forget to check out eatdrinksmokeshow.com for more cigar and bourbon adventures!

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On this latest episode of EDS, Tony and Fingers review the Alec & Bradley Gatekeeper cigar and 2XO Oak Series American Oak.

This Gatekeeper is a 6x52 Ecuadorian habano-wrapped beauty which showcases Nicaragua's finest tobacco with a Nicaraguan and Dominican filler. The hosts immediately note its substantial hand feel and attractive appearance - brown with mottled black streaking through the oily, gritty wrapper. As they progress through the smoke, they identify a journey from initial bready sweetness and nuttiness to a building cedar-like spice that dominates the middle third before revealing more tobacco-forward flavors.

Key Takeaways:
Introduction to Alec Bradley's sale and the Gatekeeper cigar's specifications
Discussion of the cigar's flavor profile - initial toast and nutty notes with building spice
The importance of keeping tasting notes to track your cigar experiences
Tasting 2XO Oak Series American Oak bourbon (92 proof)
News segment covering corporate media layoffs
Discussion about wedding sponsorships and modern wedding traditions

The hosts pair their Gatekeeper with 2XO Oak Series American Oak bourbon, noting how ice brings out more fruit notes and tames the initial ethanol heat. At $49.99 a bottle, they agree it's a worthwhile addition to any liquor cabinet, particularly when served on the rocks.

Ready to explore these flavors yourself? The Alec & Bradley Gatekeeper offers an accessible yet complex smoking experience at around $13 per stick - a worthy addition to any humidor for both casual smokers and aficionados alike.

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

Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media!
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Facebook: @eatdrinksmoke
IG: @EatDrinkSmokePodcast

The Podcast is Free! Click Below!

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Step into the world of whiskey appreciation with hosts Tony Katz and America's favorite amateur drinker, Fingers Malloy. This episode takes a delightful detour from bourbon to explore Fraser and Thompson North American Whiskey—launched by none other than crooner Michael Bublé. The hosts dive into a lively tasting session, debating the whiskey's butterscotch sweetness and oaky undertones while sharing laughs over spilled spirits and steak nuggets.

The conversation flows as smoothly as the whiskey they're sampling, wandering through topics like Southern beverages, the return of 90s relics among Gen Z, and why flip phones might be making a comeback in our social media-saturated world. With expert cigar pairings and humorous tangents about everything from sweet tea preferences to the lost art of film photography, this episode captures the casual camaraderie that makes whiskey appreciation so enjoyable.

Key Takeaways:

First impressions of Fraser and Thompson North American Whiskey, noting its pale gold color and distinctive nose
Tasting notes debate: Tony finds overwhelming butterscotch sweetness while Fingers detects honey, oak, and subtle spice
Discussion of Southern defining drinks including sweet tea, bourbon, and the iconic Sazerac
Cigar pairing: The Bricktoberfest from J.C. Newman at $12, described as an excellent value smoke
Gen Z trends including the return of digital cameras, Polaroids, and flip phones as a reaction to smartphone fatigue

Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or just enjoy spirited conversation, this episode offers the perfect blend of expertise and entertainment. Pour yourself something special and join Tony and Fingers for this journey through flavors, trends, and the occasional spilled drink!

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

Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media!
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Facebook: @eatdrinksmoke
IG: @EatDrinkSmokePodcast

The Podcast is Free! Click Below!

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As autumn settles in, Tony Katz and "America's favorite amateur drinker" Fingers Malloy dive into the seasonal spirit with J.C. Newman's limited edition Bricktoberfest cigar. This episode explores the rich, spicy notes of this Ecuadorian Havana Rosado wrapper beauty while delivering candid commentary on everything from proper cigar appreciation to the absurdity of bathroom phone scrolling. The hosts share their unfiltered thoughts on value, flavor profiles, and the perfect pairing opportunities for this seven-and-three-quarter-inch Churchill.

The conversation begins with a detailed examination of the Bricktoberfest's construction and initial flavor notes. Both hosts immediately detect a pleasant spice and wood combination, with Fingers noting a subtle cashew undertone. At just $12 per stick, they agree this limited edition release represents exceptional value for cigar enthusiasts, particularly as a perfect companion for football season.

Key Takeaways:

Detailed description of the Bricktoberfest cigar's appearance, size, and construction
Initial flavor profile analysis: spice, wood notes, and subtle natural sweetness
Value assessment and recommendation for purchasing strategy
The "Arby's steak nugget" taste test and critique
Discussion of economic concerns: gold prices, inflation, and government shutdown
The health hazards of "doom scrolling" on the toilet

The hosts also tackle current events including the government shutdown, economic indicators like gold prices crossing $4,000 an ounce, and the potential return of stagflation. Their humorous tangent on smartphone addiction culminates in a discussion about the surprising health risks of extended bathroom scrolling sessions.

Ready to elevate your autumn smoking experience? Grab yourself a Bricktoberfest while supplies last and see if you agree with Tony and Fingers that this limited edition offering deserves a place in your humidor!

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

Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media!
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Facebook: @eatdrinksmoke
IG: @EatDrinkSmokePodcast

The Podcast is Free! Click Below!

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October brings a flurry of "-tober" celebrations - Oktoberfest, Watchtober, Techtober, and for cigar enthusiasts, Bricktoberfest. Join Tony Katz and America's favorite amateur drinker, Fingers Malloy, as they embark on a sensory journey through J.C. Newman's Bricktoberfest special edition cigar and Fraser & Thompson North American Whiskey. Their candid conversation delves into the rich flavors of these seasonal offerings while exploring the absurdity of Arby's "steak nuggets" and the cultural phenomenon of doom scrolling on social media.

This episode delivers a perfect blend of humor and expertise as our hosts dissect the oil-rich Ecuadorian Havana Rosado wrapper of the Bricktoberfest cigar, noting its saddle leather appearance and delightful spice-wood flavor profile. Meanwhile, Michael Bublé's whiskey proves surprisingly sweet with butterscotch notes that divide our hosts' opinions.

Key Takeaways:

Bricktoberfest cigar review begins, exploring the Ecuadorian Havana Rosado wrapper and Nicaraguan binder/filler.
The importance of taking tasting notes and how the weather affects your palate.
Arby's "steak nuggets" taste test.
Fraser & Thompson North American Whiskey review.
The government shutdown discussion and its surprising lack of media coverage.
Health risks of doom scrolling while in the bathroom.
Monster.com's hottest jobs report despite the government shutdown.
Gen Z's surprising return to 90s technology like digital cameras and flip phones.

Whether you're a cigar aficionado, whiskey enthusiast, or just enjoy entertaining banter about life's pleasures, this episode delivers the perfect soundtrack for your fall weekend. Light up your favorite smoke, pour a glass of something special, and join Tony and Fingers for another memorable journey through the finer things in life.

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Ever wondered what cigar aficionados reach for when time is limited but flavor can't be compromised? The El Baton Firecracker might be your answer. This unique 3.5 x 50 Cameroon-wrapped cigar comes complete with a distinctive "fuse" running down its side, making it instantly recognizable. But does this diminutive smoke—affectionately called a "dog walker" in cigar circles—deliver enough satisfaction to justify its $10 price tag?

Tony Katz and Fingers Molloy dive into this compact powerhouse, discovering surprising depth in such a small package. The cigar delivers immediate notes of pepper and cedar, with subtle sweetness and nuttiness developing throughout the brief smoke. While Tony typically avoids smaller cigars, even he acknowledges the quality construction and flavor profile that J.C. Newman has packed into this little firecracker.

- The Firecracker delivers surprising complexity for its small size with prominent cedar, pepper, and sweet nutty notes
- At $10, some smokers might question the value compared to larger cigars at similar price points
- Perfect for situations when you only have 30-45 minutes but still want a quality cigar experience
- Excellent construction and draw despite the compact size

Whether you're grilling steaks and need a quick smoke or just have limited time in your day, this little Firecracker might be worth trying. Tune in to hear the full review and decide if this unique cigar deserves a spot in your humidor!

Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media!
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Facebook: @eatdrinksmoke
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What happens when you pair a miniature cigar with airplane-sized tequila? Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy take listeners on a delightful journey into the world of small-format indulgences. This episode offers a refreshingly honest take on Don Julio Blanco tequila and the El Baton Cameroon Firecracker cigar, while delving into topics ranging from proper grill storage to the economics of modern dating.

The duo discovers they've exhausted Tony's bourbon collection and announces plans for a bourbon shopping spree. Meanwhile, Fingers finally celebrates selling his house after what seemed like "nine hundred years." Their banter creates the perfect backdrop for exploring these compact but flavorful offerings.

Key Takeaways:

Don Julio Blanco tequila introduction - The hosts discuss how tequila consumption has evolved from shots to sipping
Tasting notes reveal citrus, white pepper, and tropical fruit flavors in the Blanco
The great grill debate: Should you store your grill in the garage? Tony and Fingers nearly come to blows
El Baton Cameroon Firecracker cigar review - A small but tobacco-forward smoke that lasts longer than expected
Dating economics: Why young singles are giving up on dating due to costs
The robot revolution: Door Dash's autonomous delivery bots and what they mean for society
Financial literacy crisis: The importance of teaching kids economic basics

Whether you're a cigar aficionado looking for a quick smoke, a tequila enthusiast, or enjoy lively debate about life's pleasures, this episode delivers entertainment and insights in equal measure. Tune in to hear why sometimes the smallest offerings pack the biggest punch!

Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media!
X (Formerly Twitter): @GoEatDrinkSmoke
Facebook: @eatdrinksmoke
IG: @EatDrinkSmokePodcast

The Podcast is Free! Click Below!

Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
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Spotify

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.