Nice Ashes: Cigars and Culture

Welcome to this week's episode of Nice Ashes! Join Mike and Nate as they tackle the much-anticipated Rico Barato Robusto Connecticut cigar, which may just take the crown for the worst they’ve ever smoked. Listen in as they express their distaste for the flavor and reminisce about past traumatic smoking experiences. They dive into a lively discussion about recent ballot measures, including the nuances of voting laws, abortion rights, and minimum wage discussions across various states. Their banter navigates through political opinions, personal anecdotes, and the importance of local elections versus national contests. Will this cigar become their new low point? Tune in to find out!

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Join Mike and Nate on this episode of Nice Ashes as they indulge in the Rico Barato Torpedo Maduro. They dive into their initial impressions of the cigar, discussing its troublesome construction and unexpected flavors, including a few unfortunate construction defects that lead to some humorous moments.

As they light up, the discussion shifts from cigars to the ever-controversial topic of cigar ratings, particularly how Cigar Aficionado evaluates different smokes. Mike and Nate explore the subjective nature of cigar tasting, how the industry’s rating systems might not always serve consumers well, and the peculiarities of reviews in today's media landscape, including movies and products. 

Expect some laugh-out-loud moments as they critique not only the cigar at hand but the entire culture of ratings, from the quirks of professional reviewers to the unreliability of user-submitted feedback.

Grab a smoke and tune in to hear their candid thoughts, learn about their experiences, and join the conversation on the complexities of tasting and rating cigars! Don’t forget to check out their Instagram for visuals and updates, and consider supporting their Patreon for bonus content and more.

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In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Nate and Mike light up a Rico Barato Connecticut Torpedo and dive deep into the controversial topic of "transmaxxing." As they explore the nuances of this internet-born phenomenon, they discuss real-life cases, including individuals who have transitioned or identified as transgender for personal gain, such as to win custody battles or improve dating prospects. The duo navigates the complexities surrounding transgender identities and societal perceptions, along the way sharing laughs and their honest opinions. They also take a candid look at the cigar they’re smoking, which doesn’t fare well in their ratings, comparing it unfavorably to previous smokes. Join in for an engaging discussion that blends humor, critical thought, and a good dose of cigar critique!

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In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Mike and Nate dive into their smokey experience with the Flor de Oliva Original cigar. They explore its unique flavors, contrasting it with previous variations like the Maduro and Gold. The duo then shifts gears to discuss the book “Sparked,” a collection of essays about race and resilience in Minnesota following the George Floyd incident. Their candid critique reveals the elitism present in many of the essays, as they share their frustrations about the lack of genuine voices and action plans in the narratives. With humor and insight, they scrutinize the authors' perspectives and question the depth of their understanding of the issues at hand. Tune in for a lively conversation filled with thought-provoking observations, cigar recommendations, and a healthy dose of sarcasm!

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In this episode of Nice Ashes, hosts Nate and Mike dive into the complexities of race and the impact of George Floyd’s legacy in their review of the book Sparked: George Floyd, Racism, and the Progressive Illusion. As they light up a Flor de Oliva Gold cigar—distinctly lighter than the Maduro—they engage in a candid conversation about the book's essays written by elites discussing race relations in Minnesota.

With humorous banter and critical analysis, Nate and Mike dissect various essays that tackle topics from police encounters to systemic inequality, with both hosts sharing their contrasting views on the authors’ perspectives. Expect in-depth discussions on what it means to navigate conversations about race as white men and the challenges of addressing sensitive social issues in contemporary America.

As they progress through the essays, the duo blends personal anecdotes with deeper reflections on societal structures while alluding to their experiences with cigars that range from mundane to occasionally disappointing. Tune in for part one of this engaging examination of Sparked, and brace yourself for a thought-provoking exploration of race, privilege, and personal responsibility, accompanied by a light-hearted discussion of their accompanying cigar.

Join them next week for part two, where they promise more insights and maybe a bit of flame.

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Mike and Nate smoke a Flor de Oliva Madura,a budget-friendly cigar that brings standard Maduro flavors without any surprises. As they enjoy their smokes, the duo dives deep into a lively discussion on the darker, original versions of beloved fairy tales, tracing the rich history behind classics like Pinocchio, Rapunzel, and Snow White. They explore the morbid twists in these stories and debate whether the grim narratives lead to a better understanding of morality compared to the sanitized Disney adaptations we know today. Tune in for a blend of cigar reviews, nostalgic storytelling, and insightful commentary on cultural narratives, as Mike and Nate compare the frothy sweetness of modern fairy tales with their often brutal beginnings—plus a few tangential rants about beer, movies, and childhood memories along the way!

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Join Mike and Nate on this special episode of Nice Ashes as they welcome musician Bert Badger to the show. The trio dives into a lighthearted conversation about cigars, music, and memories, all while enjoying a unique Acid Blondie cigar. Bert shares his journey, including the release of his new album, French Toast (All Bangers), highlighting standout tracks and the creative process behind his music.

As they smoke, they discuss everything from the quirks of cigar culture to the challenges of recording, and even reminisce about their shared past in TV and radio. Bert spills some fun anecdotes, including his experience living in Las Vegas and the impact of “Waffle House” culture.

Listen as the group reviews their cigar, explores Bert's music, and even debates childhood favorites like American Tail. Remember to support Bert on Bandcamp for a taste of his unique sound!

Bert's Instagram.

Turn It Up! and French Toast courtesy of Bert Badger, © 2024.

Special shout-out to The Malibu Cigar Lounge.

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Mike and Nate smoke an Espinosa The Dude, courtesy of Matt, and discuss The Big Lebowski.

Throughout the conversation, they explore the film's quirky characters, memorable scenes, and its blend of comedy and absurdity, all while sharing personal anecdotes and fun trivia. They also discuss the cigar's impressive flavor profile, which features unexpected spice and fits perfectly with the laid-back vibe of the movie.

Join them for laughs, insightful commentary, and a light-hearted exploration of this cult classic, punctuated by their own friendly competition over the episode's cover art. Whether you're a fan of the film or a cigar enthusiast, this episode promises a delightful blend of humor and nostalgia.

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Mike and Nate are joined by Jordan and they try a Fireball Cinnamon Cigar, with Fireball. The trio explores the cigar's flavor profile—experiencing hints of vanilla and mild sweetness, while wrestling with differing opinions about its cinnamon notes.

As they light up their cigars, Jordan, who hasn't smoked in years, shares his excitement about the Fireball Cigar, especially as a fan of the brand. The conversation takes amusing turns—reflecting on nostalgia for past experiences, the quirks of bowling, and even the ridiculousness of VHS tapes and classic video gaming culture.

Jordan, who also runs a custom printing business, discusses his passion for creating unique items, including the possibility of sublimation-printed bowling balls, suggesting a crossover between their hobbies and talents. The episode culminates in an engaging debate about the changing landscape of video games and movies, with emphasis on the diminishing quality in modern releases.

Be sure to visit Jordan's website!

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Mike and Nate smoke a Rocky Patel The Edge Corojo Fuma and continue their History of the shotgun. This episode includes the technical aspects of shotguns, including types of actions, chamber sizes, and choke mechanics.

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