Simply Stogies

James and Nick welcome Mo Maali, owner and founder of Patina Cigars back to the show. We discuss the current economy, its impact on the cigar industry, and how it affects cigar releases and how Patina approaches releases. Mo talks about the Oro de Nicaragua, which factory it came from, and why it was released before the PCA Trade Show. He gives advice to new boutique manufacturers on the scene. We talk about the smoke and mirrors of the cigar industry and how it reflects society. We also touch on his podcast, Sultans of Smoke, Patina's Anniversary blend releasing in different vitolas, the cost of cigars, and Mo's and Nick's celebrity look-a-likes.

Tim, James, and Nick go down rabbit hole after rabbit hole following the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars. It's easy to do and that's what Clear the Air is all about. Join the trio as they talk about many troubles within the cigar industry.

Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars returns to Simply Stogies Podcast to chat with James and Nick about what he has been up to. Nimmer talks about his process of validating blends and the time it takes to make sure they're ready for release. He also discusses his latest release, the Astronomia. The Astronomia is the newest addition to Valacari Cigars' core lines. Nimmer tells us why it was important to get the Astronomia right and why it took so long to add to his core line.

Tim brings your favorite cigar podcast hosts back to the microphone to talk about the latest episode featuring Eddy Guerra, head of marketing for some of the best cigars around, Davidoff. As always, Tim leads James and Nick down rabbit holes that prove hard to get out of.

James and Nick welcome Eddy Guerra, Head of Brand Marketing for Davidoff Cigars, to the show. Eddy tells the story of how he got in the industry and the type of people that he interacted with. Eddy's goal was to eventually work for Davidoff, but his journey had a few stops along the way. Eddy talks about cigar marketing in the industry, the good and the bad, as well as what he believes hurts the industry. There's a great discuss of "cigar events" vs "cigar experiences" and what he and Davidoff have done to change the game for the industry.

Tim brings your favorite cigar podcasters back to the microphone once again to dive deeper into the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Rick and Sara Rodriguez of West Tampa Cigar Company. The trio talk about the fun that can be had in the industry when going to events and meeting you favorite cigar "icons". There's more to the industry than just a cigar and a price. We have lots of laughs and admire WTTC, Rick, and Sara as they pave a pathway to the cigar industries future.

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZYo2DN3rq90

James and Nick sit down with Chef Rick Rodriguez and his daughter Sara, of West Tampa Tobacco Co. We discuss what they've learned since starting West Tampa Tobacco. From what they thought being prepared looked like, to wearing different hats for the company, to learning to delegate. Sara discusses the stories that she's making, the memories and the friends along the way. She also talks about forging her own path and focusing on the human side of the industry.

Tim, James, and Nick are back at the microphones to make another attempt to talk behind peoples back. Listen as they discover how hard that is to do when it's great people like Al and Amanda Micallef of Micallef Cigars. The three talk about the latest episode and dive deeper into things like the "Micallef Effect".

James and Nick sit down for an in-depth discussion about business and entrepreneurship with Al Micallef, founder of Micallef Cigars, and his daughter and head of marketing, Amanda Micallef. The conversation begins with Al discussing how he had an interest in business from a young age and how he parlayed that into where he is now. We find out that Amanda started as a producer in Hollywood, and has her own IMDB page. The four of also discuss working with family, how Dan Thompson (President of Micallef Cigars) joined the team and how he navigates differences of opinions between Al and Amanda, as well as women in the cigar industry and their importance of growing the consumer base and the industry. We talk cigar pricing and the "Micallef Affect." It was a great conversation. You can talk with Al, Amanda, and more of their team at their Micallef Socials later this year (you can find one nearest you on Eventbrite).

Tim brings James and Nick back to the studio to talk about the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Miguel Schodel with Crowned Heads and OZ Family Cigars. We notice there are no screaming children in the background while we  appreciate the hard work  and dedication that goes into leading a team to success. Nick tells us how boutique cigars are still a vital part of the industry and we discuss how information at our finger tips can hurt and help the industry.