Tim welcomes James and Nick back to the microphones in order to dig deeper into the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest, Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego Cigars. Just as you would expect, it's an episode of rabbit holes that lead the three deeper into the world of "Herklotsisms". Seriously, how often to you get one of the best dressed men in the industry to dump a load of cigar industry wisdom at your front door? Almost never! The three take a few of the conversation pieces from the latest episode and do a little self reflection.

James and Nick welcome Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego to the show. Michael has been in the industry on the retail side and the manufacturing side; so, it's no surprise that the discussion turns to B&Ms and cigar lounges. Michael talk about customer service and what consumers should expect from their retailer and cigar lounges. Yes, there's a difference between a cigar retailer and a cigar lounge. The conversation centers around familiarity vs formality. The trio also discuss what Michael looks for in these shops as a manufacturer, before the discussion turns to the manufacturing side. We ask Michael what he thinks is wrong with the industry before turning our attention to Ferio Tego, TPE, PCA, and more! 

Back to the microphones, Tim welcomes James and Nick to dig deeper into the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest, Sean Williams, Brand Ambassador of Cohiba Cigars. It's an episode of making sausage without telling you how it's made, or not. Tim lets James know how proud of him he really is. It's funny how much bigger the world is when you open your eyes. Nick gives insider information on how cigars are made from a blenders' perspective. The three reflect on a few questions that they wish were in the episode but just didn't make it this time.

James and Nick welcome Sean Williams to the show. Sean explains how he began in the cigar industry with his own brand, Premiere Mundo. The discussion turns to the pros and cons of boutique cigar companies vs the pros and cons of larger brands. Sean shares his passion for Cohiba and the blends he's done with them. We talk about the Cohiba Serie M, their collaboration with Weller, and the Spectre. We ask Sean what Cohiba blend he's most proud of, and what it's like going from boutique to "mainstream" cigars. Sean talks about why fans of boutique cigars should be more open-minded when it comes to the larger brands, and much more!

Tim brings James and Nick back to the microphone to discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with guest William "Cigar Coop" Cooper. While James tries to go right into his opinionated rants about a very well known cigar publication, Tim and Nick bring it back to a few food related stories of our own. Nick instantly regretted that decision. The three talk about friendships in the cigar industry and how hard it is to find the time to get everyone together to build those bonds. Viewers and listeners will also get a sneak peak at our #10 cigar of the year in advance.

James and Nick welcome back William "Cigar Coop" Cooper to Simply Stogies Podcast. The trio begin by discussing limited edition cigars, differences between limited edition and annual releases, and where the limited editions come and how much effort goes into them. The conversation then pivots to the Cigar of the Year lists, criteria, and what 2024 looks like. We talk PCA Trade Show, James asks Coop what Simply Stogies Podcast gets wrong, and much more!

Tim, James, and Nick are back to do what they have trouble doing, talking behind people's back. It's hard to do when the guests of Simply Stogies Podcast are so good. After James and Nick sit down with Dave and Andrew from smallbatchcigar.com, the three reflect on only a small portion of the great conversation. It didn't make sense to create back to back 2 hour shows. They cover a few of the inconsistencies in the show such as getting right cigar laws in California before the normal pre-game banter. The conversation continues with expansion on the difficulties of running a cigar lounge with or without an online presence and more secrets of the industry. James rounds out the show asking about his thoughts on the American pallet and tries to spread far fetched rumors about Tim. It's fun, friendship, and cigars all rolled into one.

James and Nick welcome Dave and Andrew from smallbatchcigar.com to the show. The quartet quickly jump to it as they discuss the new tobacco laws in California. Andrew's answer was insightful and gave some much needed context and perspective that seemed to be lacking in the coverage up to this point. We then talk about their magically fast shipping and packaging practices, how they maintain relationships in the industry, their philosophy on customer service, and working with manufacturers. Dave and Andrew then discuss their blind reviews and what Andrew thinks of them, reviewing biases in cigar reviews, what it's like working with manufacturers for shop exclusives, and so much more! This was a great conversation that we hope you enjoy as much as we did!

Tim, James, and Nick are back to continue the journey down the rabbit hole where the of “Relax and enjoy” still hold true. The three don’t spend too much time talking about their favorite TV shows but reflect on Nicaragua being on their bucket list of places to visit. Join a discussion where digging deeper into different tobaccos from various regions of the world will product something similar but far enough apart that it pays homage to its origins.

James and Nick welcome Enrique Sanchez of 1502 Cigars to the show. Enrique talks about how he got into the business and working with the Plasencia family on his first release. He shares his passion for Nicaragua and the differences between InterTabac and the PCA Trade Show, and his philosophy of "Relax and enjoy." Enrique also discusses being a boutique brand and what separates them from the "big guys," and why quality matters. James shares his thoughts on the Sopranos, volcanos, and freshwater sharks.