James and Nick discuss the 2023 Festival del Habano that was held in Cuba from Feb. 27 - March 3. Nick battles through the lingering cough from the "Commie Corona" to walk us through the good, bad, and the ugly of the festival. From swag to cigars and from long lines to overall costs, Nick takes us through what the 2023 Festival del Habano looked like. 

Tim and James have no show to discuss. Is it really an after show? Regardless, the pair discuss proposed rules for cigar factories by the FDA and how that will impact both mainstream and boutique cigars. That leads into a discussion of chewing tobacco vs vape vs cigarettes vs cigars and who chews/smokes what. Then the dysfunctional duo briefly touch on cigar festivals and where you might find them.

Tim and James cover Episode 98 of Simply Stogies Podcast. James smokes the Don Olivan Intercontinental and talks about have Ish Olivan on the podcast. We talk about BAMF Cigars' use of different tobaccos and why others should follow in their footsteps. James gives his thoughts on Ish and BAMF Cigars while Tim struggles to use their website. The duo then move on to Alec Bradley's sale to STG, its impact on the industry, and predatory practices by larger companies.

James and Nick welcome Ismael "Ish" Olivan, owner of BAMF Cigars and part of owner of Rodriguez Olivan Cigars Facotry, to the show. We talk to Ish about how he started his cigar journey and find out what he thinks the differences between the European cigar market and the American cigar market are. Ish tells us about his love of using tobacco leaves from regions of the world that might surprise you, as well as how he sometimes blends them there on the farm. Ish talks about starting BAMF Cigars and his vision for the company. This is a fascinating interview with a boutique cigar and factory owner that you do not want to miss.

Tim brings James back into the after show lounge following Simply Stogies Podcast Episode 97 where they recap one of the most long awaited shows in cigar listening history, The Smooth Draws Reunion Show. Travel down the rabbit hole as the duo talk about media in the cigar industry.

Nick and James are pleased to present the Smooth Draws Reunion Show. Nick welcomes part of the old Smooth Draws crew back: Chad "the Hangman" Potiers, Valerie Bradshaw, and William "Cigar Coop" Cooper. We find out how they started with the Smooth Draws radio show, some of what they did during their time with show, and what they're up to now. We look back fondly on the show and what Gary "Doc" Laden put together. Fans of the Smooth Draws Radio Show do not want to miss this reunion!

Tim and James discuss what the new after show is, before jumping into the new lounge and studio. The duo also discuss Simply Stogies Podcast Episode 96: Island Jim.

James and Nick welcome Island Jim to the first video show. Jim talks about how he got started in the business and his humble beginnings. We ask him about the industry, boutique cigars, and much more!

You can now WATCH Simply Stogies Podcast on YouTube or Rumble!

Nick and James tackle Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 of 2022. Is it pay to play? Was choosing a Cuban cigar a slap in the face to the non-Cuban (New World) cigar industry? Is it fair to keep out "boutique" cigar brands from their review process? Does James just like to rant? We give our opinions on these questions, as well as raise some issues with "smaller" cigar media. It's an interesting and thought provoking conversation with an industry insider (Nick) and an industry watcher (James). 

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I give you a look back at 2022 and share my Top 5 Cigars of 2022.

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