In Episode 027, we break down Steve Saka's advice on cigar smoking progression for beginners, debate the best coffee and cigar pairings, and review the Cigar Aficionado Top 25 list for 2025.

🔥 WHAT WE'RE SMOKING:

La Flor Dominicana Air Bender

RoMa Craft

Tabernacle Double Corona

Nica Rustica

Patina Anniversary

Crowned Heads Belgian Blue

LA Cigar Collective Gris Gris

💡 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

0:00 - Intro & What We're Smoking

0:46 - Gris Gris from LA Cigar Collective

2:53 - Shipping Woes & Online Cigar Orders

12:04 - Coffee & Cigar Pairings Discussion

21:36 - Steve Saka's Beginner Advice & Cigar Evolution

30:46 - Cigar Aficionado Top 25 Breakdown

42:58 - Eddie's Visit to Smokers Abbey Nashville

59:03 - Morning Cigars & Daily Routines

1:00:11 - Mobile Cigar Lounges & New Trends

📚 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The natural progression from mild to full-bodied and back

Why wrapper color doesn't determine strength

Don't overbuy when you're starting out

Coffee pairs with almost any cigar

Updates on new cigar lounges and products

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Charlie Albanetti quit his 20-year political career to create something the cigar world had never seen: Abbina Craft Sipping Soda - the first non-alcoholic beverage specifically designed to pair with premium cigars.

In this episode, Charlie joins us alongside Big Rob from LA Cigar Collective to break down the science, passion, and craft behind Abbina's four unique flavors. From jerk-seasoned molasses to saffron and patchouli, these aren't your average sodas.

We dive into:

How Charlie went from politics to perfumery to craft beverages

The flavor science behind each of Abbina's four sodas

Why certain pairings unlock hidden notes in your cigars

Real insights from Big Rob on selling Abbina at his Louisiana lounge

The strategic shift to expand beyond cigar shops

What's next for Abbina (new flavors, zero sugar options, cans vs. bottles)

Whether you're looking for a sophisticated non-alcoholic pairing or just want to explore new dimensions in your favorite smokes, this conversation will change how you think about what's in your glass.

The Four Abbina Flavors:

Candlewood - Cherry, Amaretto, Earth, Oakmoss

Tower 44 - Saffron, Patchouli, Grapefruit, Rose

Vinnie - Allspice, Ginger, Molasses, Herbs

Royale - Coffee, Chocolate, Nuts, Vanilla

Chapter Markers

0:00 - Intro & What We're Smoking Tonight

2:30 - Meet Charlie Albanetti & The Birth of Abbina

8:30 - From Politics to Perfumery: Charlie's Unconventional Path

14:50 - Breaking Down All Four Abbina Flavors

24:30 - The Science of Pairing: Enhancement vs. Discovery

32:15 - Big Rob's Lounge Experience: How Abbina Sells at LACC

40:25 - Seasonal Preferences & Customer Favorites

45:10 - The Sober Community & Non-Alcoholic Options

52:00 - Flavor Chemistry 101: Patchouli, Saffron & More

1:00:15 - Temperature Matters: Why Cold is Critical

1:08:40 - The Strategic Pivot: Expanding Beyond Cigar Shops

1:15:30 - Packaging, Shipping & The Abbina Experience

1:23:45 - What's Next: New Flavors, Zero Sugar & Cans vs. Bottles

1:30:20 - Final Thoughts & Where to Find Abbina

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🔥 BUDGET CIGARS ARE BACK! The Cigar Aficionado Top 25 looks completely different this year, and we're breaking it all down in Episode 026!The Padron 60th Anniversary takes Cigar of the Year, but the REAL story is how affordable cigars are dominating the rankings. The Tatuaje Black Petite Lancero at #3 for just $6? Mind-blowing! IN THIS EPISODE:✅ Padron 60th Anniversary Cigar of the Year breakdown✅ Why budget cigars are changing the game✅ The GREAT STEM DEBATE - Do they belong in cigars?✅ Eddie on the Streets: The Smoke Ring (Webster, TX)✅ Cigar Phoenix Update: Major PA shop changes✅ Soft Flame vs Jet Lighters - What's better?✅ Our My Father Blue Label pick didn't make it (yet!)WHAT WE'RE SMOKING:Tatuaje BorisKelner 80th AnniversaryBlood Medicine Creek Side Exclusive (Bear Run)CHAPTERS:0:00 - Cold Open & What We're Smoking2:00 - Eddie on the Streets: The Smoke Ring, Webster TX7:01 - Cigar Phoenix News: The Big Changeover12:56 - Penelope Bourbon x Stolen Throne Collaboration16:26 - CIGAR OF THE YEAR REVEALED! Padron 60th Anniversary24:00 - Why Budget Cigars Are Taking Over29:00 - Our My Father Blue Pick Didn't Make It34:00 - The STEM DEBATE: Rojas Cigars Weighs In42:00 - Soft Flame vs Jet Lighters Discussion53:00 - Shipping Costs & Amazon Prime Rant1:00:00 - Youth Sports Coaching Stories1:03:55 - Wrap Up & What's Coming Next👉 If you enjoy this video, please like, comment, and subscribe for more cigar talk every week.🔗 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: https://stogiereview.com/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StogieReview/📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stogiereview/💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/8h5tuYaqJV☕ Support us on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/stogiereview👕 Check out our NEW MERCH: https://www.stickermule.com/stogiereview📧 Email: [email protected]

🎂 THE ULTIMATE CIGAR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION! 🎂

Join us for our most emotional episode yet as we celebrate Jim's 70th birthday with surprise video messages from friends!

In this special episode, we're smoking premium cigars, sharing laughs, and talking about everything from the Cigar Aficionado Top 25 (numbers 10-5) to our upcoming plans for 2026. Plus, Eddie on the Streets visits Oklahoma, and we discuss Dave West's recent visit.

Special thanks to everyone who sent birthday messages for Jim - you made this episode unforgettable!

🔥 WHAT WE'RE SMOKING:

JR House Blends (courtesy of Joe Macko)

Avowed The Vow (Pre-Release)

Patina Red Pill

Davidoff Late Hour

Avowed Higher Calling

And more!

CHAPTER MARKERS:

0:00 - Introduction & What We're Smoking Tonight

2:30 - Christmas Episode Recap & Feedback

6:50 - Social Media Fans of the Week

9:45 - Recent Cigar Purchases & Discussion

14:00 - What Did You Buy? (Dave West Gift Story)

20:30 - Budget Cigars Making a Comeback

23:00 - JIM'S 70TH BIRTHDAY VIDEO SURPRISE!

28:50 - Eddie on the Streets: Oklahoma City Edition

31:00 - Cigar Aficionado Top 25 (Numbers 10-5)

40:00 - The Goat by AJ Fernandez Discussion

43:30 - Live Podcast Discussion - Should We Go Live?

57:00 - Louisiana Trip Planning & Future Episodes

1:02:00 - Mo from Patina Coming on the Podcast!

1:04:15 - Listener Appreciation Night Announcement

1:08:40 - Dave West Visit Recap

1:17:35 - Final Cigar Thoughts & What's Next

1:18:25 - Birthday Song & Closing Remarks

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Mo Maali from Patina Cigars joins us for an unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to build a boutique cigar brand. From starting with the Sultans of Smoke podcast to creating Patina, Mo shares the real struggles, victories, and industry truths most people won't talk about.

In this episode, Mo reveals why he never sold to Cigar Page (but they're selling his cigars anyway), why the COVID boom missing Patina was actually a blessing, and his philosophy on pricing that keeps him competitive without being greedy. We dive into factory relationships, the importance of authentic retail partnerships, and why playing the industry game just isn't his style.

Plus: stories about James Brown making the original Sultan's cigars, what Mo smokes when he's not smoking Patina, upcoming collaborations with Viso Horny, and why the brick and mortar hasn't gotten the cigar nerd back yet.

This is real talk from a guy who cares more about making great cigars than chasing magazine covers.

⭐ PATINA CIGARS LINEUP:

Connecticut

Habano

Maduro

Sumatra

Oro de Nicaragua

Red Pill

Limited Edition Anniversary Series

💬 What's your favorite Patina blend? Drop it in the comments!

0:00 - Introduction & What We're Smoking Tonight

2:21 - The Origin Story: From Sultans of Smoke to Patina Cigars

9:04 - How James Brown and Black Label Started It All

14:31 - Why Mo Left the Corporate World for Cigars

20:44 - The Reality of Running a Small Cigar Brand

26:56 - Patina's Core Line & Recent Releases

31:00 - The COVID Boom That Never Came (And Why That's Good)

38:53 - Pricing Philosophy and Staying Competitive

46:45 - The Cigar Page Situation Nobody Saw Coming

52:06 - Finding the Right Retail Partners

58:57 - Collaborations: Viso Horny & What's Next

1:03:39 - What Mo Smokes When He's Not Smoking Patina

1:08:26 - The Cigar Nerd and the Brick & Mortar Post-COVID

1:14:07 - Industry Legends & Relationships That Matter

1:17:05 - Bourbon Dipping, Arnold Schwarzenegger & Whiskey Crimes

1:24:12 - Closing Thoughts & Final Takeaways

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What separates a great cigar lounge from a mediocre one? It's not just about the humidor selection or fancy leather chairs—it's about hospitality. In this episode, we break down what makes exceptional cigar shop customer service and why so many lounges get it wrong.

We dive deep into a clip from the Long Ashes podcast featuring Michael Herklots (Ferio Tego) discussing how cigar lounges should treat their customers. Spoiler: most places punish their best customers with LESS service, not more.

Plus, we announce the LA Cigar Collective's new subscription box, share another Eddie on the Streets segment from Bourbon and Ash in Tulsa, discuss our upcoming Christmas extravaganza, and make our predictions for Cigar Aficionado's Cigar of the Year.

🔥 WHAT WE'RE SMOKING:

Eric - Plasencia Alma Fuerte Salomon

Jim - Mi Querida by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust

Walt - La Flor Dominicana Suave Maduro

📺 CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro & What We're Smoking Tonight

2:15 - Snow Day Stories & Philly Nostalgia

6:30 - Community Shoutouts & Top Fans

11:09 - LA Cigar Collective Subscription Box Launch

16:23 - Listener Appreciation Episode Announcement

18:05 - The Problem with Cigar Lounge Hospitality

27:09 - Michael Herklots on Customer Service

36:04 - Jim's Experience Working at a Lounge

40:50 - The Restaurant Comparison

48:02 - Santiago Cigars: The Gold Standard

53:34 - Eddie on the Streets: Bourbon & Ash Tulsa

56:33 - What Kills a Cigar Lounge

1:00:21 - Music in Lounges: Yes or No?

1:04:38 - Cigar Aficionado Top 25 Predictions

1:11:20 - Beer Talk: Yuengling vs Rolling Rock

1:24:15 - Christmas Episode Preview

1:32:38 - Who We Want on the Podcast Next

1:42:15 - Reflecting on Our Growth

1:50:56 - Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

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🎙️ Happy New Year! We're kicking things off with a special Q&A episode where YOU asked the questions and we gave the unfiltered answers.

In this episode, we tackle everything from what to drink with your cigars (spoiler: stop overthinking it) to what makes us want to return to a cigar lounge.

We also dive into the controversial Cigar Aficionado Top 25 list, brands that have changed over the years, and how to get that cigar smell out of your clothes without your wife divorcing you.

Plus, we debut our new Smoke and Steel hoodies and share some laughs about cigar lounge etiquette, parking nightmares, and why some brands just aren't what they used to be.

👉 If you enjoy this video, please like, comment, and subscribe for more cigar talk every week.

🎬 TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Intro & Social Media Fans of the Week

4:00 - Eddie on the Streets: Monterey, California

10:49 - How Do You Pair Drinks with Cigars?

15:02 - Non-Alcoholic Beer & Spirits for Cigar Smokers

24:01 - Wives Ask: How Often Do Cigars Get Delivered?

30:05 - Getting Cigar Smell Out of Clothes & Gear

35:42 - Cigar Aficionado Top 25 List - Do We Trust It?

49:00 - What Makes a Great Cigar Lounge?

1:02:03 - What Makes Us STOP Going to a Lounge?

1:07:42 - Brands That Changed: Camacho, Oliva, Ghost & More

1:13:49 - Wrap Up & New Merch Announcement

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The industry got huge news this week! We break down the announcement of what will be the world's largest retail location coming to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Join Walt, Eric, Jim, and Mark as they discuss what this means for local shops, online pricing, and the future of the hobby.

In this episode, we cover:

- Breaking news from Halfwheel about the massive new location

- Will online prices translate to brick and mortar?

- How location strategy plays into the announcement

- What this means for mom and pop shops

- DIY air filtration systems for your lounge

- Upcoming guests and show news

💨 WHAT WE'RE SMOKING:

- Foundation Wise Man Maduro

- Liga Privada Number 9 Corona

- LFD Suave

- Deliverance

✅ Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction & What's New

2:01 - Breaking Industry News: World's Largest Store Announcement

8:15 - Details: 24,000 Square Feet & What's Inside

13:22 - Will Online Prices Work in Retail?

18:40 - Location Strategy: Why Bethlehem?

23:50 - Impact on Local Mom & Pop Shops

29:15 - Is This Bad for the Industry?

35:20 - Keith Meier's History & Background

40:45 - DIY Air Filtration Systems That Actually Work

46:30 - Winter Smoking Setup Tips

51:10 - Upcoming Guests & Show Announcements

56:25 - Community Engagement & Social Media Growth

1:02:15 - Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

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This week on Smoke and Steel, we're diving deep into travel humidors! Eddie, Eric, Jim, and Walt compare their go-to cases including Fog Box, Seahorse, and Xikar. Which one is right for you?We also talk about cigar lounges across America, crazy sin taxes, Eddie's wild Ybor City shoe story (you HAVE to hear this), and life on the road with motorcycles and cigars.🔥 WHAT WE'RE SMOKING 🔥Walt - Wise Man MaduroEddie - Liga Privada No. 9 BelicosoEric - Fuente Opus X DestinoJim - Dapper La Madrina Shade🎯 CHAPTERS0:00 - Intro & What We're Smoking3:40 - Eddie's Road Trip & Cigar Lounge Stories8:45 - The Great Travel Humidor Debate15:30 - Fog Box, Seahorse & Xikar Comparison22:15 - Illinois Sin Tax Nightmare28:00 - Lounge Memberships & Day Passes34:20 - Smokies Tobacco Shop Tour40:45 - LA Cigar Collective Shoutout46:30 - Eddie's Ybor City Shoe Licker Story52:00 - Online Deals vs Brick & Mortar58:15 - Motorcycle Stories & Road Adventures1:04:30 - Upcoming Events & Final Thoughts💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATIONWhat travel humidor do you use? Ever had a crazy lounge experience? Drop a comment below!👉 If you enjoy this video, please like, comment, and subscribe for more cigar talk every week.🔗 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: https://stogiereview.com/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StogieReview/📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stogiereview/💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/8h5tuYaqJV☕ Support us on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/stogiereview📧 Email: [email protected]

Episode 20 is here! We dive into the proposed 100% tariffs on Nicaraguan cigars that could affect 60% of the market, review Saint Luis Rey Tabacales with some bizarre wrapper behavior, and share our Halloween adventures. Plus JR Cigars' new price match policy, JC Newman history, and why kids won't walk up to your door anymore.🔥 TONIGHT'S SMOKE: Saint Luis Rey TabacalesUpcoming Guests:Dave West - Avowed CigarsFounder Cigars TeamAbidda Sipping SodasSpecial thanks to Big Rob and the LA Cigar Collective for spreading the word about the show!Chapters:0:00 - Intro & Episode 20 Celebration2:23 - What We're Smoking Tonight4:38 - Blue Band Trend Discussion6:00 - Wrapper Curling Issues (Breaking News!)8:36 - Top Fan Shout Outs10:10 - YouTube Growth & Big Rob Impact12:04 - Upcoming Guests Announcement14:08 - Saint Luis Rey First Impressions17:55 - RoMa Craft Tariff Discussion Begins23:03 - Nicaragua 100% Tariff Breakdown27:41 - Keystone Pricing Explanation30:05 - Voting Day Stories35:10 - Halloween Recap & Trick or Treating40:41 - Bar Rescue & John Taffer Talk46:00 - JC Newman History Video50:00 - Pearlman's Pocket Encyclopedia52:23 - Saint Luis Rey Mid-Point Review57:30 - Cigar Industry Price Transparency1:00:02 - Halloween Costumes & Traditions1:07:00 - Walt's Frankenstein Smoke Eater1:10:00 - Foundation Cigars & Cigar Page Deals1:13:00 - Episode 20 Reflection & Shorts Strategy1:17:04 - Final Thoughts & Sign Off👉 If you enjoy this video, please like, comment, and subscribe for more cigar talk every week.🔗 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: https://stogiereview.com/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StogieReview/📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stogiereview/💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/8h5tuYaqJV☕ Support us on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/stogiereview📧 Email: [email protected]