Smoke and Steel

🎂 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

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

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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

👉 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

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📧 Email: [email protected]

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

👉 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]

🎙️ 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

👕 Check out our NEW MERCH: https://www.stickermule.com/stogiereview

🔗 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]

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

👉 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]

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]

Winter is coming, and we're tackling the age-old question: how do you keep smoking cigars when it's freezing outside? In this episode, we dive deep into winter cigar smoking solutions, debate whether TVs belong in cigar lounges, share hilarious fake Cuban stories, and announce some exciting upcoming guests.

We're smoking some fantastic sticks tonight including an AJ Fernandez Bella Artes, CAO Amazon Basin (2021 vintage), Ashton Aged Maduro, Avo Maria Reconquista, Stolen Throne Three Kingdoms.

From vinyl deck enclosures and propane heaters to ice fishing tents and wood-burning stoves, we explore every possible way to enjoy your favorite cigars through the brutal winter months. Plus, we get into the great lounge debate: sports, music, or silence? What makes the perfect cigar lounge environment?

Stick around for industry news including Casa Fuente's closure on the Vegas strip, new releases from Crown Heads and LFD, and our thoughts on the changing cigar landscape.

SUPPORT THE SHOW:🔥 Stock up at Cigar Page: https://www.pjatr.com/t/8-10746-321357-136139?sid=Podcast&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cigarpage.com%2F

🔥 Shop JR Cigars: https://www.pntrs.com/t/8-12852-321357-283575?sid=Podcast&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrcigars.com%2F

☕ Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/stogiereview

CHAPTERS:0:00 - Intro & What We're Smoking Tonight2:30 - Cigar Bid Nostalgia & Online Retailer Talk7:04 - Cigar Fest & Event Memories12:01 - Casa Fuente Closing on Vegas Strip17:03 - Social Media Fans of the Week19:36 - Crown Heads Moose Kick & Canadian Cigar Laws23:08 - Fake Cubans & The Charmatico Story29:13 - TV in Cigar Lounges: The Great Debate41:00 - Winter Cigar Smoking Solutions53:00 - Clay Pot Heaters & Propane Options59:00 - Bourbon Talk: Weller, Eagle Rare & Pennsylvania State Stores1:07:30 - Philadelphia Eagles & Brandon Graham Returns1:13:04 - Upcoming Guest Announcements1:14:34 - Wrap Up & Final Thoughts

Welcome back to the Smoke and Steel Podcast! This week we're joined by special guest Chase from Amateur Cigar Reviews on Instagram for a packed episode discussing proper cigar lounge etiquette, the latest industry news, and what really makes a great cigar lounge. Plus, Mark debuts his incredible custom Room 101 inspired ashtray!

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🎬 CHAPTER MARKERS

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

3:48 - Mark's Custom Room 101 Inspired Ashtray Reveal

6:54 - Social Media Fans of the Week

8:51 - Chase Discusses Building His Instagram Page

12:54 - The Tatuaje Mummy Controversy & Second Chances

17:17 - Crown Heads TAA Exclusive News

22:29 - Searching for the Elusive Cigar Store Indian

24:23 - Room 101 Anniversary Cigars Discussion

28:31 - The Hunt for Vintage CAO Concert

32:34 - Placencia Alma Fuerte Short Format Release

42:00 - Industry News: Cohiba Weller 2025 & CI Free Shipping

50:23 - Cigar Page Black Swan Series Explained

56:42 - Smokies New Lounge Opening

1:00:16 - THE BIG DEBATE: Cigar Lounge Etiquette

1:13:20 - Does Atmosphere Beat Selection?

1:17:46 - Chase on Growing Your Cigar Social Media

1:24:23 - What Makes the Cigar Community Special

1:29:03 - Upcoming Guests & Exciting Announcements

1:30:15 - Wrap Up & Final Thoughts

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

🔥 TONIGHT'S SMOKES:

- Eric: Fonseca by My Father Cigars

- Mark: CAO Concert (Vintage 2012)

- Eddie: Opus X Destino

- Chase: Room 101 Namakubi

- Rob: Plasencia Alma Del Cielo

- Jim: Las Calaveras 2024

- Walt: Crook of the Crown by Stolen Throne

- Eric (The Elder): Padron 1964 Square Tube

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

🎙️ GUEST:Chase - @amateurcigarreviews on Instagram

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🔔 UPCOMING GUESTS:- Founders Cigar (Veteran-Owned)- Dave West from Avowed- Big Rob from LA Cigar Collective

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💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

What's your take on cigar lounge etiquette? 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]

Join us for an incredible conversation with Dave West of Avowed Cigars, one of the most exciting boutique cigar brands to launch in 2024.

Discover the unique invitation-only approach that's revolutionizing how premium cigars reach retailers, the partnership with legendary cigar maker Klaas Kelner, and why aging cigars for 2+ years before release makes all the difference.

Dave shares the journey from cigar reviewer to brand owner, the philosophy behind keeping production small and intentional, and why every single Avowed cigar is rolled by one pair of hands from start to finish.

We dive deep into pricing strategies, the challenges of launching during economic uncertainty, and what it means to truly partner with retail shops rather than just supplying them.

Featured Cigars:

Avowed The Vow Series (6.29, 7.05, 11.25)

Avowed New Dawn

Avowed Higher Calling

Upcoming: Avowed Hallowed Hands (First Maduro)

Smoke and Steel Podcast

Your source for authentic cigar conversations, industry insights, and community.

0:00 - Introduction & Welcome

2:30 - Dave West Joins the Show

5:00 - The Origin Story of Avowed Cigars

7:00 - The Invitation-Only Retail Model Explained

12:00 - Partnership with Klaas Kelner & Kelner Cigars

17:00 - Vetting Retail Partners & Building Relationships

22:00 - The Avowed Cigar Lineup: New Dawn, Vow Series & More

27:00 - Access to Premium Tobacco Through Kelner Connection

32:00 - Dave's Journey: From Cigar Noise to Brand Owner

37:00 - Evolution of the Cigar Industry & Post-COVID Changes

42:00 - The Community Aspect of Cigar Smoking

47:00 - Winter Smoking Solutions: Ice Fishing Tents & Deck Setups

52:00 - Smoking Meats, Pizza Ovens & Other Hobbies

57:00 - Connecting with LA Cigar Collective

1:02:00 - Regional Differences in Cigar Preferences

1:07:00 - The New Hallowed Hands Release (Coming December)

1:12:00 - Dave's Smoking Setup & Virtual Communities

1:17:00 - Eric "The Bearded Blunder" Joins the Conversation

1:22:00 - Women in Cigar Culture & Breaking Down Barriers

1:27:00 - Premium Cigar Pricing & Finding Value

1:32:00 - Single-Roller Production & Quality Control

1:37:00 - Box Counts, Pricing Strategy & Industry Economics

1:42:00 - Regional Sales Variations & Hard-to-Find Cigars

1:47:00 - Final Thoughts & December Meetup Plans

1:50:00 - Wrap Up & Outro

👉 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]