Smoke and Steel

Welcome back to the Smoke and Steel Podcast! This week we're diving deep into the best cigars under $10, debating whether aging your cigars actually matters, and breaking down some major industry news including Casa Fuente closing in Vegas.

We watch Kyle from LA Cigar Collective top 5 picks for budget cigars, then go around the room sharing our own favorite affordable smokes. From Charter Oak to Tatuje Black to EP Carrillo Dusk, we cover all the bang-for-your-buck options that belong in every cigar enthusiast's rotation.

Plus, we debut our new "Eddie on the Street" segment where our roving reporter checks in from Doc James Cigar Lounge in New York!

What We're Smoking:

CAO Brazilia

Ashton VSG Robusto

Oliva Serie V Melanio

La Imperiosa

Tatuje Monster "The Mummy"

My Father Blue

Chi Molly Pioneer Robusto

Chapters:0:00 - Intro & What's New

2:00 - What We're Smoking Tonight

3:00 - Big News: Preston Becomes a Dad!

9:56 - Social Media Fans of the Week

12:13 - Drew Estate & Joya Nicaragua Split

15:01 - Do You Need to Rest Cigars After Ordering?

22:48 - The Great Cigar Aging Debate

32:20 - Does Aging Always Make Cigars Better?

40:02 - The Plata Cigars from American Psycho

42:32 - Casa Fuente Closing in Vegas

50:36 - Kyle's Top 5 Cigars Under $10

53:28 - Our Top Budget Cigar Picks

1:11:10 - Industry News Roundup

1:13:02 - Off the Rails: Chat GPT & Podcast Names

1:18:05 - Eddie on the Street - Doc James Cigar Lounge

1:27:02 - Closing & Keep Them Lit

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

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We're back in the Smoke and Steel Lounge for another blind taste test with Mark, Eric, Pinto, Rob, Jim, and Eddie. This time we're smoking a mystery Maduro that took us all by surprise—spoiler alert: it's a Kristoff classic that deserves way more love than it gets.We dive into cigar lounge etiquette rules everyone should know (but doesn't always follow), react to Gene Simmons partnering with Aganorsa, discuss the new Drew Estate Blackened Lancero release, and pay respects to Philly legend Bernie Parent. Plus, we watch Arnold Schwarzenegger dip a cigar in tequila and decide to try it ourselves—because why not?We also share stories from tobacco barn smokers, debate the best cigar cutting methods (V-cut vs. straight cut vs. punch), and talk about the weirdest cigar lounges we've ever visited.If you love honest cigar reviews, lounge talk, and unfiltered conversation, this episode has it all.Chapters0:00 - Welcome & Mystery Cigar Intro2:34 - First Impressions & Early Guesses5:34 - Gene Simmons x Aganorsa News7:10 - Bernie Parent Tribute9:34 - Drew Estate Blackened Lancero Release12:23 - Arnold Schwarzenegger's Tequila Cigar Trick18:24 - LA Cigar Collective Preview24:47 - Cigar Lounge Etiquette Rules36:00 - Weirdest Cigar Lounges We've Visited43:05 - V-Cut vs. Straight Cut vs. Punch Debate1:00:22 - Blind Tasting Final Guesses1:01:57 - Kristoff Maduro Reveal & Price Discussion1:07:10 - Tobacco Barn Smoker Stories1:14:21 - Drew Estate Liga Privada Collection Talk1:17:17 - Shout Outs & Closing Thoughts👉 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

Welcome back to Smoke and Steel! In Episode 015, we dive into Guy Fieri's Knuckle Sandwich cigar by Espinosa, debate his controversial cap-peeling technique, discuss La Flor Dominicana's Suave relaunch, and share our thoughts on the current state of cigar pricing. Plus, we cover Nicaragua tariffs, Placencia's new release, and why we're excited about Tatuaje's The Mummy.

What We're Smoking:

• Walt: My Father Blue
• Eric: Knuckle Sandwich by Guy Fieri (Espinosa)
• Eric: Olmec Maduro
• Jim: Crowned Heads Los Calaveras

Episode Highlights:✅ Guy Fieri's Knuckle Sandwich Review✅ The Cap-Peeling Controversy✅ La Flor Dominicana Suave Relaunch✅ Cigar Pricing Discussion✅ Nicaragua Tariff Updates✅ Placencia Alma Del Cielo✅ Tatuaje Monster Series: The Mummy

CHAPTERS:0:00 - Intro & What We're Smoking Tonight3:02 - Guy Fieri's Knuckle Sandwich Video8:09 - The Cap-Peeling Debate13:44 - Cutting & Lighting Methods21:13 - La Flor Dominicana Suave Announcement24:24 - Cigar Pricing Discussion35:43 - LFD Stories & Memories41:13 - Placencia Alma Del Cielo48:15 - Nicaragua Tariffs & Cuban Updates1:00:57 - Monster Series: The Mummy1:03:30 - Reality TV Tangents & Lounge Life

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

🔥 Shop Cigars (Affiliate Link): https://www.pjtra.com/t/8-10746-321357-136139?sid=Podcast&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cigarpage.com%2F

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CONNECT WITH US:

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StogieReview/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stogiereview/💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/8h5tuYaqJV🌐 Website: https://www.stogiereview.com

SHOUTOUTS:Big thanks to Kyle and Big Rob at LA Cigar Collective for the excellent service and personal touch!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Knuckle Sandwich by Guy Fieri (Espinosa Cigars)
• My Father Blue
• Olmec Maduro
• Crowned Heads Los Calaveras
• La Flor Dominicana Suave
• Liga Privada No. 9
• Tabernacle
• Placencia Alma Del Cielo
• Placencia Alma Fuerte
• Placencia Alma Fuego
• Tatuaje Monster Series - The Mummy
• Small Batch Cigar Subscription

We're just a bunch of regular guys who love cigars, honest reviews, and good conversation. No pretense, no gatekeeping – just real talk about cigars we smoke and the industry we love.

New episodes every week!

#CigarReview #KnuckleSandwich #GuyFieri #SmokeAndSteel #CigarPodcast #LaFlorDominicana #EspinosaCigars #CigarLife #CigarLounge #StogieReview

The guys are back to discuss the brutal reality of cigar tariffs and how an 18% increase on Nicaraguan cigars is hitting every smoker's budget. From heartbreaking stories about changed cigars to practical humidor tips and winter smoking strategies, this episode covers everything cigar enthusiasts need to know.

Join Walt, Mark, Jim, and Eric as they light up a Fuente Hemingway, Foundation Tabernacle, Espinosa Laranja, and Patina while diving deep into the issues affecting our hobby.

Chapter Markers:

0:00 - Episode Intro & Tonight's Cigars2:00 - Cigar Tariffs: The 18% Price Shock Explained6:00 - Keystoning Effect: How Retailers Double the Impact10:00 - When Great Cigars Go Bad: Heartbreak Stories16:00 - Camacho's Decline & Agricultural Product Challenges20:00 - Winter Smoking Setup & Propane Heater Economics26:00 - Nostalgic Memories of the Old Smoking Lounge30:00 - Humidor Wisdom: Storage Solutions That Work36:00 - Boveda Pack Regeneration Money-Saving Tips42:00 - Water Quality & Humidification System Issues48:00 - Podcast Evolution: New Equipment & Future Plans54:00 - Eric's Late Arrival & T-ball Coaching Stories58:00 - Social Media Success & Community Shout-outs62:00 - Budget Smoking: The Under-$10 Challenge Preview

Help us keep creating content by using our affiliate links when stocking your humidor:

Support the Show:🔗 Cigar Page Affiliate Link ☕ Ko-Fi Donations: https://ko-fi.com/stogiereview

Big Rob joins us from LA Cigar Collective in Louisiana to talk about how he and shop owner Kyle went from opening day to becoming a YouTube destination for cigar lovers. We cover everything from his Bar Rescue days to why consistency beats perfection when it comes to content, plus the legendary sampler competition that Kyle definitely regrets starting.Rob's been smoking since he was 17, worked at Disney for nine years, and now he's the face (and the marketing muscle) behind one of the fastest-growing cigar lounges in the South. If you've ever wondered how to build a real community around cigars or what it takes to get people actually engaging with your content, this one's for you.We also get into house blends, why Rob refuses to smoke Cubans, the Ashhole Cigar Club, handwritten notes, and that time he smoked 16 cigars in one day at PCA.🔗 Visit LA Cigar Collective: https://lacigarcollective.com/Chapter Markers:0:00 - Intro & What We're Smoking Tonight2:20 - Meet Big Rob: From Security to Cigars6:04 - Getting Started at LA Cigar Collective11:24 - Managing the Shop & Team Dynamics15:45 - House Blends: The Gris Gris & Padre Eligido19:46 - The YouTube Strategy That Actually Worked23:26 - What's New Wednesday & Content Consistency26:58 - Big Rob's Legendary Samplers32:34 - Building Community Through Cigars38:00 - The Ashhole Cigar Club Connection42:43 - Smoking 16 Cigars at PCA49:22 - Cuban Cigars & Ring Gauge Preferences59:00 - The Seance Story (You Have to Hear This)1:03:11 - Bar Rescue & Working with Jon Taffer1:07:01 - Wrapping Up & What's Next for LA Cigar Collective👉 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]

Welcome back to another episode of the Smoke and Steel Podcast! This week we're unboxing the latest Drew Estate Freestyle Live mystery pack featuring Connecticut Shade cigars from the Nica Rustica line, plus we're joined by our most loyal listener Eddie for his first in-person appearance on the show.

We dive into the August 2025 Freestyle Live package, share stories from cigar lounges across America, and discuss upcoming collaborations with Kyle from LA Cigar Collective in Louisiana. Eddie brings unique insights from his travels, highlighting everything from Orlando's Corona Cigar Lounge to the challenges of finding quality smokes on the road.

What We're Smoking:

Drew Estate Nica Rustica Shade (Freestyle Live Mystery Pack)

Espinosa 601 Lab Bomba

Ortega Cubao Nicaragua

Featured Cigars & Brands Discussed:

Drew Estate Freestyle Live Series

Nica Rustica Shade

Espinosa Warheads

Black Label Tigerosaurus

LA Cigar Collective "Gris Gris" House Blend

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction & Drew Estate Freestyle Live Unboxing

2:30 First Impressions of the Mystery Cigars

7:15 Mail Call: Packages from Vega Fina & Kyle's Louisiana Blend

12:45 Baby Watch Update & General Catch-Up

16:30 Eddie Joins the Show - Our Most Loyal Listener's First Appearance

20:15 Cigar Construction Discussion & Drew Estate Quality

25:40 Eddie's Cross-Country Lounge Adventures

31:45 Corona Cigar Lounge Orlando & Regional Price Variations

36:20 West Coast Cigar Shopping Challenges

40:55 Kyle's Louisiana Shop Visit Story

46:10 Tasting Notes: Drew Estate Connecticut Shade Review

52:25 New Cigar Releases: Espinosa Warheads & Black Label Tigerosaurus

58:40 Eddie's Brother: Hollywood Makeup Artist Stories

64:15 Saturday Night Live Behind the Scenes

69:30 Sports Talk & Superstitions

74:50 Podcast Growth & Equipment Updates

80:25 Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

Support the Show:

🔗 Shop cigars through our Cigar Page Affiliate Link

☕ Support us on Ko-Fi

About This Episode:

The Drew Estate Freestyle Live Connecticut Shade cigars proved to be mild, creamy morning smokes - perfect for newer enthusiasts or anyone looking for an approachable cigar that won't overpower the palate. While not the most complex cigars we've reviewed, they deliver consistent quality and excellent construction that Drew Estate is known for.

Eddie's debut brought fresh perspectives on cigar lounges nationwide, from the expansive Corona Cigar locations in Florida to the pricing challenges faced by traveling cigar enthusiasts. His stories about discovering Kyle's shop in Louisiana and the genuine hospitality found in the cigar community perfectly capture what makes this hobby special.

Thanks to Drew Estate for the Freestyle Live package, Kyle from LA Cigar Collective for the house blend samples, and Vega Fina for their upcoming collaboration materials. Most importantly, thanks to Eddie for finally joining us in person and to all our listeners who make this podcast possible.

👉 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]

Welcome back to another episode of Smoke and Steel, the cigar podcast brought to you by StogieReview.com!

In Episode 12, Walt, Jim, Mark, and Rob (filling in for Eric) gather to share stories, discuss recent cigar finds, and swap tales from their years in the cigar world.

This episode features discussions about Padron Damasco, Oliva Serie V Lancero, Black Works Studio Hawaiian exclusives, and Don Carlos Eye of the Bull.

We dive into CAO cigars and their evolution, explore the new CEO Arcana series with pipe tobacco, and share entertaining stories about cigar shop discoveries and industry representatives.

Rob brings George Dickel 8-year bourbon for tasting, we discuss cigar and bourbon pairings, and share some hilarious household disaster stories that any married guy will relate to. Plus, we reminisce about legendary cigar shops, hidden gems, and the characters we've met along the way.Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or new to cigars, join us for an evening of casual conversation, honest reviews, and the kind of stories that make the cigar community special.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction & What We're Smoking

07:30 - Rob's Bleach Carpet Disaster Story

15:25 - CAO Cigars Discussion & Brand Evolution

25:00 - Top Shelf Cigars & Jim's Legendary Hospitality

32:00 - CEO Arcana Series & Pipe Tobacco

40:00 - Rojas Quality Control & Manufacturing Insights

48:00 - Don Carlos Eye of the Bull

55:00 - George Dickel 8-Year Bourbon Tasting

1:05:00 - Cigar Shop Stories & Hidden Gems

1:15:00 - Industry Reps & Memorable Encounters

1:25:00 - Bourbon & Cigar Pairing Discussion

1:32:00 - Wrap-up & Final Thoughts

CIGARS FEATURED:

Padron Damasco

Oliva Serie V Lancero

Black Works Studio Hawaiian Exclusive

Don Carlos Eye of the Bull

CONNECT WITH US:

Website: StogieReview.com

Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/stogiereview

Use our Cigar Page Affiliate Link

Join Walt, Jim, Mark, and Eric for Episode 11 of the Smoke and Steel Podcast as we dive deep into Connecticut wrapped cigars, discuss Drew Estate's latest Freestyle Live Pack release, and share our honest takes on what makes us give up on a cigar.

Tonight's cigars include the discontinued Phantom Queen by Stolen Throne, the unique Raw Dog by Oscar, La Flor Dominican Double Ligero Chisel, and a vintage Sultans of Smoke Legacy.

🔥 What We Cover:

Drew Estate Nica Rustica Shade reveal from Freestyle Live Pack

Connecticut wrapper preferences and flavor profiles

Candela cigars: why they've fallen out of favor

Labor Day BBQ stories and smoking adventures

What construction issues make us toss a cigar

Tatuaje Monster Series collecting insights

Halloween retail madness starting in September

Support the Show:

Ko-Fi donations: ko-fi.com/stogiereview

Subscribe and hit the bell for new episodes

Join our Discord community for ongoing discussions

Connect with us:

Facebook: StogieReview

Instagram: @stogiereview

Website: stogiereview.com

Thanks to our amazing community including Pedro, Josh, and Cigar Craig for their continued support!

Chapters:

0:00 - Opening & Community Thanks

2:30 - Tonight's Cigar Selection

5:18 - Drew Estate Freestyle Live Pack Discussion

9:42 - Connecticut Wrapper Deep Dive

16:02 - Candela Cigars: Love Them or Leave Them?

20:26 - Labor Day BBQ Stories

24:18 - Halloween Season & Retail Trends

28:33 - Oak Island & Treasure Hunting Talk

32:38 - Football Season Kickoff

35:59 - What Makes Us Give Up on a Cigar

42:47 - Tatuaje Monster Series Discussion

50:17 - Eric Joins the Conversation

55:02 - Alarm Clock Horror Stories & College Memories

58:46 - Closing Thoughts & Thanks

#CigarPodcast #ConnecticutCigars #DrewEstate #CigarReview #SmokeAndSteel #StogieReview

In this episode of the Smoke and Steel podcast, the guys interview Kyle, the owner of  @LACigarCollective504 . They discuss the journey of opening a cigar lounge, the importance of community in the cigar world, and the unique policies that Kyle has implemented to create a welcoming environment.The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating online cigar sales, the significance of curated samplers, and the impact of local regulations on the cigar industry. Kyle shares his personal journey into the cigar world, highlighting the connections and experiences that have shaped his business. In this engaging conversation, we delve into various aspects of the cigar world, discussing personal experiences, preferences, and the nuances of cigar aging. They explore best-selling cigars, customer preferences, and the impact of sports culture on their discussions.The conversation also touches on retail strategies, the importance of authenticity in cigar reviews, and the evolving landscape of online presence through platforms like YouTube. As they share personal stories and insights, they highlight the sense of community within the cigar culture and express excitement for future collaborations.Featured CigarGris-Gris from LA Cigar CollectiveChapters00:00 Meet Kyle: Owner of LA Cigar Collective01:01 The Journey into the Cigar Industry05:06 Building a Community Around Cigars08:40 Navigating the Cigar Business Landscape11:54 The Importance of Customer Relationships14:00 Cigar Pricing and Online Sales Strategies19:15 Curated Samplers and Customer Engagement23:17 Cigar Culture in New Orleans29:07 Future of Cigar Sales and Regulations29:20 Navigating Cigar Taxation and Sales32:19 Quality Control in Cigar Production34:59 The Journey into the Cigar Industry39:43 Establishing Lounge Rules and Culture45:51 Customer Experience and Shop Dynamics49:28 Cigar Preferences and Trends59:46 Cigar Inventory Management59:57 Balancing Boutique and Factory Brands01:01:05 Customer Preferences and Brand Recognition01:01:48 The Importance of Big Brands01:03:01 Challenges with Black Label Cigars01:04:07 Local Preferences and Brand Popularity01:05:28 The Appeal of Foundation Cigars01:06:23 The Lancero Debate01:07:24 The Impact of YouTube on Sales01:08:15 Discord and Community Engagement01:10:04 Authenticity in Reviews01:11:20 The Phenomenon of Cigar Butt Collecting01:12:43 Big Rob's Influence and YouTube Journey01:15:04 Future Collaborations and On-Site Filming👉 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]

Welcome back to another episode of Smoke and Steel! In Episode 10, Walt brings us a mystery cigar that none of us have tried before - the Oz Family Cigars OG Nicaragua. We're taking a more analytical approach this time, breaking down every aspect from construction to flavor with an actual scoring system.Join Walt, Jim, Eric, and Mark as we dive deep into this San Andreas Maduro wrapped stick, complete with printed scorecards and plenty of our usual off-topic banter. Will this $5 cigar live up to expectations, or will we be left wanting more?What We're Smoking:Cigar: Oz Family Cigars OG NicaraguaWrapper: San Andreas MaduroBinder & Filler: NicaraguanPrice: $5 per stickOur Honest Take:We break down everything from pre-light aroma to final third flavors, using a numerical scoring system to see how our gut reactions match up with analytical assessment. Spoiler alert: the technical construction impressed us more than the flavor profile.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for more honest cigar reviews and casual cigar talk!CHAPTERS:0:00 - Welcome & New Setup Tour2:06 - Introducing the Analytical Approach3:17 - Pre-Light Analysis Begins5:15 - Lighting Up the Mystery Cigar8:58 - First Impressions & Construction Talk12:20 - First Third Flavor Discussion15:03 - Phillies Talk & Cigar Shop Stories18:01 - Complexity Scoring & ASMR Tangent24:00 - Morning Smoke Potential28:00 - CAO History & Tim Osgener Background32:00 - Second Third Assessment40:00 - Football Season & Off-Topic Banter45:00 - Final Third Evaluation48:00 - The Big Reveal: Oz Family Cigars52:00 - Final Scores & Would We Buy Again?