The Leaf Cutters

Aaron Paoletta returns to the Back Porch Lounge, and we're finally revisiting the controversy that followed his last appearance.

Aaron explains what happened after the clip spread, why he still stands behind the original point and what changed once everyone involved had enough time to actually discuss the issue rather than react to a few seconds of video.

Then we go much deeper.

Aaron talks about developing Number 61, a dedication release for his father scheduled for May 27, 2027, why changing the size of a blend can completely change the experience and why he's willing to scrap an idea rather than force something that doesn't work.

We also learn how much of La Vega Aaron still handles himself—from bands and locally produced boxes to inventory, distribution and blending events.

Along the way we cover AI versus creativity, Aaron's professional culinary background, Maintenance Mondays, his landscaping business, his named lawn mowers and the continuing nightmare that is Furby Two Chains.

Plus, the crew checks back in on several La Vega offerings, including Gibbs' 4.8/5 Leaf Cutter Approved rating for the Il Primo.

Come hang out on the porch.

The Leaf Cutters review two Eclat Noir Boss Lady blends during the same episode.

The Maduro delivers a rich, steady profile with coffee, black pepper and mild chocolate. The Habano provides a sweeter experience built around zucchini bread, citrus, sweet bread and crème brûlée.

The crew also clears up the meaning of fuma tasting events before discussing Steven Seagal, Aikido, Krav Maga, Doug Marcaida, NASCAR and a drag racer who managed to put two Mustangs into the same lake.

Watch the full episode to find out why the Habano earns two Leaf Cutter Approved ratings.

Honest Abe Dababneh joins The Leaf Cutters to review Mago Vice and discuss the realities of storage, transportation, pest prevention, product development, independent retail, the Las Vegas Sphere, time management, and financial literacy.

Abe also tells the incredible story of traveling to Florida for a short visit and deciding not to return to his family’s grocery business in Illinois.

The Leaf Cutters are back in The Back Porch Lounge for a grab bag episode featuring four different smokes and four very different reviews.

Gibs reviews the Mother Clucker Maduro from Drunk Chicken Cigars, Andy takes on the Gurkha Collection Especial, Grimm tries the DBL Nicaragua, and Zack checks out the Lure Cigars Wahoo PCA Exclusive.

The crew also talks about bad drink pairings, sweet tea mistakes, lounge etiquette, hanging out with Desiree from Drunk Chicken, smoking bans, Boveda packs, beer, bourbon, meat pies, concert stories, Kevin Smith, and more.

Jason Wood from Miami Cigar & Company joins The Back Porch Lounge to talk about the Outcast cigar, a unique smoke built around Black Cavendish pipe tobacco, a subtle sweet tip, and a mild-plus aromatic profile.

The crew talks blend details, the Outcast logo, Tatiana history, Don Lino Africa, Nestor Miranda, flavored cigar stigma, pairings, and final ratings.

This one surprised everyone and earned Leaf Cutter Approved all around.

#TheLeafCutters#BackPorchLounge#MiamiCigar#OutcastCigars#JasonWood#CigarPodcast#CigarReview#CigarCommunity#BlackCavendish#PipeTobacco#CigarLife#LeafCutters#SuckAStick

The Leaf Cutters review the Diesel 10th Anniversary, supplied by Grimm. This one brought full body, aged flavor, natural sweetness, pepper, coffee, cedar, earth, espresso, and strong construction.

The crew had minor burn issues due to fans and outdoor conditions, but the overall experience was overwhelmingly positive.

Final scores:Gibs — 5Andy — 4.75Grimm — 5Robert — 5Zack — 5

Final verdict: Leaf Cutter Approved.

Greg Free of Fortaleza y Libre joins The Leaf Cutters in The Back Porch Lounge for a full crew session featuring Sun Country, Segundo Viento, Intimidador, Bushwhacker, and Midnight Bender.

The conversation covers the Fuerte y Libre name change, the bull logo issue, PCA booth life, shop partnerships, pairing tests with Eagle Rare and coffee, the blending process, and the upcoming Law Dog release.

The crew also gives final ratings, and this one turns into a huge Leaf Cutter Approved night.

#TheLeafCutters #BackPorchLounge #FortalezaYLibre #PremiumLeaf #BoxPress

Adrian Magnus, Premium Pricing & Boutique vs Legacy Brands
Luxury presentation, smooth flavor, and a debate that goes far beyond the blend itself.
The crew explores Adrian Magnus aged selections while discussing craftsmanship, aging, construction, flavor development, and overall value. The conversation evolves into a broader discussion about boutique brands, legacy manufacturers, and how enthusiasts discover new favorites.
Real-world perspectives from everyday enthusiasts who attend industry events, visit lounges, and actively seek out new experiences.

Listen now and decide for yourself: Is luxury worth the premium?

Adrian Magnus, boutique brands, luxury blends, premium discussion, aging, craftsmanship

#TheLeafCutters #BackPorchLounge #LuxuryLifestyle #BoutiqueBrands #PremiumDiscussion

🎙️ The Back Porch Lounge welcomes Hyman Lazega of Grouchy Monkey Cigars for a laid-back conversation about boutique cigar craftsmanship, blending philosophy, and the Jungle Land Maduro.

The crew discusses smooth retrohales, medium-bodied flavor profiles, coffee pairings, cigar construction, Candela experiences, and the realities of building a boutique cigar brand in today’s market. Hyman also shares how his aviation career inspired his journey into premium tobacco.

This episode blends cigar education, humor, and authentic lounge conversation into one unforgettable smoke session.

💬 What cigar pairing do you always come back to?

#LeafCutters #BackPorchLounge #BoutiqueSmokes #CigarCommunity #CigarTalk

cigar podcast Spotify, boutique cigar discussion, Grouchy Monkey Cigars, Jungle Land Maduro, cigar education, premium tobacco podcast, cigar review audio

This week in The Back Porch Lounge, The Leaf Cutters fire up a grab bag lineup and talk about one thing every cigar fan is feeling right now: prices.

The crew reviews Perdomo Lot 23 Sun Grown, AVO 85th Anniversary, CAO MX2, Dunbarton Mi Querida, Patina Leprechaun Dust, Silent Hero La Bamba, and more while breaking down burn, draw, aging, flavor, and final ratings.

Then the conversation turns to where people can still find solid deals: Costco, online retailers, CigarBid, monthly boxes, brick-and-mortar events, liquor stores, and even vape shops carrying boutique selections.

Expect lounge banter, Star Wars chaos, humidor advice, aging debates, and plenty of “worth your time” talk.