The Tasting Hour - Smoke, Sip, Savour.

What does the future look like for premium cigars in the UK?

This month on The Tasting Hour, Jason and Gary tackle two big issues facing UK cigar smokers: plain packaging and the tobacco duty increase coming in October. What will the changes mean for cigar lovers, retailers and the premium cigar market — and just how expensive could enjoying a good cigar become?

There’s plenty from across the Atlantic too. Jason and Gary chat with José from La Galera Cigars, talking Dominican cigars, tobacco and the story behind the brand, before catching up with Pete from Tatuaje Cigars, one of the best-known names in the modern premium cigar world.

Expect cigar industry news, great conversations, strong opinions and, naturally, the usual banter from Jason and Gary.

Light up something special, pour yourself a drink and join us for another The Tasting Hour — Smoke, Sip, Savour.

Episode 13 – Summertime Smoke Festival & The Plain Packaging Debate

We’re back with Episode 13 of The Tasting Hour!

Jason and Gary catch up on all the action from the Summertime Smoke Festival, including conversations with Davidoff, Rocky Patel, Hiram & Solomon and more from the cigar world.

We also tackle a serious issue facing UK cigar smokers — plain packaging — and discuss what the proposed changes could mean for premium cigars, retailers and cigar culture in Britain.

Plus, expect the usual mix of cigar talk, drinks, opinions, laughs and the occasional detour!

Pour yourself something good, settle in and enjoy Episode 13 of The Tasting Hour. 🥃💨

Episode 12 marks a huge milestone for The Tasting Hour Podcast as we celebrate our first full year on air.

In this special episode, we take a look back at the guests, stories, and conversations that have shaped the podcast over the last 12 months. From interviews with industry legends such as Davidoff and Rocky Patel to chats with Trident Military Cigars, Rebellion Cigars, and many others, we revisit some of our favourite moments from the first 11 episodes.

We also reflect on the more serious conversations we’ve had around men’s mental health and prostate cancer awareness—topics that are just as important as the cigars and whisky we enjoy.

Thank you to everyone who has listened, watched, supported, and shared the podcast during our first year. Here’s to many more great conversations ahead.

The Tasting Hour Podcast – Cigars, whisky, and conversations worth having.

On this month’s Tasting Hour Podcast, we head to Ignite 2026 to catch up with some of the biggest names in the cigar industry and discover the latest releases creating a buzz across the market — from the major cigar houses to smaller boutique brands making their mark.We also talk mental health with the men behind Men’s Shed, the inspiring Australian idea now taking hold across the UK, helping tackle loneliness, connection and wellbeing through community, conversation and shared skills.And with the warmer weather finally arriving, May’s cocktail of the month is the Bluebird — a light, refreshing cocktail perfect for sunny afternoons and relaxed evenings.Great cigars, great conversations and plenty of stories along the way.Subscribe, like and join us for another episode of The Tasting Hour.Wedmore Men's Shed is organising WEDFEST 2026 to be held in St Mary's Church on Friday 10th July.The event will be supported by Women of Wedmore and Wedmore Scouts. Commencing at 6pm it promises to be an evening of good music from local artists with food and drink available but most of all a relaxed evening of fun.Weather permitting, we hope to have a range of acts performing both outside and inside the church itself.Proceeds will go to Wedmore Men's Shed and The Somerset Prostate Screening Association (SPSA).SPSA is a registered charity and run entirely by volunteers, many with personal experience of prostate cancer and the effect it has on their lives and that of their families.links https://menssheds.org.uk/https://www.bluebirdcafewedmore.com/

The Tasting Hour – This Month’s Episode 🔥

This month on The Tasting Hour, we’re diving deep into craftsmanship, flavour, and a few hidden gems from the cigar world.

We kick things off with the story behind Rebellion Cigars — how they started, what sets them apart, and their bold collaboration with Eddie Hall, the 2018 World’s Strongest Man. It’s a fascinating look at passion, power, and premium cigars coming together.

We also sit down with the organisers of Call of the Wild Festival to chat about what’s coming up in this year’s event. Expect insights, behind-the-scenes details, and why it’s shaping up to be an unmissable event.

💨 Ever heard of purging a cigar?We break down this little-known technique in our Cigar 101 segment — what it is, why it matters, and how to do it properly.

🍸 Cocktail of the Month: The Port NegroniA rich, smooth twist on the classic, perfectly paired with this episode’s lineup.

And finally, Jason and Gary get hands-on with something special — sampling a different blend from Leaf by Oscar, cigars not currently available in the UK. Expect honest reactions and plenty of flavour notes.

Sit back, pour a drink, and enjoy the ride.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more monthly tastings and cigar culture.

Link to call of the wild 28th to 31st May#COTWCigars and accessories at Rebelliously low prices

#TastingHour #Cigars #RebellionCigars #EddieHall #CallOfTheWild #PortNegroni #Cigar101

This Month’s Tasting Hour

Join us for an evening of flavour, conversation, and discovery as we revisit some exceptional cigars and welcome a few special guests.

Custom Rolled Cigars – The Big Smoke Festival

We begin with a rare treat: a return to last year’s Big Smoke festival with a of custom rolled cigars. Crafted by hand at the event, these unique smokes capture the artistry and spontaneity of live rolling—each one offering its own character, depth, and story. Expect a journey through evolving flavours, from earthy undertones to subtle spice, as no two are quite the same.

Oscar 2012 Red Maduro

Our featured cigar this month is the Oscar 2012 Red Maduro—a rich, medium-to-full bodied smoke known for its depth and balance. Wrapped in a dark Mexican San Andrés leaf, it delivers bold notes of espresso, dark chocolate, and warming spice, with a long, satisfying finish that rewards a slower pace. 

Conversation & Company

Men’s Health with Tim Lewis

We’re pleased to welcome Tim Lewis from the Somerset Prostate Support Association for an open and important conversation on men’s health. Insightful, informative, and relaxed—this is a chance to engage, ask questions, and support awareness in a welcoming setting.

www.spas.uk

Cocktail Feature

The Blue Bird Café, Wedmore

To complement the evening, The Blue Bird Café in Wedmore presents the first instalment in our new cocktail series. Expect something thoughtfully crafted—balancing classic technique with a modern twist—designed to pair beautifully with the richness of this month’s cigars.

https://www.instagram.com/bluebirdcafewedmore?igsh=MTNsZXlramNvaXlwZQ==

A relaxed evening, good company, and exceptional flavours this is one not to miss.

🔥 This Month on The Tasting Hour 🔥

We’re joined by Scott Vines of Tor Imports for a great conversation about all things cigars.

🍀 With St Patrick’s Day around the corner, we take a quick look at some perfect celebratory smokes.

✂️ In this month’s 101, we break down how to properly cut a cigar — simple tips that make all the difference.

🌙 And of course, we light up and try the new Davidoff Late Hour to see what it’s all about.

Pour yourself a dram, settle in, and join us for another relaxed and informative session.

The first episode of the year of The Tasting Hour kicks off with honest conversation and bold opinions. We sit down with an author launching his first book on men’s mental health, sharing personal insights that don’t pull any punches. Gary and I reveal our top three cigars of last year—plus two disappointing picks that might ruffle a few feathers. And to round things off, Gary persuades me to try spiced rum… a decision I regret almost immediately. Expect candour, controversy, and a few uncomfortable sips.

🍂 This Month on The Tasting Hour 🍂

We’re back with Episode Two of our Cigar Wrapper Series, diving deeper into how wrappers shape flavour, aroma, and character. Expect proper cigar chat, honest opinions, and the usual relaxed banter.

This month we’re joined by Dan from Warlock Meadery, talking all things award-winning mead — from craftsmanship and ingredients to what makes his meads stand out in a crowded field.

In the glass, we explore whiskies from New Zealand and Australia, tasting how Southern Hemisphere distilling is pushing boundaries and redefining expectations.

Cigars, spirits, mead, and conversation — The Tasting Hour does what it does best.

🎙️ Pour a dram, light up, and join us.

This month, Jason sits down with Guy Smith of Smith & Evans, diving into his fascinating journey through the wine world — from working with major brands to building his own award-winning English wines.

Plus, Gary kicks off a brand-new Cigar Wrapper 101 (the first of a three-part series!) and, of course… all the usual chat, banter, and discoveries you love.

 Tune in, pour a glass, and join the conversation!