Shows
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 332nd Take - Smoking Syndicate Roundtable 22 - with Cigar Coop CoalitionTonight, we join forces! The Smoking Syndicate & El Oso Fumar come together for Roundtable 22 - Cohiba Riviera Lancero. Ben Lee, William Cooper, Tripp Waldrop, and host, Bear Duplisea
2025-06-282h 18
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 331st Take - with Eddy Guerra of La Flor DominicanaThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome back Eddy Guerra for our #331stTake. After years of working for some of the industry's large and corporate giants, the new family man is bringing back his talents to the family-owned icon La Flor Dominicana. One of the Cigar Boom's most successful stories lies within the confines of La Canela and Eddy is poised to help the world remember without Litto the world doesn't get ligero. Enjoy!
2025-06-142h 02
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 330th Take - with Nick Libretti of JR Cigars & Long Ash PodcastThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Nick Libretti, host of the Long Ash Podcast and newly promoted Senior Brand Manager at JR Cigars to sit down for our #330thTake. We'll catch up with Nick on his PCA take, all things Long Ash and JR Cigars. Enjoy!
2025-06-111h 48
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 329th Take - with David Garofalo of 2 Guys Cigars, Cigar Authority & United Cigar GroupThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes is proud to welcome the return of Dave Garofalo of 2GuysCigars.com, Cigar Authority podcast, and United Cigar Group. Our 329thTake will be one to attend. Dave is never short on opinions, but I love chatting with him because of his indelible personality. Those opinions are backed by 40 years of retail and cigar industry wisdom. And we aim to hear straight from the man himself. It'll be one to sit down and watch. Enjoy!
2025-05-212h 47
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 328th Take - with Tyler Jeffery of Viso Horny CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes another first-time guest for our #328thTake. A long time ago, Tyler Jeffery was the first to ever tell me in-person that he watched this show. It was a surreal moment. Fast forward a few years, and that funny, curious, passionate 'kid' took his best qualities and chased a dream. He's worked hard, traveled on his own dime, and learned tons. With a factory and distributor now in his corner, he's poised to make a name for himself. Enjoy!
2025-05-202h 19
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 327th Take - with Lou Cross of Lure CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes first time guest - Lou Cross of Lure Cigars to sit down for #Take327! It’s been great to observe Lou’s journey. From long time cigar fan and supporter of this podcast to launching his own brand! In 18 months, Lou has come out swinging and it’s all thanks to a lifetime love fishing and cigars. We’ll take a walk along his journey of how he went from fanboy to a PCA Trade Show Exhibitor this year
2025-05-182h 34
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 326th Take - with Tripp Waldrop of Let's Get Pairing & Cigar Coop CoalitionThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes returns for our #326thTake! The Premium Cigar Association put on an amazing Trade Show in New Orleans two weeks ago. The Cigar Coop Coalition will litigate most of it this coming Tuesday on Prime Time Special Edition. But tonight, Tripp Waldrop and I weigh in on eating and pairing our way through New Orleans! We brought a pairing home for you to witness and we look back at the epic meals, cocktails, venues. All thing culinary - New Orleans style. Enjoy!
2025-05-162h 43
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 325th Take - with William Cooper & Erron Nielsen of Cigar Coop CoalitionThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes continues to gear up for the upcoming PCA Tradeshow in New Orleans. We've asked William Cooper and Erron Nielsen to return for our #325thTake. We'll explore the "hype" around a Tradeshow release. Why does it matter? When does it matter most to release a cigar? But, I'm really excited to look back at previous cigars that had all the hype. Did they live up to deliver expectations? Let's take a look at some historical data and discuss and debate. Enjoy!!!
2025-05-062h 33#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 324th Take - with Tripp Waldrop of Cigar Coop Coalition & Let's Get PairingThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes back Tripp Waldrop of the Cigar Coop Coalition and Let’s Get Pairing to sit down for our #324thTake. PCA is on the horizon and Tripp and I have had the privilege of many live interviews over the years. Which are some of our favorite? Experience the highs and the lows on tonight’s take. Enjoy!
2025-05-062h 41
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 323rd Take - with Daniel Lance of Domain CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes Daniel Lance of Domain Cigars to sit down for our #323rdTake! The Co-Founder of Domain has teamed up with the infamous Disla family to bring some of the hottest new cigars to market in the last couple of years. Enjoy!
2025-03-242h 51
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 322nd Take - with Oliver Nivaud of United Cigar GroupThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of the Taco Jester himself, Oliver Nivaud of United Cigar Group. Our #322ndTake promises to explore Oliver's taking the reigns and moving United Cigar to the next level over the past 7+ years. It hasn't been easy, but he's sure made it look fun. Enjoy!
2025-03-132h 21
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 321st Take - with Enrique Seijas of Matilde CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Enrique Seijas of Matilde Cigars to sit down for our #321stTake. Enrique is one of the industry's favorites and as a member of the First Family of the Dominican Republic is holding his family and his father's legacy close to his heart as he charges forth into a new era of Matilde. Enjoy!
2025-03-011h 46
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 320th Take - with Chris Topper of Topper Cigar CompanyThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of the definition of 'An Oldie, but a goodie'. Chris Topper is a 4th Generation, culminating 130+ years of pure, passionate American Tobacco history. Topper Cigars has proudly made cigars since the days of Grover Cleveland. Chris first appeared on this show way back on #Take40, now here is on #Take320. Enjoy!
2025-02-181h 53
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 319th Take - with Thor Nielsen & Fred Rewey and Cigar PressThis week, we welcome in a new duo, but familiar faces to sit down for #Take319. Thor Nielsen started Cigar Press almost a decade ago and quickly gave the cigar community a new look at print journalism. Fred Rewey has done everything in and out of the industry. Fred and Thor decided to team up and bring CIgar Press into a new era. We'll dive into that, but also have some fun along the way. Fred, Thor, and I have smoked a lot of cigars over the last 20 years, we bring some of our aged favorites to enjoy and...2025-02-082h 25
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 318th Take - with Rafael Nodal of Tabacalera USA & Altadis USAThis week, Rafael Nodal of Altadis USA and the steward of herald brands like Trinidad, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, and more joins us for our #318thTake. We catch up with Rafael and smoke the latest Top 25 placer - the Trinidad Espiritu No. 3.
Forgive the audio, but Rafael treated us all to a one-of-a-kind experience, playing piano live for us. (01:22:45)
2025-01-291h 43
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 317th Take - with William Cooper and Tripp Waldrop of Cigar Coop Coalition#ELOsoFumarTakes has a little fun amidst the "Top Cigar List" season. Our #317thTake welcomes back William Cooper Tripp Waldrop to a RE-DRAFT. In 2018, Tripp participated in his last "Top Cigar" list and Coop and I both had our respective lists. We go head-to-head in a re-draft. Let's goooooooooo!
2025-01-262h 42
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 316th Take - 2024 Top Ten Cigars with George Brightman
WELCOME BACK! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The night is here! The time is right! It's time for the #ELOsoFumarTakes Top 10 Cigars of 2024!
Once again, the legendary George Brightman joins us for the Top 10 Countdown for the ages! I've sent George my top ten cigars for him to sample and taste test blind. He gives an honest breakdown alongside my own assessments, Enjoy!
Criteria:
1) It's vitola based.
2) I had to have smoked the cigar for the first time in the last year and a half.*
3) It must not suck.
4)No limited edition cigars (i.e...2025-01-073h 22
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 315th Take - with William Cooper & Mike Szczepankiewicz of Cigar Coop and Powstanie CigarsThis week on #ELOsoFumarTakes, we're back! William Cooper and Mike Szczepankiewicz celebrate the last show of 2024 with a unique cigar and discuss fatherhood, celebrations, and the year ahead.
2025-01-032h 46
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 314th Take - with Bob Peacock, Brandon Payne, Austin Borgstede, Tracy Spence & William Cooper for the memorial of Mike Peacock, Owner of Michaels TobaccoThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes some very special guests for our #314thTake - a tribute to life of Mike Peacock, Owner of Michaels Tobacco of Euless & Michaels Tobacco of Keller. We will have a panel of wonderful guests, who knew him well and some more than most. We are honored to have his son, Bob Peacock, join us. Current General Manager of Michaels Brandon Payne heads a trio of famous shop alums, along with industry reps Tracy Spence & Austin Borgstede. And finally, William Cooper who knew Mike from trips, visits and working with Mike's time on the PCA board. This...2024-12-022h 18
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 313th Take - with Joe Gro of Casa de MontecristoThis week, We welcome the return of Joe Gro of Casa de Montecristo to sit down for our #313thTake! Joe has been a man on the move since his last time on the show. From a key mover at Drew Estate to a Shaker at Quality Importers to now move' and groovin' at Casa de Montecristo, we take a deeper look back at Joe's journey, why he loves this industry and why the hell he loves the word's worst "comedian".
2024-11-262h 46
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 312th Take - with Janine Perdomo of Perdomo Cigars#ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome for the first time the incomparable Janine Perdomo of Perdomo Cigars. For 30+ years, she’s worked side by side with her husband and family to build one of the premiere companies in the industry. It all started in a garage and now we’re here. Now, we hear her #Take! Enjoy!
2024-11-192h 05
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 311th Take - with George Brightman, William Cooper, & Guest Host Tim Wong for our 7th Anniversary!This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes turns 7!!! Our #311thTake promises a celebration you hardly ever see. Why? Because instead of celebrating the past - we look to the future! Seven burning questions for the next 7 years in the cigar industry. We've assembled William Cooper, George Brightman, Jay R. Davis, and honorary guest host - Tim Wong.
2024-11-044h 03
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 310th Take - with Steve Saka and Juan Martinez of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust and Joya de NicaraguaThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes commences our annual "Bear's Birthday Take". Tradition has returned as we welcome Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust and Juan Martinez of Joya de Nicaragua Cigars for our #310thTake! The last 41 years have been good to me, it's time to celebrate with great cigars and even better friends. Enjoy!
K9s for Warriors
2024-11-042h 35
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 309th Take - with Jack Heyer of Camacho CigarsThis week, Camacho Cigars’ Jack Heyer joins us for our #309thTake. Jack always brings a zany, yet humble distinction to our guest chair and tonight promises to be nothing different. You have to love Jack’s humor and enthusiasm for cigars! Enjoy!
2024-11-042h 19
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 308th Take - with Matt Tye & Raul Ramos of How 'Bout That CigarThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of How Bout That Cigar for our #308thTake! Host Matt Tye brings the new cohost of HBTC - Raul Ramos with him to get the full #ELOsoFumarTakes treatment. We'll have some industry topics dipped in for good fun and we'll be diving into why, after all these years, they still like snails, er I mean cigars. See you Sunday and Enjoy!
2024-10-282h 56
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 308th Take - with Matt Tye & Raul Ramos of How 'Bout That CigarThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of How Bout That Cigar for our #308thTake! Host Matt Tye brings the new cohost of HBTC - Raul Ramos with him to get the full #ELOsoFumarTakes treatment. We'll have some industry topics dipped in for good fun and we'll be diving into why, after all these years, they still like snails, er I mean cigars. See you Sunday and Enjoy!
2024-10-282h 56
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 307th Take & The Smoking Syndicate Roundtable No. 16 - Room 101 Johnny Tobbaconaut Toro with special guest Matt Booth
This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes joins forces with The Smoking Syndicate for a very special Roundtable. Our dear member, Ben Lee and thousands in Western North Carolina have been devastated by Hurricane Helene. So, this Sunday is all about our brother and his neighbors. We will be featuring Room101 Cigars Johnny Tobacconaut Toro and raising money for Operaton Airdrop. You can learn more in the link below! Come for the banter, give for the people and smoke because you want to. See you Sunday!
https://www.operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene
2024-10-142h 38
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 306th Take - with Scott Regina of Emerson's Cigars and President of PCAThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the newly sworn-in President of the Premium Cigar Association, Mr. Scott Regina of Emerson's Cigars. Our #306thTake promises to be a good one as we learn more about one the industry's premiere tobbaconists. A second generation retailer may have been born into this world, but on Sunday we learn more about Scott's journey and what it took to get here. The newly appointed President of PCA has some big shoes to fill and we intend to see how he plans on filling them. Along the way we'll have some fun and, of course, smoke some...2024-09-302h 17
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 305th Take - with Reinhard Pohorec of Meerapfel Cigar & Light'em Up LoungeThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome all the way from the other side of the globe - Reinhard Pohorec to sit down for our #305thTake. Reinhard's impact on the premium cigar industry has been fast, furious, and unwavering in just a few short years. From the Founder of Light em' Up Lounge to Vice President of one the most highly anticipated companies to hit the market in the last decade, Reinhard brings considerable influence and poise to everywhere he goes. You should be excited about this journey because I am!
2024-09-302h 32
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 304th Take - with Omar de Frias of Fratello CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return (from Space I may add) of Omar de Frias of Fratello Cigars drops in for our #304thTake. From the DMV to the Last Frontier, Fratello has surely and steadily bringing some of the most unique projects to market. We explore the past decade-plus and the journey that got Omar from obscurity to seeing his brand on the moon. Enjoy!
https://cigar-coop.com/2024/05/pca-2024-fratello-cigars.html
2024-09-092h 16
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 303rd Take - with Jon Carney of Bentley Cigars and Shoulders of GiantsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes returns after a week off to bring back one of my oldest friends in the industry and take a peek into a new era of the cigar industry. Jon Carney is back and partnering with one of the pillars of the industry in Europe to bring Bentley Tobacco to the American Market with a fury. Our #303rdTake promises to be a real page-turner. See you Sunday at 9:30pm CST! Enjoy!
2024-09-072h 39
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 302nd Take - with Jeff Haugen of Crux Cigar CompanyThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes returns with our #302ndTake! We welcome the return of Jeff Haugen, Founder of Crux Cigars to sit down and share about the next era of his cigar company. It wasn't that long ago that Crux was 'the New Kid on the Block.' Now, Crux is firmly entrenched in the premium cigar world and their name is part of every aficionado's lexicon. This will be one to remember, Enjoy!
2024-09-072h 11
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 301st Take - with K.C. Johnson of L'Atelier & Havana CellarsThis week, #ELOsoFmarTakes marches toward 400, with none other than KC Johnson of L'Atelier Imports and Havana Cellars Brands. We're excited catch up with KC and all things L'Atelier, surrogates, Tatuaje, and New England sports! Enjoy!
2024-09-072h 06
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 300th Take - with The Ultimate Cigar Media PanelTHIS IS IT! #ELOSOFUMARTAKES brings you our #300thTake! This Sunday, we have a panel for the ages. George Brightman, Thor Nielsen, William Cooper, John McTavish, Aaron Loomis, Tripp Waldrop, Erron Nielsen, Ben Lee, Mike Szczepankiewicz, and Denis Tsvang join us for the ultimate cigar media drop. We'll have a little history, a little juice and a little bit of evolution tonight. It's a star-studded event- worthy of 300! Enjoy!!
Cigar Coop:
https://cigar-coop.com/
Developing Palates:
https://developingpalates.com/
Cigar Aficionado:
https://www.cigaraficionado.com/
2024-08-253h 38
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 299th Take - Thank You Everyone!!2024-08-2518 min
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 298th Take - with Mike & Gregg Szczepankiewicz of Cigar Hustler & Pospiech CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes has something awesome in store for our #298thTake! We welcome the Szczepankiewicz Brothers of Cigar Hustlers and Powstanie fame to sit down for some much needed, exhilarating conversation. Mike returns with, first time guest, Gregg and we dive into the business of hustle, grind and how to make a every customer interaction unique and memorable. You won't want to miss this! Enjoy!
2024-08-022h 03
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 297th Take - with Hector Alfonso of Espinosa CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of 'Mr. Warmth' himself - Héctor J. Alfonso Sr of Espinosa Cigars! In addition to the stellar brands of Espinosa, Hector's fingerprints are all over Protocol, La Sirena, Cornelius & Anthony, Balck Star Line, and the coveted Knuckle Sandwich cigars. We catch up with Hector and see what's up all for #Take297! Enjoy!
2024-07-302h 03
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 296th Take - with Tripp Waldrop & Denis Tsvang of Let's Get PairingWe’re back this week for our #296thTake! This week, we pair up with Let's Get Pairing’s Tripp Waldrop & Denis Tsvang join us for our #296thTake tonight. We’ll be smoking with Arnold Serafin’s latest creation - Juan de Fuca from Serafin De Cuba Cigar Co.!
2024-07-302h 09
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 295th Take - with Oliver Nivaud of United Cigar Group#ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes back Oliver Nivaud of United Cigar Group to sit down for our #295thTake! #20DaysofUnited is back on and we celebrate with our favorite fellow Baseballism unofficial ambassador. There's a lot to discuss from United since our last visit, we'll get to all that and more with Oliver. Enjoy!
2024-07-052h 33
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 294th Take - with Tom Lazuka and Michael Cappellini of Asylum Cigars and Toscano CigarsHappy Father's Day! The #ELOsoFumarTakes tradition of Tom Lazuka continues strong with our #294thTake! We also welcome Michael Cappellini of Toscano Cigars so sit down on his first Father's Day. The dads are back! Enjoy!
2024-07-051h 58
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 293rd Take - with Jason Wood of Miami Cigar CompanyThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome for the first time Jason Wood of Miami Cigar & Company to sit down for our #293rdTake! Thiry Five Years Ago, Nestor Miranda started a brand out of the trunk of his car and today the family legacy continues with his son-in-law - Jason right by his side and in many cases - leading the charge. Miami has seen a lot of changes in 35 years and Jason has been there for the ride. We learn about his journey and a peek into what the next 35 years will be like for this historic brand...2024-06-051h 26
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 292nd1st Take - with Aaron Michaelis of Flint KnollThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes in Aaron Michaelis of Flint Knoll Winery to sit down for our #292ndTake. From historic Napa Valley comes a historic partnership between Flint Knoll and one of the world's most popular brand - Macanudo. With it's second reiteration already in the market, this podcaster hopes that the partnership continues. We sit down with Michaelis and talk wine, cigars and, of course, drink and smoke some as well. Enjoy!
Check out Flint Knoll: https://www.flintknoll.com/about-us/
View my PCA interview with Aaron and Steve Abbot of Ma...2024-05-312h 28
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 291st Take - with Les Mann of Coles of London & ST Dupont USAThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes Les Mann of ST Dupont Paris (U.S.) & Coles of London for our #291stTake! Les, all pun intended, is quite the 'Man about Town'! From his infectious enthusiasm to uncanny charism and knowledge of baseball... it's like we were separated at birth! Well, not exactly, but Les is the Man! Yep, I did it again. So kick back, relax and Enjoy!
Cigar Coop Coalition Coverage of ST Dupont: https://cigar-coop.com/2024/05/pca-2024-s-t-dupont.html
2024-05-242h 24
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 290th Take - with Tim Ozgener of OZ Family CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes, for the first time, one of the first class innovators in the premium cigar industry - Tim Ozgener of OZ Family Cigars! The Ozgener family legacy lives on with Tim's return to the industry two years ago and we plan to explore not only the present, the future, but of course, the past. From his inspirational father to exploring his creative and philanthropic nature, it'll be a #take you don't want to miss. Enjoy!
2024-05-132h 05
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 289th Take - with Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes back Baltimore's own son, Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne Cigars for our #289thTake! Last time we had Lee one, we explored his journey and the beginnings of Stolen Throne. This week, we continue to examine Lee's success and how a new brand's existence is finding success in today's market. As we all know, there are hundreds of brands out there, but Lee continues to set himself apart among his fans and colleagues. Looking forward to this one! Enjoy!
2024-05-032h 04
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 288th Take - with Paul Costo & Tracy Spence of Oliva Cigar Company & Nice Guys Cigar BrokerageThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes back two blasts from my past and the show as well. It's my privilege to welcome back Paul Costo & Tracy Spence of Oliva Cigar Co. & Nice Guys Cigar Agency. Paul and Tracy have been around the block a time or two when it comes to the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show and they've seen a lot come and go. These two gentlemen were also pivotal in my personal journey as well. We dive into the past and celebrate the present. Enjoy!
2024-04-252h 58
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 287th Take - with The Cigar Coop Coalition and John McTavish
This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes brings the #CigarCoopCoalition Court to you. The Premium Cigar Association 2024 Trade Show is now complete. For the best Post-PCA wrap up show, check out Developing Palates Wrap Up show here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-fkq4s-15cc8fa
But, as usual, I have a different #Take, for our #287thTake. William Cooper, Ben Lee, Tripp Waldrop, Denis Tsvang, and John McTavish all come together for the fanatical fun! We will deliberate and discuss some of our favorite moments and highlights. It all starts at 9:30pm CST, see you Sunday. Enjoy!
Continue to follow all PCA coverage at: h...2024-04-183h 28
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 286th Take - with Michael Herklots of Ferio TegoThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Michael Herklots for #Take286! In what has become a post Trade SHow tradition, Michael has agreed to grace not only PCA, but us with a swift turnaround and return. We reflect on the the trade show together and, of course, enjoy some terrific Ferio Tego cigars together! Enjoy!
https://www.feriotego.com/
2024-04-092h 27
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 285th Take - with The Cigar Coop CoalitionThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the Coalition. That's right, the Cigar Coop Coalition in its entirety will rock the airwaves and live streams one last time before the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show 2024 kicksoff later this week. The esteemed group of gentlemen of William Cooper, Ben Lee, Erron Nielsen, Tripp Waldrop, and Denis Tsvang will unite together to answer some of the serious, most pointed, but also the most laughable questions about this year's "Super Bowl" of cigars. Buckle Up Sports Fans, Enjoy!
https://cigar-coop.com/2024/01/announcement-2024-big-board-for-pca-trade-show-is-live.html
2024-03-182h 33
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 284th Take - with Glen Case of Kristoff CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Kristoff Cigars' Glen Case back for our #284thTake. Kristoff is celebrating an impressive milestone in 2024 and to kickoff this year's Premium Cigar Association Trade Show season they announced a 20th Anniversary cigar will soon be available. Kristoff continues his steadfast and firm success over the past two decades with an amazing past 5 years. We catch up with Glen and all things Kristoff. Enjoy!
Kristoff celebrates 20 years: https://cigar-coop.com/2024/02/kristoff-twentieth-anniversary-to-debut-at-pca-2024-cigar-news.html
New Packaging: https://cigar-coop.com/2024/02/new-packaging-for-kristoff-vengeance-to-launch-at-pca-2024.html
Kristoff con...2024-03-122h 03
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 283rd Take - with Tripp Waldrop and Denis Tsvang of Let's Get PairingThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Denis Tsvang & Tripp Waldrop of Let’s Get Pairing! We’ve had some epic shows over the years! Let’s have another one! Bring your favorite pairing and join us!! Enjoy!
https://www.letsgetpairing.com/
2024-03-042h 35
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 282nd Take - with Nicolas Jimenez of Pan Con Podcast, Dade Magazine and El Vecino Cigar LoungeThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of one of our favorite, and OG #Takes! Welcome Back Nicolás Antonio Jiménez of Pan Con Podcast, Dade Magazine and El Vecino Cigar Lounge for or #282ndTake! It's been a while since Nick has been on the pod and a lot of water has gone over the dam and under the bridge for the former Cigar Snob Senior Editor. What's Nick up to these days and how's life as it pulls him in 1000 different directions? The answer: cigars. Cigars are the answer to every question. We can't wait to catch up wi...2024-03-012h 23
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 281st Take - with Aric Bey of Black Star Line CIgarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes is proud to welcome for the first time, the dapper and distinguished mind behind Black Star Line Cigars! Aric Bey sits down for our #281stTake and we sample some of his wares. This former firefighter brings a lot to the table and to the industry, but you know me, I'm all about the journey.
2024-02-221h 51
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 280th Take - with Mike Rosales of RoMa Craft TobacThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of the 'Ro' in RoMa - Mr. Mike Rosales of RoMa Craft Tobac! Our #280thTake should be one to remember as there have been A LOT of goings on with Manbacco Folk. We dive into all things new with Mike's company, Skip's new solar panels, and of course, we peel back the layers on the new projects. Enjoy!
https://romacrafttobac.com/
2024-02-122h 21
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 279th Take - with Terence Reilly of Aganorsa LeafThis Sunday, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return to the greatest day of our lives. That's right sports fans - our #279thTake will feature Terence Reilly of Aganorsa Leaf. From 100 gauge cigars to Supreme Leafs to Rare Leafs, Firecrackers and more. Terence and the Aganorsa Leaf team continue to forge forward. Fresh off time at Puro Sabor, we kick back with Terence and enjoy our first conversation in too long. Looking forward to this one, Enjoy!
https://aganorsaleaf.com/
https://cigar-coop.com/2024/01/united-cigars-to-release-aganorsa-leaf-lunatic-firecracker-cigar-news.html
https://cigar-coop.com/2024/01/cigar-news-aganorsa-leaf-supreme-leaf-rothschild-announced.html
https://cigar-coop.c...2024-01-292h 32
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 278th Take - with Jesse Mariut of Hand RolledThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes back the brilliant documentarian behind the incredible Hand Rolled project that took the cigar industry by storm a few years ago. Jesse Mariut make their return for #Take278, to talk about the next chapters in the Hand Rolled series. Their first stop is the illustrious J.C. Newman Cigar Family and their 'American Dream' story. We'll talk with Jesse and Steve and get to know more about their world and how cigars have come to be apart of their mission and work. Enjoy!
Hand Rolled Original Film: https://www.youtube.com/w...2024-01-231h 57
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 277th Take - with Frank Cossio III of Foreign Affair & Luciano CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes Francisco Cossio III of Foreign Affair Cigars to sit down for our #277thTake. "Frankie" has had an incredible run in his young life. I'm excited to sit down with this "newcomer" to the cigar industry that is truly making waves. More importantly, we go back with Frank and learn about his journey what it took to get here and where he's taking Foreign Affair after its explosive entrance into the industry. Enjoy!
Frank and I would like to spotlight Els for Autism Foundation.
Learn more and consider donating here: h...2024-01-161h 57
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 276th Take - 2023 Top Ten Cigars with George Brightman
WELCOME BACK! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The day is near! The time is right! It's time for the #ELOsoFumarTakes Top 10 Cigars of 2023!
Once again, the legendary George Brightman joins us for the Top 10 Countdown for the ages! I've sent George my top ten cigars for him to sample and taste test blind. He gives an honest breakdown alongside my own assessments, Enjoy!
Criteria:
1) It's vitola based.
2) I had to have smoked the cigar for the first time in the last year and a half.*
3) It must not suck.
4)No limited edition cigars (i.e...2024-01-083h 51
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 275st Take - Lord of the Rings: Return of the King with Sam Spencer, Matt Tye, & Tripp WaldropIt’s an ALL NERD ALERT! Tomorrow night, ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes back Samuel Spencer, Matt Tye, and Tripp Waldrop to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Lord of the Rings: Return of the King for our #275thTake! It’ll be a barn burner and a good-fashioned nerd out. Love these guys and am looking forward to putting the crown jewel on top of this series. Enjoy!
Film: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167260/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt
Cast: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167260/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cl_sm
Awards: https://www.imdb.com/t...2023-12-203h 14
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 274th Take - with Scott Pearce and Jay Davis of the Premium Cigar AssociationThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes back two distinguished gentlemen back for our #274thTake! Scott Pearce and Jay Robert Davis of the Premium Cigar Association sit down to talk about a first in Association history. Five months ago we had a trade show and normally, we'd gearing up for the half way point to the next trade show. Now, we're about 90 days away! For the first time in its history, the annual PCA trade show will take place in March. What are the challenges? What are the successes? We'll see what these two say about this elephant in the room, as...2023-12-062h 55
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 273rd Take - with Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & TrustThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes is please to welcome the return of fan-favorite and birthday-loving Steve Saka back for our #273rdTake! Steve is always a good time, despite what he says. His cigars finesse the palate and his axioms boggle the mind. We'll see what we can do to enjoy both all in one night. Love our #Takes with Steve! Enjoy!
https://www.dunbartoncigars.com/
https://cigar-coop.com/2023/08/pca-2023-dunbarton-tobacco-trust.html - PCA coverage
https://cigar-coop.com/2023/10/cigar-news-dunbarton-tobacco-trust-rebranding-original-sobremesa-line-as-sobremesa-solita.html
- Sobremesa rebranding
2023-11-272h 27
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 272nd Take - William Cooper of Cigar CoopThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes back the Gordo-Loving, Kapler-Hating, Press Release-Asking, Burger Fiend himself - Mr. William Cooper for #Take272! The Cigar Coop founder and I will sit down and throw it back! We look back at all the pods over the years and reflect on some of faves, some of the best, some of the most impactful, and yes, even some we'd like to forget. Prime Time, Special Edition, Jukebox, #ELOsoFumarTakes, and Smoking Syndicate, we talk about it all. Enjoy!
https://cigar-coop.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@WilliamCooperPrimeTime
https://www.youtube.c...2023-11-273h 02
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 271st Take - SIXTH ANNIVERSARY with Tim Wong and Hector Alfonso, Sr. of Espinosa Cigars#ELOsoFumarTakes IS TURNING 6!!!! Today marks the year 6 of #Takes and we're so please to welcome the return of two of our original #Takes to celebrate the occasion. As always, Tim Wong as agreed to return as he has every year to celebrate the festivities. Tim was my guest for my very first #Take and I will never forget it! #MrWarmth Héctor J. Alfonso Sr. of Espinosa Cigars returns as well. Hector has made numerous appearances including in #Take3 on our opening weekend! Six years in the making and I have a feeling we're just getting started!
...2023-11-152h 14
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 270th Take - with Matt Tye of How Bout That CigarThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of one of our favorite nerds! Matt Tye of How Bout That Cigar returns as the guest for our #270thTake! It's been almost four months since the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show back in July and believe it or not, we're gearing up for the next one as the first in Spring 2024. Plus, the end of the year is coming and that means we talk about some of the best cigars we've smoked all year. But, Matt always has a hand on the pulse of the comings and goings in the industry. We...2023-11-152h 22
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 269th Take - with Nicholas Melillo of Foundation Cigar CompanyThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Nick R. Agua, Founder of Foundation Cigar Company to sit down for our #Take269. With the latest releases, Charter Oak Pegnataro-CT Shade and Pasquale CT Broadleaf, heading to stores this week, we unfold some of the new chapters in this next Foundation era. Nick is always fraught with unending knowledge of cigars, tobacco, and more. We explore some of the newest from Nick as well, but we never forget to explore the past.
For the entire month of October, we are raising awareness for K9s for Warriors!...2023-10-301h 38
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 268th Take - with Mike Szczepankiewicz & Erron Nielsen of Cigar Hustler and Cigar Coop CoalitionTonight, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes two exceptional guests for our annual Bear's Birthday Extravaganza! This year Mike Szczepankiewicz & Erron Nielsen will sit down for a celebration of fun and hijinks! This annual show has always been one of my favorites and its been my goal to always welcome in folks from the industry that I consider dear friends. Mike and Erron are no exception. We tackle previous birthdays, the comings and goings of the industry and predictions for the upcoming year as we gear up for the first trade show not held in the summer! Enjoy!
For t...2023-10-272h 47
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 267th Take - with Tripp Waldrop of Let’s Get PairingTonight, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of one of the top returning guests on this show. That's right y'all Tripp Waldrop returns for his record tieing 9th appearance for #Take267! Tonight, it's all about movies. Yes, the cinema. We break down some of our favorites in film. "To be or not to be, that is the question." Well, it really isn't, because you have TO BE here tonight. Enjoy!
For the entire month of October, we are raising awareness for K9s for Warriors!
Please donate HERE.
Our agenda today:...2023-10-162h 49
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 266th Take - with David Lafferty, Derek Matthews, & Miguel Schoedel of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, Oveja Negra Brands, & Crowned HeadsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes not one, not two, but three distinguished gentlemen for an exciting panel discussion the likes of which we have never seen! David Lafferty of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, Derek Matthews of Black Label Trading Company and Miguel M. Schoedel of Crowned Heads all sit down for #Take266! We've got three of the hottest brands in the industry with the Heads of Sales for each of them. We'll explore challenges, journies, and maybe a tale or two from the road. It'll be epic. Enjoy!
For the month of October, we will be raising awar...2023-10-033h 03
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 265th Take - with John Hakim of Forged Cigar Company & General Cigar CompanyThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes John Hakim of Forged Cigar Company & General Cigar Company to sit down and tackle all things Chillin' Moose, Punch, and more. While cigars may be his job today, growing up in Northeast Pennsylvania, his path started with a tad more convention. How did he become Brand Manager to some of the most fun brands in the Forged Family of Cigars? You'll need to be there to find out.
John selected The Lucerne Foundation to spotlight his week, learn more here: https://www.luzfdn.org/
https://cigar-coop.com/2023/07/ci...2023-09-262h 24
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 264th Take - with Ben Lee of The Smoking Syndicate
This week, The Bull Shark is back! It's always a good time with Ben on the show. We bring a cigar review and sensational dialogue around some topics inside the industry and out. It's time for another review and for today we venture into the rooms of Oveja Negra Brands! James and Angela Brown's company hit a major milestone this year, celebrating 10 years as a company! To commemorate, James blended La Madonna Negra.
The Blend:
Wrapper: U.S.A. (Connecticut Broadleaf)
Binder: Ecuador (Habano)
Filler: Nicaragua and U.S.A. (Pennsylvania)
So, tonight, Ben and I break it down. Here...2023-09-192h 31
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 263rd Take - with Jennifer True of Altadis USAThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes another first-time guest, and what a privilege this will be! Jennifer True, Senior Director of Marketing of Altadis USA sits down for #Take263. From Fragrance to Fashion to Fine Cigars - the world of luxury is something Jennifer knows and knows well. Jennifer may be a part of a special team at Altadis USA, make no mistake two of the most important releases in the iconic Montecristo line were her projects. Y'all know I love baseball, so there's no other way to say than she hit them out of the park! Enjoy!
...2023-09-192h 27
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 262nd Take - with William Cooper, Ben Lee & Erron Nielsen of The Cigar Coop CoalitionThe TEAM IS BACK! WE ARE HOSTING THE OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL 1/2 APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CIGAR FEST PODCAST EPISODE! #ELOsoFumarTakes sits down with William Cooper, Erron Nielsen, and Ben Lee of the Cigar Coop Coalition! It's 45+ days since the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show and we check in with our team to see which ways the pendulum of momentum has swung. So, while half the industry is up in the Rocky Mountains, 1/2 of our team is in the Appalachians, we will discourse. We have some unanswered questions that we will get answered and, of course, some fun along the way. Enjoy!
2023-08-283h 33
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 261st Take - with Jimmy Miudo of Quality Importers Trading CompanyThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes brings in a first-time guest for our #261stTake. Jimmy Miudo of Quality Importers sits down to talk Xikar, Palio, Swag Bunker and more. We'll be pairing cutter and lighter combos and really dive into the accessory space. Additionally, we learn more about Jimmy's journey!
Spotlighting Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, please consider donating HERE.
https://www.qualityimporters.com/
For tonight's demonstration with QI accessories, we used the United Natural Robusto.
Notable Alumni of UMass - Dartmouth- https://edurank.org/uni/university-of-massachusetts-dartmouth/alum...2023-08-212h 43
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 260th Take - Casablanca’s 80th Anniversary with Sam Spencer & Fred ReweyThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes heads back to the cinema! Casablanca turned 80 late last year and we're here to celebrate it! Fred Rewey of Illusione Cigars and Sam Spencer return for an evening of popcorn, cigars, and film-nerding out! Our #260thTake is a night to remember, so skip all the other gin joints and sit down right here. You won't want to miss this one, you will regret it! Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life.
We are spot-lighting Sepsis Alliance once again and the incredible work they do. Le...2023-08-142h 28
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 259th Take - with Ian Reith of Dapper Cigar CompanyThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes a first time guest in for our #259thTake! It's our pleasure to welcome Ian Reith of Dapper Cigar Company! There's a little egg on my face here, because one of the hottest cigar brands in the last 5+ years has been Dapper, and it's taken me faaaaar toooo long to make this happen. Ian has been so gracious in his patience. His story is great and you know me and stories! We're so excited for this #Take and you should be too! Enjoy!
Check out tonight non-profit: https://www.holysmoke.org/
2023-08-072h 27
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 258th Take - with Nicholas Perdomo III of Perdomo CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes is proud to welcome for the first time, Nicholas Perdomo III of Perdomo Cigars. This has been a big year for Perdomo as he has worked on the highly anticipated 30th Anniversay Cigar as well as some big changes to the family. We're excited to experience his story and his role in The Perdomo Army!
Nicholas and I would like to raise awareness for:
Alzheimer's Association
https://www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate
PCA 2023 Coverage: Perdomo Cigars
https://cigar-coop.com/2023/07/pca-2023-perdomo-cigars.html...2023-07-311h 58
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 257th Take - with Arnold Serafin of Serafin de Cuba CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes takes a trip to Tampa! Well, metaphorically,of course, as we welcome Arnold Serafin of Serafin De Cuba Cigar Co. to sit down for our #257thTake! Arnold's family has doing the cigar thing in Cigar City for almost a century! Now, Arnold is honoring his family by taking his love of family and of cigars to bring herald brands of the past to market. We'll see you all at 9:30pm Central this Sunday! Enjoy!
Learn more about the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation:
https://cf-cf.org/
https://www.visittampabay.c...2023-07-252h 17
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 256th Take - with Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego#ELOsoFumarTakes is back this week and we are exhausted and drained from another successful coverage tour of the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show. This Sunday, we welcome back Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego for our #256thTake! A new cigar and seeing if a company less than three years old is hitting its stride. We catch up with Mike and try to stay awake after a week in Las Vegas! It'll be fun, Enjoy!
In a moment of inspiration, by incredibly recent events, Michael and I would like to spotlight The Breast Cancer Research Foundation - l...2023-07-172h 47
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 255th Take - with Rob Rasmussen & Randy Griggs of Flavor Odyssey Podcast#ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the Gents from Cigar Dojo’s Flavor Odyssey on their return for Our #255thTake! Rob Rasmussen & Randy Griggs bring the power of their dynamic duo in full force. Can’t wait to sip and smoke and smack talk about all things flavor.
Randy's Charity: https://badrap.org/
Rob's Charity: https://www.cccocasa.org/?fbclid=IwAR2VxpXgF_BaD7UWEHkAYrZZmh58YuJdmaaRmGjklXJeAL5rod298g9G_tw
Listen to the Flavor Odyssey: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/nk6u5-ad835/A-Flavor-Odyssey-Podcast
2023-07-032h 56
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 254th Take - with Ash Ott of Ashes with Ash podcastThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome a first time guest for our #254thTake. The host of Ashes with Ash podcast sits down to share her story. Ash Ott is on a similar quest to find the perfect story to go along with the perfect cigar. Warning y'all, when two storytellers get together, I'm not surey'all will be able to handle this. But either way, we'll come out of it with, you guessed it, an excellent story. Enjoy!
Ash and I would like to spotlight the ASPCA, please consider donating and learn more here: https://w...2023-06-272h 13
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 253rd Take - with Tom Lazuka and Oliver Nivaud of Asylum Cigars and United Cigars Group#ELOsoFumarTakes returns in time to celebrate Father's Day!!! I'm back from the Old World and ready to sit down with two of my favorites to celebrate this day for Dads. We're in for a special treat! As is tradition, Tom Lazuka of Asylum Cigars returns for Father's Day and in a special double feature we welcome back Oliver Nivaud of United Cigar Group! The evening promises to be fun and full of fatherhood, cigars and more. Enjoy!
The gents and I spoke about Stars for Our Troops, a terrific organization, check out more here: http://ww...2023-06-202h 17#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 252nd Take - with Ben Lee of The Smoking SyndicateThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes returns with our #252ndTake and unique collaboration with felllow #CigarCoopCoalition member, Ben Lee of The Smoking Syndicate. For this show, we combine a live review and some great cigar industry conversation.
The Cigar we live reviewed tonight was the Tatuaje Avion 13 Tuxtla
Ben and I also wanted to spotlight the Manna Food Bank of the greater Ashville, NC area.
2023-05-303h 15
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 251st Take - with Juan Cancel and Kevin Keithan of Protocol CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes a little history for its #251stTake! We just celebrated a milestone and this week we celebrate another milestone - just not our's! Protocol Cigars is 8 years old! In rare form, we will be bringing both Kevin Keithan & Protocol Cigars Juan Cancel back to toast their celebration! We relish in the past and look to the future with our own version of #PoweroftheP ! Enjoy!
Tunnels to Towers Foundation: https://t2t.org/donate/
2023-05-222h 31
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 250th Take - with Manuel Quesada of Quesada CigarsThis week, we celebrate 250 #TAKES!! With a milestone like this, I am so pleased and honored to welcome our guest, Manuel (Manolo) Quesada of Quesada Cigars! Quesada is a legendary name in this industry and with it comes some amazing stories and a life of rich, hard work. We sit down with truly one of the humblest men of the premium cigar industry that shaped its past and is blessing our future. Enjoy!
Quesada PCA 2022:
https://cigar-coop.com/2022/08/pca-2022-report-quesada-cigars.html
2023-05-152h 14
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 249th Take - with James Brown of Oveja Negra BrandsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes back the incomparable James Brown of Black Label Trading Company, BLK WKS, and Oveja Negra Cigar Co. Last time we had James on we explored his amazing journey. For our #249thTake, we bring back James to talk even deeper into his cigars, his method, and what makes Wu-Tang loving, sneaker head seeking, and pushing the envelope more and more. This will be a fun one, Enjoy!
PCA 2022:
https://cigar-coop.com/2022/07/pca-2022-report-oveja-negra-brands.html
https://ovejanegracigars.com/
2023-05-012h 06
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 248th Take - with Developing PalatesThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes a very select group of esteemed gentlemen to sit down for #Take248! That's right the entire Developing Palates crew will be the guests of honor for a take filled with an all-you-can-eat buffet of hate, hustle, and (possibly) average-tasting cigars. Sincerely, when Aaron Loomis and Jiunn Liu founded arguably the best media team in the industry a few years ago, they probably had no idea what their revolutionary concept would do to the industry. At first glance, you may think their rating system is confusing, you may think that Aaron hates everything, and yes, you...2023-04-243h 00
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 247th Take - with Fred Rewey of Illusione CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of one of the industry's most beloved 'limes'. Fred Rewey, Brand Strategist for Illusione Cigars, sits down for his first official #Take. Fred has stopped by on previous #takes as a panelist, but this will be the first time the Founder of Nomad Cigar Company and the man known as the GODFadr will stop by. We're all fascinated with Fred and why not? Come by and Enjoy!
Fred and I would like to spotlight Smokin' Tabaccao's Annual Fundraiser for the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, learn more and donate here: h...2023-04-182h 38
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 246th Take - with Jon Huber of Crowned HeadsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes none other than, Jon Huber of Crowned Heads to sit down for our #246thTake! This long-awaited conversation promises to be an exciting, insightful, and educational experience. The Co-Founder of one of the industry's top boutique power brands has come a long way since the days of managing Shipping for one of this industry's most storied brands. During this week's conversation, we talk A-Z and digest the years and impact Huber's talent has lasted and done. It's going to be a "can't miss", so don't. Enjoy!
For this occasion, Jon and I a...2023-04-111h 59
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 245th Take - with Andy Yaffee of Micallef CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of a former Texas Road Warrior and Current National Sales Director of Micallef Cigars - Mr. Andy Yaffee! We've had Andy on the show before, but this is his first solo appearance. That means we go back and explore his history a bit as well as explore all things Micallef. From Open Houses to a return to the PCA, we see what's going on with this bonafide Texas cigar company! Enjoy!
For this occasion, Andy has selected an amazing cause of:
Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary
Please c...2023-03-272h 13
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 244th Take - with Howard Gumbs, Jr. of Howard G CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Howard Gumbs Jr. of Howard G Cigars to sit down for our #244thTake! When we first sat down with Howard we explored how the entrepreneur found cigars. What we found was it was: The People. Howard has brought a lot of people to cigars and his brand and partnerships with Leon Searcy and Ike Taylor have expanded their portfolio. We catch up this Sunday. Enjoy!
The Orange County Police Athletic League: https://ocsopal.com/
PCA 2022: https://cigar-coop.com/2022/08/pca-2022-report-howard-g-cigars.html
...2023-03-142h 36
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 243rd Take - with Ken Hamlin of The Arrival Cigar Brand & former NFL Pro BowlerThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome a first-time guest and first-time former NFL player to the show for our #243rdTake. Ken Hamlin has ARRIVED and we will make him feel welcome. We talk journey, from first smoke to La Aurora to another cigar coming to market - Ken has a every busy life. We step into it and enjoy!
Ken and I would like to spotlight the Greater Hounston area chapter of the Jack & Jill Foundation, learn more here:
Jack & Jill Foundation - Missouri City/Sugar Land Chapter
PC...2023-03-062h 27#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 242nd Take - with William Cooper, Ben Lee, & Erron Nielsen of The Cigar Coop CoalitionThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of the Coalition. That’s right, Cigar Coop, The Smoking Syndicate and #ELOsoFumar band together tonight for #Take242. Even though the name of The Smoking Syndicate Show implies different, we don’t always meet at the Roundtable. Tonight, we meet at an irregular quadrilateral table. I thought about square, but there’s going to be some very different view points brought tonight. Some feelings may get hurt, and they most certainly will be mine. Luckily, William Cooper, Ben Lee, and Erron Nielsen Always are there to pick up the pieces. Enjoy!
D...2023-02-273h 19
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 241st Take - with Abe Dababneh of Smoke Inn & The Great SmokeThis week, #ELOsoFUmarTakes is pleased to welcome back Abe Dababneh of Smoke Inn to sit down for our #241stTake. We're one month away from the 2023 Edition of The Great Smoke and as always ABe and his team have promised an event to remember. We talk with Abe about this year's event - especially this year's theme of Mardi Gras - and all that he has in store. Plus the trip of a lifetime! Enjoy!
https://www.thegreatsmoke.com/
http://www.smokeinn.com/
United Cigar Presidential Trivia:
2023-02-202h 19
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 240th Take - with Laurel Tilley of AJ Fernandez Cigar CompanyThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to present the return of one of our industry's fun personalities. When Laurel Tilley told me that she would be leaving her role as Ambassador for Macanudo, there was nothing fun about it. I soon learned that she was not leaving the industry - what a relief! Tilley has made her stamp on the industry and intends to take her experience and expertise over to familiar territory. AJ Fernandez Cigar Company now has one of the best Brand Developers in the biz. We talk about her plans, smoke some cigars, and, of course, drink...2023-02-132h 37
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 239th Take - with Scott Pearce of Premium Cigar AssociationThis week, we welcome back Scott Pearce of the Premium Cigar Association back for our #239thTake! Over six months have passed since the last PCA trade show and less than six months to the next one. We look back on the impact of 2022 and what 2023 and beyond will bring our industry’s organization. Enjoy!
Please consider donating: https://premiumcigars.org/
Promotion of Ryan Parada: https://cigar-coop.com/2022/11/cigar-news-pca-promotes-ryan-parada-to-senior-manager-of-government-affairs-and-international-policy.html
PCA hires Lisa Sigler (Published by halfwheel): https://halfwheel.com/lisa-sigler-joins-pca-as-director-of-membership-development-industry-relations/418207/
Results of PCA survey...2023-02-062h 35
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 238th Take - with Cynn & Josh Coburn of Dissident CigarsThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes two very special guests for our #138thTake. Cynn and Joshua Coburn came to the cigar industry in a very untraditional way. But, then again, sometimes great tradition is born from untraditional ways. The Coburns' story is one worth telling, and it's one worth listening. Enjoy!
The Coburns and I would like to raise awareness for SOS Animales Nicaragua! Please consider donating here: https://www.sos-animales-nica.org/donate
The Coburns take over Dissident: https://cigar-coop.com/2021/12/cigar-news-new-ownership-for-dissident-cigars.html
Molotov: https://cigar-coop.com/2022/06/cigar-news-dissident-molotov-to-debut-at-pca-2022.html
...2023-01-302h 24
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 237th Take - with Alan Rubin of Alec BradleyThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes officially kicks off 2023 with the return of the distinguished, herald, and freshly inducted Hall of Famer Alan Rubin - Founder of Alec Bradley Cigars. From the latest projects to life lessons, we get the best from Alan on our #237thTake!
The Rubin Family, Abe Dababneh, and I are inviting for you to support the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County and have a little fun along the way. https://gofund.me/5f022fe6
You read that right Bradley Rubin will shave hs mustache if we hit goal! https://gof...2023-01-232h 24
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 236th Take - 2022 Top Ten Cigars with George BrightmanThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes counts it down! That's right, our Top 10 Cigars of 2022 will be brought to you in countdown fashion. This year, I wanted to bring something special (you all know I like the twist). So, here it is - I've enlisted some help this year with my Top 10, so that's why for our #236thTake and our 2022 Top Ten Countdown the incomparable George Brightman will join us to give his own blind assessment on my Top 10!!! It'll be one to remember, Enjoy!
Criteria:
1) It's vitola based.
2) I had to have smoked t...2023-01-093h 10
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 235th Take - with Drew Newman of JC Newman Cigar CompanyMerry Christmas everyone!!! For our very first Christmas #Take we bring you a very special simulcast on both YouTube and Facebook. Drew Newman returns for a very special #235thTake for an #ELOsoFumarTakes Christmas. Since we last spoke to Drew we've seen the expansion of his cherished The American line, rebranding throughout the portfolio, a renovation into his family's 100+ year old factory and his father's election into the Cigar Hall of Fame. Drew shares his family and cigars with us this Christmas. Enjoy!
Drew Newman and I would like to spotlight:
Cigar Family Charitable F...2022-12-271h 14
#ELOsoFumarTakes#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 234th Take - Christmas Party with Mike Szczepankiewicz, Jay Davis & Garret RobinsonThis week, #ELOsoFumarTakes invites you to our Christmas Party! Our #234thTake promises to be a good time with a pretty cool cast of characters. 'Cigar Hustler' Mike Szczepankiewicz, 'Mr. Blue Smoke' Jay Davis, and 'How 'Bout that Cigar' Garret Robinson join the celebration. Will Mike bring cereal? Will Jay smoke a Fuente? How 'bout Garret's Candy Cane grip? We'll find out and more! Enjoy!!
This week, we'd like to raise awareness, spotlight, and if you feel called, donations to:
Toys for Tots
The Salvation Army
Source for to...2022-12-202h 53