Welcome back to another episode of the Smoke and Steel podcast, brought to you by StogieReview.com. In Episode 12, we gathered around the table with Walt, Jim, Mark, and Rob (filling in for Eric, who was stuck at a parent-teacher conference) to share some laughs, discuss recent cigar discoveries, and swap stories from our years in the cigar world.

What We Were Smoking

The evening kicked off with our usual cigar roundup. Mark was enjoying a Padron Damasco that he picked up from Top Shelf Cigars during what started as a quick trip for “three or four cigars” but ended up being a $250 shopping spree. As any cigar enthusiast knows, that’s just how these things go sometimes.

Walt had fired up an Oliva Serie V Lancero – a format that John Huber famously calls “the most requested cigar that doesn’t sell.” (Side-Note: I like the Oz Heads Podcast) There’s something ironic about that description, but the Serie V line continues to be a solid choice for those who appreciate a full-bodied smoke.

Jim brought along a Black Works Studio release that’s exclusive to Hawaii, demonstrating how the cigar world has become more accessible through online ordering, even for regional releases. Meanwhile, Rob was smoking a Don Carlos Eye of the Bull, praising its quality while noting its shorter smoking time.

Household Disasters and Life Lessons

One of the highlights of the episode came from Rob’s tale of domestic catastrophe. While cleaning carpets to eliminate a musty smell, he accidentally grabbed a bleach bottle instead of the Odo Ban odor eliminator. The result? A bleached carpet that, fortunately, kind of blended in with the existing pattern. As Rob put it, “What comes around goes around” – especially after he’d been giving his wife grief about her own recent mishap.

These kinds of stories resonate with our audience because they’re real, relatable moments that happen to all of us. Whether it’s accidentally using bleach on carpet or slipping on freshly pledged hardwood floors in your socks at 4 AM, life has a way of keeping us humble.

Cigar Industry Insights

We spent considerable time discussing CAO cigars and their evolution over the years. While CAO once had a strong presence in many rotation, we noted how the brand seems less prominent these days outside of their special releases like the Amazon Basin. The conversation touched on how certain brands fade from regular rotation as our palates evolve and new products enter the market.

The discussion also covered CAO cigars and their new Arcana series, which features pipe tobacco – a departure from traditional cigar origins. This kind of innovation in the industry keeps things interesting, even if pipe tobacco blends in cigars aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Behind the Scenes at Cigar Shops

Our conversation took an entertaining turn when we shared stories about cigar shop experiences and industry representatives. We reminisced about the legendary Jim at Top Shelf Cigars, known for his generous hospitality during cigar events and his… selective approach to unscheduled sales visits. Let’s just say calling ahead is highly recommended.

The discussion of Rojas cigars led to an amusing analysis of their quality control methods. Walt described watching a promotional video where the company owner demonstrates their use of Lieberman machines and individual cigar weighing – techniques that likely contribute to their reputation for consistent draw and construction.

Memorable Shop Discoveries

We shared stories of hidden gem cigar shops, from the honor-system private club in Pittsburgh with its $1,000 monthly membership to small-town stores that sold “lunch meat and ammo” alongside cigars. These experiences remind us that the cigar world extends far beyond the typical strip mall humidor.

The conversation touched on legendary cigar shop finds, including a shop closure sale in Harrisburg that yielded incredible deals on aged inventory. These stories serve as reminders to always be on the lookout for those special discoveries that make collecting cigars so rewarding.

Bourbon and Cigars: A Natural Pairing

Our bourbon discussion centered around George Dickel 8-year, which Rob brought for the group to sample. At around $32, it represents solid value in today’s whiskey market. The conversation naturally led to cigar and bourbon pairings, with plans to try the Cohiba Weller cigars alongside the Weller Full Proof Bourbon.

We also touched on the disappointing world of non-alcoholic spirits, with unanimous agreement that the technology hasn’t quite caught up to the ambition. While non-alcoholic beer has made significant strides, zero-proof bourbon and gin still have a long way to go.

Industry Personalities and Relationships

The episode included fond memories of industry representatives who’ve made positive impressions over the years. From Dave at Avowed Cigars to John Huber, these relationships help make the cigar world feel like a genuine community rather than just a business.

We shared stories about the contrast between generous reps who enhance the shop experience and those who… well, let’s say not every encounter is memorable for positive reasons. These experiences shape how we view brands and influence our purchasing decisions.

The Human Side of Cigar Culture

Throughout the episode, we touched on the human elements that make cigar culture special – the shared experiences, the storytelling, the community aspect of gathering with friends over a good smoke. Whether it’s dealing with domestic disasters, discovering new cigars, or simply enjoying each other’s company, these moments form the backbone of what we do.

The absence of Eric from this episode reminded us how much each person contributes to the dynamic of our group. His parent-teacher conference might have been necessary, but we definitely felt his absence – especially given how much he typically contributes to our conversations (as Walt discovered while editing previous episodes).

Looking Forward

As we wrapped up Episode 12, we reflected on the ongoing changes in the cigar industry, from new tobacco origins to innovative aging processes. While some changes work better than others, the constant evolution keeps things interesting for enthusiasts at every level.

Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just beginning your cigar journey, these conversations remind us that the hobby is about more than just tobacco – it’s about community, shared experiences, and the simple pleasure of slowing down to enjoy life’s finer moments.

Support Our Show

If you enjoyed this episode and want to support what we do, consider using our Cigar Page affiliate link for your cigar purchases, or make a direct donation through our Ko-Fi page if you’re feeling generous.

Thanks for joining us for another episode of Smoke and Steel, and we’ll see you next week for more cigar talk, stories, and the occasional household disaster tale.