Welcome back to another episode of Smoke and Steel! We gathered around the table for what turned into a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from winter cigar smoking setups to the eternal debate about TVs in cigar lounges. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep smoking through those brutal winter months or what makes a great lounge experience, this episode has you covered.

What We’re Smoking This Episode

We brought some serious variety to the table for this session. The lineup included an AJ Fernandez Bella Artes, a CAO Amazon Basin from 2021 (complete with vintage bragging rights), and an Ashton Aged Maduro that had been aging in the humidor for an unknown amount of time. Eric The Elder dug deep into the collection for an Avo Maria Reconquista that came in a beautiful presentation coffin. These sticks were originally snagged on Cigar Bid about five years ago at a steal of a price, proving that patience and good deals can really pay off.

Rounding out the selection, Walt fired up a Stolen Throne Three Kingdoms and tells us that it might be his favorite cigar from a recent Stolen Throne Sampler (hat tip to our friends over at LA Cigar Collective)

Surviving Winter: Creative Solutions for Cold Weather Smoking

One of the biggest topics we tackled was winter cigar smoking. Let’s face it, those of us in colder climates face a real challenge when temperatures drop. Nobody wants to give up their evening smoke just because it’s 20 degrees outside, but standing in the snow isn’t exactly comfortable either.

We shared some creative solutions that have worked for us over the years. One approach involves vinyl canvas enclosures that completely seal off a deck, combined with mushroom-style propane heaters. This setup can actually heat an enclosed space to around 60 degrees even in the dead of winter. The key is getting proper air exchange while maintaining warmth. It’s not a cheap solution, running around $2,500 for a 20×40 deck, but if you smoke daily like some of us do, it pays for itself in comfort and convenience.

For those looking at more budget-friendly options, we discussed everything from ice fishing tents to hot tents with wood-burning stoves. One member even mentioned using a small personal canopy tent with a chair that fits inside, creating a miniature shelter from the elements. The challenge with any of these setups is balancing ventilation with heat retention. You need enough airflow to safely use a heater and prevent carbon monoxide buildup, but not so much that you’re basically sitting outside in the cold.

The conversation also touched on how winter changes smoking habits. When you’re battling the elements, you tend to reach for shorter smokes rather than committing to a two-hour Churchill. Winter cigar smoking becomes more about efficiency and comfort than leisurely enjoyment, which is a shame but sometimes unavoidable.

The Great TV Debate: What Belongs in a Cigar Lounge?

We spent a good chunk of time debating TVs in cigar lounges, and opinions were definitely mixed. This topic strikes at the heart of what makes a great lounge experience. Are you there to socialize and talk with friends, or do you want entertainment options?

Some of us remember lounges that had strict no-TV policies. Members were there purely to socialize, and televisions were seen as a distraction from conversation. The only exception might be during major events like the World Series, and even then, the TV would disappear immediately afterward. There’s something appealing about that purist approach to the lounge experience.

However, most modern lounges have embraced screens, and for good reason. Sports are a huge draw, especially for afternoon games when you’d otherwise be stuck at home. The ability to watch your team while enjoying a good cigar is hard to beat. The key is keeping the volume reasonable so conversations can still happen. We’ve found that muting the game and playing music in the background works well for regular season games, saving the commentary for playoff intensity.

The real problems start when someone puts on a TV show or movie. Suddenly, conversation dies because people feel obligated to watch quietly. We’ve all experienced that buzzkill moment when you show up ready to relax and talk, only to find everyone glued to reruns. News channels can be equally problematic, especially when they’re cranked up loud and everyone starts arguing politics. Nobody wants their cigar lounge turning into a debate stage.

Music seems to be the sweet spot for most of us. It provides ambiance without demanding attention, and it doesn’t kill conversation the way visual content does. The volume needs to be carefully managed though. If you’re competing with nightclub-level sound, good luck having any meaningful discussion.

Cigar Industry News and Updates

We covered several interesting developments in the cigar world this episode. Crown Heads is launching the Moose Kick, a Canadian exclusive developed with OZ Family Cigar VP of Sales Miguel M. Schoedel and Brigham’s Premium Cigar Category Manager Richard Joseph. The name plays off their Four Kicks Mule Kick line, and the band design is based on a Canadian stamp, which sounds unique.

LFD is rolling out three new sizes for their Oro line and transitioning from tubos to 20-count boxes. We admitted that despite being big LFD fans around here, none of us had actually tried the Oro line yet. That’s going on the must-smoke list.

The news that really hit home was Casa Fuente on the Vegas strip closing its doors. We discussed how the whole Vegas experience has changed, with prices skyrocketing to the point where casual trips just don’t make sense anymore. Casa Fuente was always overpriced, but you paid for the exclusive experience and access to cigars you couldn’t get elsewhere. Once those same cigars started showing up at regular brick-and-mortar shops for significantly less, the appeal vanished.

The Art of Getting Fooled: Fake Cubans and Band Swaps

We shared some entertaining stories about fake Cubans and band swapping. Eric got pranked years ago when friends took a Charter Oak, wrapped it in a Diplomatico band, and called it the “Charmatico.” The victim actually complimented the smoke before realizing he’d been had. To his credit, he immediately noted it didn’t taste like a typical Cuban.

The beach cigar scam is something most of us have encountered. Whether you’re in the Dominican Republic or Jamaica, someone will inevitably approach with “authentic Cubans” in suspicious cellophane packaging or those telltale plexiglass-topped wood boxes. Eric has a great story about a persistent vendor who left two boxes of fake Cohibas and Montecristos next to him, saying “just think about it” before wandering off. When a storm hit, the boxes got grabbed to prevent them from being ruined, but the vendor never returned to collect his $200 asking price. The cigars actually smoked pretty well, proving that sometimes these “fake” Cubans are just decent Dominican cigars with Cuban branding.

Upcoming Guests and Exciting Announcements

We’ve got some great guests lined up that you won’t want to miss. Big Rob from LA Cigar Collective will be joining us to talk about their operation and the broader cigar market. Even more exciting, Dave West from Avowed Cigars will be joining us. For anyone who doesn’t know, Dave is a genuine industry veteran with deep knowledge about cigars and the culture. Getting someone of his caliber on the podcast is a huge win for us.

We’re always open to having other industry folks, brand representatives, or interesting personalities from the cigar world on the show. If you know someone we should talk to, or if you’re in the industry yourself, reach out. We keep it casual and conversational, and we can work around schedules by connecting remotely.

The Social Club Experience

We touched on our regular haunt at a social club, where we’ve definitely brought the average age down considerably. There’s something charming about these old-school spots, even if the TV is perpetually stuck on sitcom reruns and you need to shout to be heard over the hard-of-hearing regulars. These places remind us that cigar culture has deep roots in social gathering spaces where men would meet to talk business, politics, and life.

The challenge with any shared space is finding balance. Some members want sports, others want specific shows they follow religiously, and still others just want background noise. Theme nights can work really well. We’ve done spaghetti western nights with Clint Eastwood movies and Toscano cigars, complete with actual spaghetti. As long as you keep these special events limited to reasonable timeframes and then return to normal socializing, everyone stays happy.

Stock Up for Winter

With winter approaching and potential tariff changes looming, now’s a good time to fill your humidor. We mentioned hearing rumblings about Nicaragua facing potential 100% tariffs, which would devastate cigar prices. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen, but better safe than sorry.

If you’re looking to stock up on quality sticks at reasonable prices, check out our friends at Cigar Page and JR Cigars. Both offer solid selections and regular deals that can help you build a winter stash without breaking the bank. And if you’re feeling especially generous and want to support the podcast, our Ko-Fi page is always open for donations.

Final Thoughts

This episode reminded us why we love doing this podcast. The conversations flow naturally from serious topics like winter smoking solutions to lighter moments about fake Cubans and lounge politics. We’re not trying to be the most polished show out there. We’re just a group of guys who love cigars and enjoy sharing our experiences.

The engagement from listeners has been incredible lately. Seeing your comments on Instagram, Facebook, Discord, YouTube, and Spotify keeps us motivated to keep recording. Special shout-out to our top fans this week: Alfie Armstrong, Craig Vanderlice, and Eddie (our hand model, apparently). Your consistent engagement and support mean the world to us.

Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just getting into cigars, we hope these episodes provide value. Maybe you’ll pick up a tip about winter smoking, discover a new brand to try, or just enjoy listening to our banter while you’re having your own smoke.

Thanks for tuning in to Episode 019. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the show with your cigar-loving friends. See you next time, and until then, keep those sticks burning.