The Cigar Industry Centric Podcast

On the Smoking Syndicate Roundtable 24, the Cigar Coop Coalition tackles the M by Macanudo Myers's Rum. This is the seventh installment of the M by Macanudo series. M by Macanudo is a series of flavored cigars produced by General Cigar. One of the offerings, the M by Macanudo Myers's Rum, is infused with the flavors of Myers's Rum. Both Macanudo and Myers's Rum share a Jamaican heritage; the original Macanudo cigars were made in Jamaica, while Myers's Rum is a well-known Jamaican brand.

On the Smoking Syndicate Roundtable 24, the Cigar Coop Coalition tackles the M by Macanudo Myers's Rum. This is the seventh installment of the M by Macanudo series. M by Macanudo is a series of flavored cigars produced by General Cigar. One of the offerings, the M by Macanudo Myers's Rum, is infused with the flavors of Myers's Rum. Both Macanudo and Myers's Rum share a Jamaican heritage; the original Macanudo cigars were made in Jamaica, while Myers's Rum is a well-known Jamaican brand.

On Prime Time Episode 377, we welcome back John Hakim of Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) as our special guest. John is a brand manager of several brands in the STG portfolio such as Partagas and La Gloria Cubana. We will catch up with John on all of the happenings in his brands and more. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

On Prime Time Episode 377, we welcome back John Hakim of Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) as our special guest. John is a brand manager of several brands in the STG portfolio such as Partagas and La Gloria Cubana. We will catch up with John on all of the happenings in his brands and more. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 188, we present our "Deep Cuts Playlist". In 2025, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust (DTT): released a couple of samplers: Essentials and Deep Cuts. The "Essentials" represent the popular, must-smoke cigars in the DTT portfolio. Meanwhile Deep Cuts represent DTT Master Ligador Steve Saka's absolute favorite cigars (which might be deeper, less popular ones) in the portfolio that he smokes. Analogously Coop and Dave will build their own playlists inspired by this concept. Tonight's episode was inspired by the Deep Cuts sampler. Coop and Dave each select 8 artists and then pick some of their favorite deep cut songs from each artist. The Essentials Playlist was done on Prime Time Jukebox Episode 187. In addition, there will be Music News, Cigar News, Developing Palates' Review of the Week, and Dave's New Music 45. On this show the boys light up cigars from the Deep Cuts Sampler: Dave lights up Sobremesa Solita Red while Coop smokes a pre-release of the Mi Querida Black PapaSaka. Episode 188 Playlist

On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 188, we present our "Deep Cuts Playlist". In 2025, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust (DTT): released a couple of samplers: Essentials and Deep Cuts. The "Essentials" represent the popular, must-smoke cigars in the DTT portfolio. Meanwhile Deep Cuts represent DTT Master Ligador Steve Saka's absolute favorite cigars (which might be deeper, less popular ones) in the portfolio that he smokes. Analogously Coop and Dave will build their own playlists inspired by this concept. Tonight's episode was inspired by the Deep Cuts sampler. Coop and Dave each select 8 artists and then pick some of their favorite deep cut songs from each artist. The Essentials Playlist was done on Prime Time Jukebox Episode 187. In addition, there will be Music News, Cigar News, Developing Palates' Review of the Week, and Dave's New Music 45. On this show the boys light up cigars from the Deep Cuts Sampler: Dave lights up Sobremesa Solita Red while Coop smokes a pre-release of the Mi Querida Black PapaSaka. Episode 188 Playlist

PCA 2026: 14 Minutes with Pete Johnson, Tatuaje Cigars. This is our 9th and final longer form interview from the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show.

PCA 2026: 14 Minutes with Pete Johnson, Tatuaje Cigars. This is our 9th and final longer form interview from the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show.

This is our 8th longer form interview from the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. This one is our annual interview PCA Interview with Steve Saka from Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust.

This is our 8th longer form interview from the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. This one is our annual interview PCA Interview with Steve Saka from Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust.

Our seventh longer format interview from PCA 2026 is a Let's Get Pairing Episode recorded with Norm Hooten and Jonathan Carney of Hooten Young. In this segment, Tripp and Denis get into Norm's background in forming Hooten Young, the upcoming America 250 Reserve release, and an interactive pairing session.

Our seventh longer format interview from PCA 2026 is a Let's Get Pairing Episode recorded with Norm Hooten and Jonathan Carney of Hooten Young. In this segment, Tripp and Denis get into Norm's background in forming Hooten Young, the upcoming America 250 Reserve release, and an interactive pairing session.

On Prime Time Episode 376, we welcome back Juan Lopez, Vice President of Sales for Gurkha Cigars. This is a very special year for Juan as he celebrates 30 years in the cigar business. We will look back at Juan's career, his commemorative cigar, and bring back memories of the last 30 years as we pay tribute to Juany. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

On Prime Time Episode 376, we welcome back Juan Lopez, Vice President of Sales for Gurkha Cigars. This is a very special year for Juan as he celebrates 30 years in the cigar business. We will look back at Juan's career, his commemorative cigar, and bring back memories of the last 30 years as we pay tribute to Juany. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

In our sixth longer form interview from PCA 2026, we talk with Drew Newman from J.C. Newman Cigar Company. Drew takes us through J.C. Newman's lineup from the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show plus what his company will be doing to celebrate America 250.

In our sixth longer form interview from PCA 2026, we talk with Drew Newman from J.C. Newman Cigar Company. Drew takes us through J.C. Newman's lineup from the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show plus what his company will be doing to celebrate America 250.

On Prime Time Episode 375, we welcome Tom Zbyrad, the Brand Manager for Zino from Davidoff of Geneva. Zino has emerged as one of the hottest brands in the Davidoff portfolio. There also is a new release with the Zino Honduras. Tom will get into all of the happenings and we will learn a little more about him. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

On Prime Time Episode 375, we welcome Tom Zbyrad, the Brand Manager for Zino from Davidoff of Geneva. Zino has emerged as one of the hottest brands in the Davidoff portfolio. There also is a new release with the Zino Honduras. Tom will get into all of the happenings and we will learn a little more about him. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

To no one's surprise, S.T. Dupont had one of the biggest lineups of new products at the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. What makes the S.T. Dupont booth special is that it combines innovation and art with its releases. Les Mann, Vice President of Sales for S.T. Dupont takes us through the lineup.

To no one's surprise, S.T. Dupont had one of the biggest lineups of new products at the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. What makes the S.T. Dupont booth special is that it combines innovation and art with its releases. Les Mann, Vice President of Sales for S.T. Dupont takes us through the lineup.

On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 187, we present our “Essentials Playlist”. In 2025, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust (DTT): released a couple of samplers: Essentials and Deep Cuts. The “Essentials” represent the popular, must-smoke cigars in the DTT portfolio. Meanwhile Deep Cuts represent DTT Master Ligador Steve Saka's absolute favorite cigars (which might be deeper, less popular ones) in the portfolio that he smokes. Analogously Coop and Dave will build their own playlists inspired by this concept. Tonight's episode was inspired by the Essentials sampler. Coop and Dave each select 8 artists and then pick some of the “essential” songs that you must hear from that artist. The Deep Cuts Playlists will be done on a future show. In addition, there will be Music News, Cigar News, Developing Palates' Review of the Week, and Dave's New Music 45 On this show the boys light up cigars from the Essentials Sampler: Dave lights up Mi Querida Triqui Traca 652 while Coop smokes a pre-release of the Mi Querida (Blue) Ancho Largo. As always, you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 187 Playlist

On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 187, we present our “Essentials Playlist”. In 2025, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust (DTT): released a couple of samplers: Essentials and Deep Cuts. The “Essentials” represent the popular, must-smoke cigars in the DTT portfolio. Meanwhile Deep Cuts represent DTT Master Ligador Steve Saka's absolute favorite cigars (which might be deeper, less popular ones) in the portfolio that he smokes. Analogously Coop and Dave will build their own playlists inspired by this concept. Tonight's episode was inspired by the Essentials sampler. Coop and Dave each select 8 artists and then pick some of the “essential” songs that you must hear from that artist. The Deep Cuts Playlists will be done on a future show. In addition, there will be Music News, Cigar News, Developing Palates' Review of the Week, and Dave's New Music 45 On this show the boys light up cigars from the Essentials Sampler: Dave lights up Mi Querida Triqui Traca 652 while Coop smokes a pre-release of the Mi Querida (Blue) Ancho Largo. As always, you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 187 Playlist

In our fourth long-form interview from PCA 2026, we talk to Rafael Nodal about Altadis's lineup at this year's Trade Show.

In our fourth long-form interview from PCA 2026, we talk to Rafael Nodal about Altadis's lineup at this year's Trade Show.

In our third longer form interview from PCA 2026, we meet the new CEO of Tabacalera USA, Charles Gibb!

In our third longer form interview from PCA 2026, we meet the new CEO of Tabacalera USA, Charles Gibb!

On Prime Time Episode 374, we welcome Tradecraft Cigars to our show with our guests Rob Blumenthal and Wiber Ventura as our guests. The Blumenthal and Ventura families have a long history in the cigar industry, and now the two have come together for Tradecraft Cigars. We will dive into their story and brand. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

On Prime Time Episode 374, we welcome Tradecraft Cigars to our show with our guests Rob Blumenthal and Wiber Ventura as our guests. The Blumenthal and Ventura families have a long history in the cigar industry, and now the two have come together for Tradecraft Cigars. We will dive into their story and brand. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

In our second extended format interview at PCA 2026, we talk to Hector Alfonso, the Director of Operations and Master Blender for Espinosa Cigars. Hector was back at the Trade Show for the first time since 2023. Everyone was quite excited to see Hector back. Hector was very generous with his time with our team this year as he talks Espinosa at PCA 2026 and more.

In our second extended format interview at PCA 2026, we talk to Hector Alfonso, the Director of Operations and Master Blender for Espinosa Cigars. Hector was back at the Trade Show for the first time since 2023. Everyone was quite excited to see Hector back. Hector was very generous with his time with our team this year as he talks Espinosa at PCA 2026 and more.

On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 186, it's our first Mother's Day Show. The concept is very simple. We simply look at contemporary music stars who are not only moms, but any caregiver who identifies as a woman and is in music. This can be a biological mom, an auntie who raised some kids, adopted children, etc. On this show, Dave lights up Lure Cigars' The Last Cast 2025 while Coop smokes a pre-release of the Espinosa 601 La Bomba Warhead 12. As always, you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 186 Playlist

On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 186, it's our first Mother's Day Show. The concept is very simple. We simply look at contemporary music stars who are not only moms, but any caregiver who identifies as a woman and is in music. This can be a biological mom, an auntie who raised some kids, adopted children, etc. On this show, Dave lights up Lure Cigars' The Last Cast 2025 while Coop smokes a pre-release of the Espinosa 601 La Bomba Warhead 12. As always, you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 186 Playlist

onight we welcome Scott Haugh and Anthony Cantelmo from Cayman Cigar Company. While this is a cigar company based in the Cayman Islands, this company has one of the most unique stories we have seen in the cigar industry. We will dive into Cayman's story and a whole lot more. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments. References Beacon Farms The Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksWlc4bEXXs

Tonight we welcome Scott Haugh and Anthony Cantelmo from Cayman Cigar Company. While this is a cigar company based in the Cayman Islands, this company has one of the most unique stories we have seen in the cigar industry. We will dive into Cayman's story and a whole lot more. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments. References Beacon Farms The Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksWlc4bEXXs

The Micallef Green was released in 2025 at the PCA Trade Show in New Orleans, LA, as another extension of their very successful Color Series. The Color Series is a line that features cigars in only robusto and toro sizes, using unique wrappers for each series at a sub-$9 price point. This new line is a replacement for their Bold series, as they wanted to bring manufacturing in-house. This cigar features a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper, a Mexican San Andres Negro binder, and Nicaraguan fillers. Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina Binder: San Andrés Negro (México) Filler: Nicaragua Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Fabrica de Micallef Vitola: Robusto Size: 5 x 52 MSRP: $8.00 Final Score: 90

The Micallef Green was released in 2025 at the PCA Trade Show in New Orleans, LA, as another extension of their very successful Color Series. The Color Series is a line that features cigars in only robusto and toro sizes, using unique wrappers for each series at a sub-$9 price point. This new line is a replacement for their Bold series, as they wanted to bring manufacturing in-house. This cigar features a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper, a Mexican San Andres Negro binder, and Nicaraguan fillers. Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina Binder: San Andrés Negro (México) Filler: Nicaragua Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Fabrica de Micallef Vitola: Robusto Size: 5 x 52 MSRP: $8.00 Final Score: 90

Tonight we welcome Scott Haugh and Anthony Cantelmo from Cayman Cigar Company. While this is a cigar company based in the Cayman Islands, this company has one of the most unique stories we have seen in the cigar industry. We will dive into Cayman's story and a whole lot more. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments. References Beacon Farms The Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksWlc4bEXXs

Tonight we welcome Scott Haugh and Anthony Cantelmo from Cayman Cigar Company. While this is a cigar company based in the Cayman Islands, this company has one of the most unique stories we have seen in the cigar industry. We will dive into Cayman's story and a whole lot more. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments. References Beacon Farms The Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksWlc4bEXXs

On Prime Time Special Edition 190 the Cigar Coop Coalition team recaps the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. We will talk about the cigars, the companies, the booths, and some of the packaging. Plus we will dive into many of the intangibles which is the PCA Trade Show. Plus we will have our Artesano de Tobacco Under the Sea, Espinosa This Day in Sports History, and Altadis USA Great Things are Happening segments.

On Prime Time Special Edition 190 the Cigar Coop Coalition team recaps the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. We will talk about the cigars, the companies, the booths, and some of the packaging. Plus we will dive into many of the intangibles which is the PCA Trade Show. Plus we will have our Artesano de Tobacco Under the Sea, Espinosa This Day in Sports History, and Altadis USA Great Things are Happening segments.

We kick off with one of our longer format interviews from PCA 2026. A staple of PCA for many years is visiting our friends at LFD. We had the opportunity to sit-down with @lfdlittojr for an extended interview. Bear discusses one of the Coalition's popular cigars - the LFD Carbon Flower! Special thanks to the entire LFD team as well.

We kick off with one of our longer format interviews from PCA 2026. A staple of PCA for many years is visiting our friends at LFD. We had the opportunity to sit-down with @lfdlittojr for an extended interview. Bear discusses one of the Coalition's popular cigars - the LFD Carbon Flower! Special thanks to the entire LFD team as well.

We kick off what is the 10th year of the Prime Time Show with our special guest, Dan Thompson, President of Micallef Cigars. Micallef Cigars is also a company going on 10 years in the business. Tonight we will talk to Dan the story of Micallef's journey, the current state of Micallef, and some of the product innovations they showcased at PCA 2026. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

We kick off what is the 10th year of the Prime Time Show with our special guest, Dan Thompson, President of Micallef Cigars. Micallef Cigars is also a company going on 10 years in the business. Tonight we will talk to Dan the story of Micallef's journey, the current state of Micallef, and some of the product innovations they showcased at PCA 2026. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

An annual tradition continues on Prime Time Jukebox Episode 185, the Dedications Show for 2026. Dave Burck started the Dedications Show on Cigar Jukebox. Each year, listeners could submit a dedication song to honor a loved one or someone special who has passed away. Since we launched Prime Time Jukebox, we have included the Dedications Show every year. A tradition on the Dedications Show is to light up a Las Calaveras Cigar by Crowned Heads. Las Calaveras is an annual limited edition cigar that pays homage to those who have passed away over the past year. As opposed to being a mournful symbol, it is intended to celebrate those lives and remembrances of those who are no longer with us. We will smoke the Las Calaveras Edición Limitada 2025. Tune in to the premiere Prime Time Jukebox Episode 185 on YouTube on Monday, 4/27/25 at 8pm ET. The show will also be posted on the Cigar Coop Facebook Live page. As always, you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 185 Playlist

An annual tradition continues on Prime Time Jukebox Episode 185, the Dedications Show for 2026. Dave Burck started the Dedications Show on Cigar Jukebox. Each year, listeners could submit a dedication song to honor a loved one or someone special who has passed away. Since we launched Prime Time Jukebox, we have included the Dedications Show every year. A tradition on the Dedications Show is to light up a Las Calaveras Cigar by Crowned Heads. Las Calaveras is an annual limited edition cigar that pays homage to those who have passed away over the past year. As opposed to being a mournful symbol, it is intended to celebrate those lives and remembrances of those who are no longer with us. We will smoke the Las Calaveras Edición Limitada 2025. Tune in to the premiere Prime Time Jukebox Episode 185 on YouTube on Monday, 4/27/25 at 8pm ET. The show will also be posted on the Cigar Coop Facebook Live page. As always, you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 185 Playlist

The Bull Shark breaks down the S.T. Dupont Fuente Fuente OpusX Biggy and Cigar Rest Cutter setup.

The Bull Shark breaks down the S.T. Dupont Fuente Fuente OpusX Biggy and Cigar Rest Cutter setup.

t's Prime Time, Episode 371, and the second day of our 2026 Prime Time Virtual Trade Expo. This is the seventh year in a row we have run this. The concept is straightforward. We give a cigar company a 15-minute slot to come on and talk about their 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show releases. It's also the ninth anniversary of the Prime Time Show: We are scheduling two shows over the next two weeks. Day 1 – April 2, 2026: 9pm ET Day 2 – April 9, 2026: 9pm ET Day Two (4/9/26) Lineup: Nicholas Perdomo III, Perdomo Cigars Rafael Nodal, Tabacalera USA Sebastien Decoppet/Brian Motola, Cavalier Genève Jonathan Carney, Hooten Young Les Mann, ST Dupont James Brown, Oveja Negra Brands Luciano Meirelles, Luciano Cigars Enrique Seijas, Matilde Cigars Lou Cross, Lure Cigars Mo Maali, Patina Cigars Scott Haugh and Anthony Cantelmo, Cayman Cigar Company Oliver Nivaud, United Cigars Steve Saka, DTT

It's Prime Time, Episode 371, and the second day of our 2026 Prime Time Virtual Trade Expo. This is the seventh year in a row we have run this. The concept is straightforward. We give a cigar company a 15-minute slot to come on and talk about their 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show releases. It's also the ninth anniversary of the Prime Time Show: We are scheduling two shows over the next two weeks. Day 1 – April 2, 2026: 9pm ET Day 2 – April 9, 2026: 9pm ET Day Two (4/9/26) Lineup: Nicholas Perdomo III, Perdomo Cigars Rafael Nodal, Tabacalera USA Sebastien Decoppet/Brian Motola, Cavalier Genève Jonathan Carney, Hooten Young Les Mann, ST Dupont James Brown, Oveja Negra Brands Luciano Meirelles, Luciano Cigars Enrique Seijas, Matilde Cigars Lou Cross, Lure Cigars Mo Maali, Patina Cigars Scott Haugh and Anthony Cantelmo, Cayman Cigar Company Oliver Nivaud, United Cigars Steve Saka, DTT

On Prime Time Special Edition 189, begin the Aging Experiment on the La Flor Dominicana (LFD) Double Ligero Chisel Natural. With the “Aging Experiment” Series, Bear and Coop smoke a cigar, smoke another cigar six months later, and a third cigar one year later. The idea is to see how the cigar responds to aging over a period of time. Today we are in the second leg of this experiment at the 6-8 month ppoint. With the Chisel, this is iconic and signature size in the LFD portfolio and one that has special meaning to co-host Bear Duplisea. Plus we will have our Artesano de Tobacco Under the Sea, Espinosa This Day in Sports History, and Altadis USA Great Things are Happening segments. In the spirit of Dave Burck from Jukebox, Coop and Bear will go through some “now or never” companies for PCA.