#ELOsoFumarTakes delivers abbreviated interviews, thoughts, and insights with cigar industry personnel and fans. Host Bear Duplisea's vision is to give the audience a peak into industry culture as well as show the human side of its inner members.
This episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes Steve Saka to sit down for our #346thTake. It's our annual visit with the man, myth, and legend. The Cigar Curmudgeon will no doubt have some self-deprecation to administer. But, fear not, for this Star is no match for the wits of El Oso, as I plan to get him to enjoy himself despite his fierce denials. This Liga Legend may even crack a smile. You never know. Enjoy!
Celebrating 8 Years of #ELOsoFumarTakes! This episode is more than just another episode—it's a milestone. We're celebrating 8 incredible years of unforgettable guests, deep-dive conversations, and a shared passion for cigars. As part of our annual tradition, we're once again joined by Tim Wong, our very first guest, who returns every year to guest-host this special anniversary tribute. And this year's featured guest? The one and only Klaas Kelner—the man behind Kelner Cigars S.A.S. in the Dominican Republic. The Kelner name is legendary in the cigar world, and Klaas continues that legacy with every blend, leaf, and story. We toast to the past, light up the present, and look forward to many more years of incredible conversations. Here's to 8 years strong—and counting.
It's an annual tradition, this week #ELOsoFumarTakes celebrates its host's birthday! Bear is getting older and older each year and despite Steve Saka's opinion - we love to celebrate birthdays. Now, Steve cannot join us this year for this episode, but that doesn't mean we're shying away from celebrating or awesome guests. My good friends Jon Carney and Ben Lee stop by to make this a birthday one we won't forget! Enjoy!
This episode on #ELOsoFumarTakes Tripp Waldrop joins us for the Ultimate Pairing Showdown: The Top 3 Cigar Pairings We're breaking it down in two ways: 1. Specific pairings — like “That mojito I had in Cancun was the perfect match for this cigar because…” 2. General pairings — like “Scotch overall is the best pairing because…” We want to hear from you: What's your go-to pairing with a good cigar? Drop your top picks below and we might feature them in the episode Enjoy!
#ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome Law Ream of Davidoff Cigars and Ambassador of all things Zino to sit down for our #342ndTake! From media member to Brand Ambassador. From PCA Director look-alike to re-igniting a brand named for one of the industry's icons. It's another fun journey to explore. Enjoy!
Welcome Back! This week our #341stTake is A collaboration special! William Cooper joins us as we combine #ELOsoFumarTakes and Cigar Coop Prime Time Special Edition. There's been some comings and goings the last couple of weeks, including the prestigious Cigar Journal Awards. We'll hold court with cigars and commentary. Enjoy!
What's cooler than being cool? Well, this episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Sean Williams - Global Ambassador for Cohiba & Silencio. Our #340thTake will be cool, chill and amazingly fun. Here's a riddle for you: If you had a job supported by another job, but it was your job to support both jobs and make it look cool and easy. How would you do it? Enjoy!
This episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome first time guest Kevin Shahan of Cigar Prop fame and glory. Kevin's energy and enthusiasm is always at a level 10, but his zany antics are a refreshing balance of charm and sincerity. And while his July 4th attire is something I'd rather not see again, personally, his drive and love for the industry has formed a journey I can't wait to unfold. Enjoy!!
#ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Matt Tye of How Bout That Cigar to sit down for our #338thTake. It's going to be a rock'em, sock'em good time. We'll look back on the last few years together as media brands that “came up together”. What's surprised us? What hasn't? It all starts here at 9:30pm Central. Enjoy!
#ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of John McTavish to sit down for our #337thTake. The ‘Cigar Surgeon' operates at a different standard than most. As a member of the renowned Developing Palates team, every meticulous detail is recorded, analyzed and brought to bear against arguably the highest standard within the industry's media. Don't believe me? Tune in tomorrow night as we walk through a PhD level and journey that is as fascinating as it is discerning. Enjoy!
This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes back 3 of the industry's Kings of Road Warriors, Dukes of Deals, Earls of ‘Earn It' and Marquises de Los Hombres (yeah, I took some license in languages there)! Our #336thTake promises to deliver some hot takes and witty words. Enjoy!
This episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes returns for our #335thTake and it will be one to remember! I'm pumped for this long-time-coming episode and the story to be be told. Cayman Cigar Company founder Scott Haugh joins us alongside a returning guest from a long time back - Mr. Anthony Cantelmo will join us as well. A story of cigars, charity and giving back. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksWlc4bEXXs
This week, fresh off a record double header last Sunday, William Coop returns for our #334thTake. Our show will focus on a theme of the best of the best. We'll discuss our Best/Favorites in a cavalcade of categories. Enjoy!
This week, it's going to be one hell of a Father's Day celebration! As you know, Tom Lazuka is back per tradition. This time, we've got a whole panel of dads and a cigar big enough for the day….literally. Jay Davis, William Cooper, Ben Lee, Tripp Waldrop & Denis Tsvang bring the Dad power, we're going to need it! It's a Father's Day Sunday Double Header. Join us for pairings on Let's Get Pairing (7pm Central) and then join us at 9:30pm Central for the usual fun. Can we all take down the Asylum Megalophobia? Tune in to find out!!!
Tonight, 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
This 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!
This 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!
This 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!
This 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!
This 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
This 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!
This 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!!!
This 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!
This 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!
This 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!
This 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!
This 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!
This 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 discuss. See you tomorrow night at 9:30pm Central for our live broadcast! Enjoy! https://cigarpress.com/
This 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)
#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!
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. TAA, shop exclusive) are eligible. 5) A previous number 1 cigar winner (blend-specific, i.e. 2017 Winner Espinosa Habano) cannot be on this year's Top 10 or repeat as winner.* 6) A company cannot have more than 1 cigar on the Top 10, however, may be considered for honorable mention.* 7)THE BIG ONE: frequency of smoke. Basically, I had to have the means AND opportunity AND did, in fact, smoke the cigar frequently. Just to review, here is last year's list: Top 10 2023: 1) Gran Habano 20th Anniversaro Edicion Limitada El Sueno 2) Luciano Cigars Maria Lucia 3) Black Label Trading Co Deliverance Porcelain Robusto 4) Alec Bradley Double Broadleaf Gran Corona 5) Casa Cuevas Sangre Nueva Double Perfecto 6) Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Connecticut Short Churchhill 7) Quesada Cigars Liga F toro 8) HVC Selección No. 1 Natural Poderosos 9) United Toro Maduro 10) Kristoff Cigars Guardrail Robusto You can listen to last year's show HERE. Honorable Mentions 2024 (Time Stamp: 00:31:24): United Cigar Group Gold Star Limited, Macanudo Estate Reserve Release No. 2 Churchill, The E.P. Carrillo Pledge of Allegiance 2023, BLK WKS Intergallactic Event Horizon Toro, Knuckle Sandwich Chef Special 2024 Top 10 Cigars of 2024 (this year): 1) Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu Blue No 1 Toro Grande (Timestamp: 03:01:00) Wrapper: Shade-Grown Nicaraguan Corojo '99 Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: My Father Cigars S.A. No. 1: 6 1/4 x 52 2) BLK WKS Killer Bee Robusto (Timestamp: 02:24:50) Wrapper: Ecuadorian Maduro Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: (Fabrica Oveja Negra) Robusto 5x50 3) Room101 Johnny Tobacconaut Robusto 2023 edition (Timestamp: 02:19:20) Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Binder: Mexican Filler: Nicaraguan Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A. Size: 5x50 4) Joya de Nicaragua Cinco de Cinco Robusto Gordo (Timestamp: 02:15:48) Wrapper: San Andres Mexican Binder: Undisclosed Filler: Nicaragua Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua, S.A. Size: 5 1/2 x 54 5) Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Umbagog Bronzeback (Timestamp: 01:43:11) Wrapper: 2LS Connecticut Broadleaf Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Nicaragua American Cigars S.A (NACSA) Size: 5x48 parejo 6) Plascencia Consecha 149 Azacualpa (Timestamp: 01:35:44) Wrapper: Honduran Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran Country of Origin: Honduras Factory: Tabacos de Oriente Size: 6x52 7) Powstanie Connecticut Belicoso (Timestamp: 01:29:35) Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Binder: Pennsylvania Broadleaf Filler: Nicaraguan Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos NicaSueño Size: 5.5x52 8) La Aroma de Cuba Connecticut Corona (Timestamp: 00:54:15) Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: My Father Cigars S.A Size: 5 1/2 x 44 9) Micallef Blue Robusto (Timestamp: 00:48:15) Wrapper: San Andrés Sumatra Binder: Ecuadorian Habano Filler: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Fabrica de Micallef size 5x50 10) Ferio Tego Summa Torpedo (Timestamp: 00:41:34) Wrapper: Ecuadorian Corojo Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican Country of Origin: Dominican Republic Factory: Tabacos de Exportación (TABADEX) size 6.25x52
This 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.
This 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 is a very special tribute! In memory of Mike, please make donations to The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation: https://cf-cf.org/ways-to-donate/
This 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".
#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!
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.
This 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
This 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!
This 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!
This 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!
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
This 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 cigars. Enjoy!
This 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!
This 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
This 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!
This 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!
This 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!
THIS 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/ Let's Get Pairing: https://www.youtube.com/@letsgetpairing The Smoking Syndicate: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOfb2RftzcJwIQSh_nXdoGg Cigar Press Magazine: https://cigarpress.com/ Cigar Hustler: https://acigarhustlerspodcast.podbean.com/
This 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!
This 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!
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
