#ELOsoFumarTakes

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!

We'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.!

#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!

Happy 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!

This 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. Enjoy!

This 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 Macanudo: https://cigar-coop.com/2024/04/pca-2024-macanudo.html   Aaron and I would like to spotlight K9 for Warriors in honor of Memorial Day: https://k9sforwarriors.org/   In honor of Memorial Day we honored Medal of Honor winner Sgt. Mitchell William Stout: https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/mitchell-w-stout  

This 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  

This 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!

This 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!    

This 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!    

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: https://cigar-coop.com/  

This 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/    

This 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  

This 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 continues to provide PCA exclusive: https://cigar-coop.com/2024/02/kristoff-pca-signature-series-2024-to-be-released-at-trade-show-cigar-news.html    

This 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/  

This 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 with Nick! See you Sunday at 9:30pm CST! Enjoy!   Dade Magazine: https://www.dademag.com/     Pan Con Podcast: https://www.dademag.com/panconpodcast     El Vecino Cigar Lounge: https://elvecinomiami.com/   Midnight in Havana: https://www.cigarsnobmag.com/editorial/2015/02/06/midnight-in-havana/ Cuba: Between the Lines: https://www.cigarsnobmag.com/editorial/2015/02/06/midnight-in-havana/ Rosa Maria Paya interview: https://www.dademag.com/features/2020/10/27/pan-con-podcast-rosa-maria-paya-cuba-decide Norman Van Aken interview: https://www.dademag.com/features/2019/9/13/pan-con-podcast-chef-norman-van-aken Ariete Hospitality Group: https://arietehospitality.com/concepts/ Foie Gras: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cka7_aeNRAj/ LGC Trunk Show: https://twitter.com/nicolasajimenez/status/1762318269946499180 Kim Jong-Il reference: https://kimjongillookingatthings.tumblr.com/  

This 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.

This 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/