In this episode of Stokie Geeks, hosts Paul and Joe discuss a variety of topics related to cigars, including recent cybersecurity challenges, reviews of various cigar brands, and the impact of aging on cigar flavors. They delve into the nuances of lawn mulch cigars, the inconsistencies of Cuban cigars, and the evolution of brands like Tatuaje, Gurkha, and Perdomo. The conversation also touches on the importance of cigar accessories and the experiences of smoking different blends over the years. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of cigar brands and a preview of the next episode.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Cigar Ratings: Highs and Lows

17:42 Identifying Fake Cuban Cigars

20:08 The Importance of Aging Cigars

22:28 Villiger: From Machine-Made to Premium Blends

29:14 EP Carrillo's Range of Cigars: Hits and Misses

32:34 Inconsistency in the Cigar Industry: The Case of San Latino

36:39 Limited Edition Cigars: The Good, the Bad, and the Tasty

48:04 Size Matters: Finding the Right Fit for Your Palate

56:35 Changes in Ownership: Impact on Cigar Brands

01:00:53 Exploring the Taste and Construction of Various Cigars

01:03:02 The Fate of Padilla Cigars: Availability and Discontinuation

01:08:39 Exploring Cuban Cigars and Other Brands

01:13:38 Sponsor Shoutout: Havana Cigar Club

01:18:39 Reviewing Illusion 888 Slam and Other Cigars

01:22:10 The Popularity of Flor de los Antilles

01:26:59 Exploring the Zino Classic Line

01:30:33 Reviewing Alec Bradley Fine and Rare Redo

01:32:45 The Unique Gran Habano SDK Zulu Zulu

01:35:53 The Enjoyment of Cosofrin and Does Miami Reserva

• Cigar brands often release limited editions and discontinued releases, which can become highly sought after by enthusiasts.
• Aging cigars can enhance their flavors, but it's important to find the right balance and not wait too long, as some cigars can age out.
• The business side of the cigar industry can be complex, with tiered levels and requirements for retailers to carry certain brands.
• Certain brands, such as Padrón and AVO, have become category kings and are highly regarded by cigar enthusiasts.
• The availability of certain cigars can vary by region and retailer, making it important to explore different shops to find specific brands and releases. Many of the highly rated cigars discussed in this conversation are no longer available or difficult to find.
• The La Aurora Puro Vintage 2003 and the La Aurora Preferido Cameroon were particularly memorable cigars.
• The Opus X Angel Share Reboosto and the Byron Siglo 21st Distinguido were also highly regarded.
• The hosts express their desire to find similar cigars to the ones they have rated highly in the past.

The hosts then engage in a discussion about the cigars and whiskey they are smoking, as well as their preferences for pairing them. The conversation also touches on the topic of cybersecurity and a planned visit to a tobacco field in Connecticut. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including cigar lounges, swag, studio renovations, hardware hacking, lighters, and legislation affecting cigar smoking. The hosts discuss planning and prioritizing, leadership lessons, and the impact of various environments on creativity and problem-solving. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to cigars, cigar lounges, pipe tobacco, and specific cigar brands. It also delves into the experience of meeting industry personalities and the enjoyment of different cigar flavors. The discussion includes insights on the rating system for cigars and the nuances of cigar and pipe tobacco maintenance. The hosts also share their go-to cigars and the significance of aging cigars. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including cigar tasting, cigar brands, whiskey tasting, humidor management, and the challenges of filling a large humidor. The hosts discuss their experiences with different cigars and whiskeys, as well as the process of sampling and evaluating new products. They also explore the idea of filling a large humidor and seek input from listeners on how to approach this task.

Topics

• Preference for pairing cigars and whiskey based on flavor profiles
• Discussion on cybersecurity and recent breaches in the industry
• Planned visit to a tobacco field in Connecticut for a learning experience Cigar lounges are social settings that foster collaboration and diverse conversations.
• Planning and prioritizing can be done in both solo and collaborative environments.
• Leadership lessons and problem-solving skills can be drawn from various experiences, including combat and business challenges.
• Disconnecting from the work environment and engaging in different settings can stimulate creativity and broaden perspectives. The diversity of thought and experience in cigar lounges can provide valuable insights and advice.
• The rating system for cigars can help enthusiasts identify and appreciate high-quality cigars.
• The maintenance of cigars and pipe tobacco requires attention to detail and specific care methods.
• Aging cigars can enhance their flavor and smoking experience, making it an important consideration for cigar enthusiasts. Exploring the process of cigar and whiskey tasting
• Challenges of filling a large humidor
• The importance of sampling and evaluating new products
• Seeking input from listeners on humidor management