Episode 405: Aladino Cigars with Adrian Sardiña
– Local Spotlight: Grumpy’s Cigar & Lounge; Hudson, NH

The team sits down with our new Aladino Cigar Rep, Adrian, where we learn about the brand, the family, and the cigars. Adrian is a former history professor which drives some of the conversation. The Hidden Herf is something special.

Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigar & Lounge; Hudson, NH

Controversy Corner – The Bay of Pigs.

Episode 404: Pat’s Pick of the Week
– Local Spotlight: Ricky’s Firepit

It’s another small-group mid-week episode. We gather at Ricky’s firepit with perfect weather for the second week running. The Hidden Herf is another panel stumper but still receives good marks. Pat’s Pick of the Week.

Local Spotlight – Ricky’s Firepit

Controversy Corner – From sports to politics.

Episode 403: On the Patio
– Local Spotlight: Rhino’s Cigar Lounge by Owl Shop Tobacconists; Windham, NH

Rhino’s is a new shop in the southern NH area. The Hacks gather on a perfect Wednesday evening for an outdoor episode. We sit down on the newly minted patio at Rhino’s, with one of the owners, to get the scoop on this new lounge.

Junk Mail Bag: Best 30 Cigars Podcasts   Best 40 Tobacco Podcasts

Local Spotlight – Rhino’s Cigar Lounge by Owl Shop Tobacconists

Controversy Corner – Fed Up!

Episode 402: Back for More 5.0 – A Chat with Brittany Lyla
– Local Spotlight: Route One BNG Summer Cigar Event

Direct from the Route One Business Networking Group (BNG) event for our fifth year, we talk with Brittany Lyla, the group media specialist, and a few other BNG members while enjoying cigars under the tent on the back patio at the Rosaria Restaurant. The Hidden Herf is well received by the panel.

Local Spotlight – Route One BNG Summer Cigar Event

Controversy Corner – It’s Coming!

Episode 400: Summa-Palooza 2025
– Local Spotlight: On the lake; New Hampshire

Warning: This episode is totally uncut and unedited. This is how it sounds after a couple days of drinking, smoking, sun, fishing and fun on the barge.

It’s the 8th annual summer trip on the barge and we are at the lake house for the sixth year. The weather is almost perfect, many cigars are smoked, and plenty of fish are caught. The catch phrases this year are “Pat McGroin is the Man!” and “Happy Birth Day!” The Hidden Herf stumps the panel, but the irony couldn’t be better.

Summa-Episode numbers by year and location
2018 – 34 Saco River
2019 – 89 Saco River
2020 – 139 Lake House
2021 – 191/192 Lake House / North Conway
2022 – 245 Lake House
2023 – 297 Lake House with the family
2024 – 349 Lake House
2025 – 400 Lake House

Local Spotlight – On the lake; New Hampshire

Controversy Corner – Ants and Ricky’s Retort!

Episode 399: Now Open Under New Management
– Local Spotlight: Castro’s Cigar Lounge; Bedford, NH

Castro’s in Bedford has changed hands and changed its name. The Hacks go direct to the source for the latest information and renovation details. The Hidden Herf is a definite plant to see if Pat can pick it out since he was at an event for this line recently.

Local Spotlight – Castro’s Cigar Lounge; Bedford, NH

Conspiracy Corner – Love to Hate