Cigar Hacks Podcast

After recording #246 a few Hacks head up to the Federal Cigar 100th Anniversary event with Rocky Patel, where he is releasing the DBS and Edge 20th Anniversary. A few cocktails and a couple cigars latter it last call and Rocky says “Let’s do a podcast right now!” So we find ourselves literally in “The After Hours Lounge in the back room of the best cigar shop east of just west of this very location” doing an impromptu interview with Rocky Patel. This is over an hour of Rocky telling us his personal story of how it all happened and what ultimately led up to these two great cigar releases.

Local Spotlight – Federal Cigar‘s Slow Burn Lounge; Portsmouth, NH

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

Returning to the scene of the Flat Earth episode, we’re back in Plaistow for the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Event. Joined by the local Dunbarton rep Brian, we have a lot of laughs and smoke a fine Hidden Herf. The Duster makes an appearance and the Reverend explains Double-D Marie.

Local Spotlight – Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust at Plaistow Cigar Co; Plaistow, NH

Controversy Corner – NFL Magnetism

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

The Hacks make the long drive out to Keene, NH on Black Friday to check out a new cigar bar called The Diplomat. We are joined by special guests “AKA Fred”, The Cigar Queen, and Josh for a run-down of the cigar scene in the southwestern corner of New Hampshire. The Hidden Herf turns out to be a surprise for the entire panel. The Reverend has Olivia on the mind.

Local Spotlight – The Diplomat Cigar Lounge; Keene, NH

Controversy Corner – No Politics allowed in a cigar lounge.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

It’s been five years of the Cigar Hacks and we celebrate by inviting representatives from the six other local cigar podcasts to join us for this special occasion. We discuss cigar podcasting, some of our collective history, how the shows are all different but oddly connected, and as usual we go in a few unexpected directions. We smoke a pair of very good cigars, one each from Two Guys and Twins Smoke Shops. We get a little back story on the cigars as well.
Dave and Barry from The Cigar Authority, The after Show, and The Ash Holes along with Pat from Not Just Blowing Smoke join the panel. Matt from The Smokin’ Tabacco Show and The Spare Notes Series was not able to attend.

Barry’s Shameless Plug URLs:
Studio 21 Podcast Cafe
United Podcast Network

Local Spotlight – Studio 21 at Two Guys Smoke Shop; Salem, NH

Controversy Corner – To the Moon and More!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

Direct from the Veterans Day event at The Tobacco Shack sponsored by Rocky Patel Cigars, we improvise and set up on the side patio because it’s standing room only inside! Mike The Cop, our local Rocky Patel rep, talks with us about the brand. This week’s Panel of Hacks are lucky to have the first take on a new cigar release that won’t hit the stores for a couple weeks, it’s great!

Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA

Controversy Corner – 2022 Midterm Results

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

Direct from another live lounge recording we are joined by Bugsy of Pura Soul Cigars and Elie of Elie’s Smoking Lounge. The news section covers some interesting topics including the current international listener statistics and NH cigar bar licensing. The Hidden Herf is another surprise for the panel.

Local Spotlight – Elie’s Smoking lounge; Nashua, NH

Controversy Corner – Money makes the world go ’round – not flat!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

We dive into one of the latest releases from Forged Cigars with our local rep and special guest Jim Price. The Hidden Herf receives a good rating from the panel. Then in the second half we have a spirited debate on the merits of the shape of the earth. There’s no shortage of bad jokes and one liners to keep you entertained through the two hour journey that is this episode.

Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar; Plaistow, NH

Controversy Corner – Flat vs. Spherical Earth

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

Back from the Poconos and Wedding Palooza we find ourselves at El Toro in Hudson, NH with the newlyweds, who just happened to be in the area. Early in the week Nurse Rick ran into Michael Granito, the Micallef Cigar North East Rep, and Michael joins us before heading back to Long Island. We learn about the Micallef Cigars back story. There’s a full house this week and it all goes off the rails with the mail bag. The Hidden Herf get a great rating. There are plenty of laughs, lounge reviews, and cigar talk.

Local Spotlight – Regency Cigar Emporium; East Greenwich, RI

Controversy Corner – Inflation and the National Minimum Wage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

As we prepare to head to The Poconos for the wedding weekend, we record this episode earlier in the week than usual. The man of the hour calls in, but we also have a surprise caller with great timing. Two hack couples prepare to tie their knots. It’s the kind of event you smoke a cigar at so let’s dig in to the preparations. The Hidden Herf receives good reviews and the two Ricks nail it early on.

Local Spotlight – Castro’s Back Room; Manchester, NH

Controversy Corner – Legalization of the other leaf

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

Direct from the Lions Club cigar event at the Saddle Up Saloon in Kingston, NH we help raise funds for a resident in need. We have some extra guests and new panelists that join in the fun. The Hidden Herf gets widely mixed reviews and stumps the panel. Event sponsors included Molon Labe Cigars and Plaistow Cigar Co.

Local Spotlight – The Saddle Up Saloon; Kingston, NH

Controversy Corner – The free thinking scientist; acceleration of the truth

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS