Deep Cuts Live: Recent Episodes

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DEEP CUTS LIVE is a series featuring candid conversations and interviews with entrepreneurs and innovators.

What does it take to keep one of the most iconic names in premium cigars relevant while honoring its legacy?

In Episode 172 of Deep Cuts Live, host Antoine Reid welcomes back Sean Williams, Cohiba's brand ambassador and master blender, for a wide-ranging conversation about luxury, innovation, and the evolving premium cigar industry. More than five years after his first appearance on the show, Sean reflects on how both he and the industry have changed—and why time, relationships, and experiences matter more than ever.

From the philosophy behind Cohiba's luxury positioning to the stories behind releases like Riviera, Rubicon, Spectre, Serie M, and the Weller collaboration, Sean offers an inside look at the creative process that brings some of the industry's most anticipated cigars to life. He also discusses cigar blending, building memorable brand experiences, the rise of cigar bars, and why authentic relationships remain the foundation of long-term success.

In this episode, you'll hear about:
How Cohiba continues to evolve while honoring its heritage
The inspiration behind Riviera, Rubicon, Spectre, Serie M, and Weller
What luxury really means in today's premium cigar market
The art and science of blending premium cigars
Why relationships still matter more than social media
The growth of cigar bars and changing consumer habits
Advice for boutique cigar companies trying to stand out
Sean's personal philosophy on time, purpose, and leaving a lasting legacy

Whether you're a longtime Cohiba smoker, a cigar retailer, or simply fascinated by the business behind premium cigars, this conversation offers thoughtful insight into one of the industry's most recognizable brands—and the man helping shape its future.

Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people behind the premium cigar industry.

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Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates.

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Episode 171 of Deep Cuts Live features Nicholas Perdomo III for an in-depth conversation about family, craftsmanship, and carrying one of the premium cigar industry's most recognizable names into the future.

Host Antoine Reid sits down with Nicholas at Perdomo's factory in Nicaragua to discuss what it's like growing up in a family business, learning directly from Nick Perdomo Jr., and preparing to lead a company built on three decades of relationships, quality, and consistency.

In this episode, Nicholas discusses:
Growing up inside Perdomo Cigars
Why relationships remain the foundation of the cigar business
The upcoming Perdomo Challenge sampler and consumer tasting initiative
The story behind Perdomo Legacy: Father & Son
Developing new cigar blends and packaging
Why Perdomo releases fewer cigars than many competitors
Launching the Perdomo Podcast and educating consumers
The importance of family in shaping the Perdomo brand
What today's younger cigar smokers are looking for
His vision for the future of Perdomo Cigars

The conversation also explores factory expansion in Nicaragua, consumer engagement, social media, cigar education, and why Nicholas believes the next generation of cigar smokers wants more than just a great cigar—they want to know the people behind the brand.

Whether you're a longtime Perdomo fan, a retailer, or someone interested in the business of premium cigars, Episode 171 offers a thoughtful look at what it means to protect a family legacy while continuing to innovate.

Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry.

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Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates. =============================================

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Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with episode 170, featuring special guest Garrison Davis, Brand Ambassador for AVO Cigars. This is a conversation about legacy, innovation, and one of the most significant moments in the brand's nearly 40-year history.

Host Antoine Reid sits down with Garrison to discuss his unlikely path from banking and finance into the premium cigar industry, what it means to represent one of the world's most respected cigar companies, and how AVO is introducing a new generation of smokers to its music-inspired heritage.

In this episode, Garrison discusses:
His journey from finance to becoming an AVO Brand Ambassador
The remarkable story of Avo Uvezian and the origins of AVO Cigars
Why music has always been at the heart of the AVO brand
How Davidoff has evolved AVO while honoring its founder's legacy
The launch of the new AVO Expresivo
Why AVO produced its first-ever Honduran-made core line cigar
Pairing premium cigars with cocktails and creating memorable experiences
What younger cigar smokers are looking for today
Retail merchandising strategies that help premium cigars stand out
The future direction of AVO Cigars

The conversation also explores how premium cigar brands must balance tradition with innovation, why storytelling matters more than ever, and what it takes to introduce a legacy brand to a new generation of consumers.

Whether you're an AVO fan, a Davidoff enthusiast, retailer, or simply interested in the business behind premium cigars, Episode 170 offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the industry's most respected brands—and where it's headed next.

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Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates.

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Episode 169 of Deep Cuts Live features a conversation with René Castañeda, President of Villiger Cigars North America, for an in-depth look at one of the oldest names in premium tobacco—and the strategy behind its growing presence in the U.S. market.

Host Antoine Reid sits down with René to discuss Villiger's 130-plus-year history, the company's transition from a machine-made cigar powerhouse to a respected premium cigar manufacturer, and how opening its own factory in Nicaragua has helped shape a new identity for the brand.

In this episode, René discusses:

• The history and evolution of Villiger Cigars
• Why the company invested in its own Nicaragua factory
• Current premium cigar trends and changing consumer preferences
• The growing importance of packaging and shelf appeal
• The stories behind the Villiger 1888 San Andrés and La Capitana
• Why flavor and balance are replacing nicotine strength as a priority
• How tariffs affected Villiger's business and the decision to skip the 2026 PCA Trade Show
• The future of Villiger under new CEO Christoph Schoup
• Building a premium cigar brand designed for the long term—not just the next trend

The conversation also explores René's philosophy on leadership, product development, and why the goal isn't to create the "cigar of the month," but to earn a permanent place in every smoker's regular rotation. Whether you're a retailer, cigar enthusiast, or simply interested in the business behind premium cigars, this episode offers a thoughtful look at craftsmanship, strategy, and one of the industry's most enduring family-owned companies.

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Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates.

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Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with episode 168, featuring special guest Laurel Tilley of AJ Fernandez Cigars for a wide-ranging conversation on branding, retail, events, tobacco, and the evolution of one of the premium cigar industry's most influential companies. Host Antoine Reid sits down with Laurel to discuss her journey from retail tobacconist to brand ambassador and brand development specialist, as well as the lessons she's learned from more than 15 years in the premium cigar industry.

In this episode, Laurel shares:

How she got her start in the cigar industry
The transition from General Cigar to AJ Fernandez Cigars
Why cigar events have changed dramatically over the past decade
The challenges of marketing premium cigars in today's digital landscape
What makes AJ Fernandez different from other cigar manufacturers
The importance of Nicaraguan tobacco and AJ's blending philosophy
How contract manufacturing influences the cigar industry
The story behind Amar, AJ Fernandez's newest release
The impact of the 2025 factory fire and the industry's response
What retailers should know about the AJ Fernandez portfolio

The conversation also explores company culture, career development, storytelling in cigar marketing, and why AJ Fernandez remains one of the most hands-on figures in premium tobacco today.

Whether you're a retailer, cigar enthusiast, or someone interested in the business side of premium cigars, this episode provides an inside look at the people, products, and philosophies driving one of the industry's most respected manufacturers. Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping premium cigars.

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Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates.

=============================================

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Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with episode 166, an inside look at one of the premium cigar industry’s most recognizable companies.

Host Antoine Reid sits down with Javier Largaespada of Drew Estate for a conversation about digital marketing, cigar culture, brand storytelling, and what’s next for Drew Estate following a major year of new projects and releases.

In this episode, Javier shares his journey from answering phones and handling lunch orders at Drew Estate to becoming part of the company’s digital marketing team. The discussion explores how Drew Estate approaches branding, consumer engagement, event culture, and social media within the heavily restricted world of premium tobacco marketing.

The conversation also dives deep into several major Drew Estate projects and announcements, including:

Deadwood Dominicana Buenos Noches
Undercrown El Tigre
Drew Dominicana
J.Sann & Son
Metallica collaboration merchandise
Barn Smoker and Down With the Crown events

Javier also reflects on Drew Estate’s visual identity, the influence of art and graffiti on the company’s culture, and how Jonathan Drew continues to shape the brand’s evolution more than 30 years after the company’s founding.

Whether you’re interested in cigar marketing, premium cigar culture, event experiences, or the future direction of Drew Estate, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes perspective from someone helping shape the company’s digital voice. Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry.

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Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates. =============================================

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Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with a conversation featuring one of the most recognizable voices in premium cigar social media.

Host Antoine Reid sits down with Ibis Luis, better known to many as @CigarLover12, to discuss her journey from retail tobacconist and cigar educator to co-founder of Pangea Cigars. What began as a passion for cigars evolved into a career built on education, trust, and authentic engagement with cigar enthusiasts around the world.

In this episode, Ibis shares:

How she first discovered premium cigars
The books, experiences, and mentors that shaped her cigar knowledge
Why she believes trust is more important than followers
Her thoughts on cigar ratings and reviews
The growth of Cigar Lover 12 on social media
Launching Pangea Cigars with her business partner
Working with master blender Indiana Ortez
Why education remains critical for retailers and consumers
How social media is changing the premium cigar industry

The conversation also explores the importance of consistency, authenticity, and staying connected to the people who grow, blend, and manufacture premium cigars.

Whether you're a retailer, cigar enthusiast, content creator, or aspiring brand owner, this episode offers valuable insights into building credibility and creating meaningful connections in the cigar industry. Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping premium cigars. =============================================

Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates. =============================================

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Deep Curts Live host Antoine Reid sits down with Scandinavian Tobacco Group's Justin Andrews to explore his journey from eastern North Carolina tobacco country to helping shape some of the cigar industry’s biggest brands and collaborations. From contract manufacturing and blending to Diesel Cigars and industry partnerships, this episode offers an inside look at how modern premium cigar brands are built behind the scenes.

In this episode, Justin discusses:

Growing up in a tobacco farming family in North Carolina
Learning cigar production firsthand in Nicaragua
The evolution of cigar marketing and social media restrictions
How collaborations changed the premium cigar landscape
Building and evolving the Diesel Cigars brand
Why construction, consistency, and balance matter in blending
The realities of working across factories in Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic

Justin also reflects on some of STG’s most impactful projects, including collaborations with brands like Espinosa, Room101, Caldwell, and Illusione, while sharing how Diesel evolved from an online catalog brand into one of the industry’s most respected Nicaraguan-focused portfolios.

Whether you’re interested in cigar blending, brand development, factory operations, or the business side of premium cigars, this episode delivers an honest look at the work happening behind the curtain of the modern cigar industry.

Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with the return of Robin James, founder of Blue Smoke ATL, for a conversation on creativity, entrepreneurship, and carving out a unique lane within the premium cigar industry.

Robin’s work sits at the intersection of function and design—handcrafting cigar pokers that double as statement pieces. In this episode, she shares how a simple idea turned into a growing business, evolving from direct-to-consumer sales to retail, wholesale, and distribution channels.

The conversation explores:

The creative process behind designing custom cigar accessories
How COVID-era demand accelerated early business growth
The shift from individual sales to retail and wholesale expansion
Challenges marketing cigar-related products in a restricted social media environment
Why in-person experiences still outperform digital when it comes to product discovery
Building a brand through relationships, consistency, and word-of-mouth

Robin also discusses her plans to expand Blue Smoke ATL into a broader accessory line, while reflecting on what it means to stay adaptable in an industry that continues to evolve.

This episode offers a different perspective on the cigar business—one rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and solving overlooked problems in the smoking experience.

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Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates.

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Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with a conversation centered on one of the most recognizable names in premium cigars.

Host Antoine Reid sits down with Alex Weghorn, Brand Ambassador for Davidoff Cigars, to explore the evolving role of brand storytelling, consumer experience, and innovation in today’s cigar industry.

In this episode, Alex shares his journey from retail tobacconist to representing one of the industry’s most established brands, offering insight into what it means to educate, engage, and connect with consumers in a more experience-driven marketplace.

This interview covers:

• The role of social media in shaping the modern cigar industry

• Why “time beautifully filled” still defines the Davidoff philosophy

• The importance of consistency, balance, and intentional smoking

• How experiences—not promotions—build lasting brand loyalty

• What it means to represent Davidoff as a brand ambassador

The episode also takes a closer look at Davidoff’s newest release, Puro Dominicana, a Dominican puro that highlights the brand’s continued focus on innovation while staying rooted in its core identity. Whether you’re a seasoned cigar enthusiast or new to the category, this conversation offers a deeper understanding of how premium cigar brands are adapting to a new generation of consumers—while preserving the craftsmanship that defines the industry. =============================================

Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates.

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Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with a high-energy conversation featuring Paul Copeland, owner of Shore Thing Cigars—one of the most experience-driven retail concepts in the premium cigar industry.

In this episode, host Antoine Reid sits down with Paul to explore what it really takes to build a modern cigar retail business that goes beyond product and into atmosphere, hospitality, and storytelling. From launching a second location to rethinking customer engagement, Paul shares his unfiltered perspective on why the future of cigar retail is rooted in people—not product.

The conversation dives into:

• Why hospitality should come before inventory

• How lighting, music, and environment influence cigar sales

• The reality of limited editions and industry trends

• Retail mistakes that are holding shops back

• What trade shows look like from a seasoned retailer’s perspective

• Paul’s approach to creating “raving fans” instead of one-time customers Paul also opens up about joining the PCA Board, his philosophy on business and life, and why he refuses complacency in everything he builds. Whether you’re a retailer, a cigar enthusiast, or someone curious about the business behind premium cigars, this episode delivers raw insight, strong opinions, and real-world experience from one of the industry’s most outspoken voices. =============================================

Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates.

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Website: deepcutslive.com

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Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live kicks off with a deep dive into the world of ADVentura Cigars. Host Antoine Reid sits down with Marcel and Nicole Knobel and Henderson Ventura to explore the origins of the brand, the roots of its bold pirate theme, and the philosophy behind building a modern premium cigar company.

In this episode, the team breaks down their latest release, La Llorona, shares insight into a new tasting program currently in development, and offers an exclusive tease of what ADVentura Cigars has planned for 2026. It’s an honest, forward-looking conversation about creativity, storytelling, and why boutique cigar brands continue to push the industry forward.

Whether you’re new to premium cigars or searching for brands with real personality and purpose, this episode sets the tone for a strong start to 2026.

Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations like this, and visit deepcutslive.com to explore past episodes and upcoming releases.

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In this episode of Deep Cuts Live, I’m joined by Teresa Wessling, a seasoned tobacconist at Georgetown Tobacco, one of the longest-running specialty tobacco stores in Washington, D.C. We dive into what it truly means to be a modern tobacconist—balancing tradition, education, customer experience, and retail best practices in a highly regulated and fast-evolving market.

Teresa shares firsthand insight into building long-term customer relationships, maintaining a strong humidor program, and what makes a brick-and-mortar tobacco shop thrive in a city like D.C. This episode is especially valuable for cigar retailers, shop managers, and aspiring tobacconists, as well as anyone curious about the human side of premium cigar retail.

🔥 In this episode, we cover: • Best practices for premium cigar retail • The role of a professional tobacconist • Customer education & relationship building • Running a specialty tobacco shop in Washington, D.C. • Lessons from one of the country’s longest-standing cigar retailers

About Deep Cuts Live: Deep Cuts Live is an interview series exploring the business, culture, and people behind the premium cigar industry. Hosted by Antoine Reid, the show features honest, unscripted conversations with retailers, brand founders, manufacturers, and industry leaders shaping the future of cigars.

👍 Enjoyed the episode? Like, subscribe, and comment with your biggest takeaway—it helps more people discover the channel.

🔔 New episodes drop regularly. Turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next conversation.

📌 Follow & Connect: Instagram: @editor.reid Website: https://deepcutslive.com

In this episode of Deep Cuts Live, I sit down with Jason Wood, the founder of Outcast Cigars and a key figure behind Miami Cigar Co., to talk entrepreneurship, brand building, and what it really takes to carve out space in today’s premium cigar market. We go beyond the blends and the bands to explore Jason’s journey—from navigating distribution and retail relationships to building a brand identity that resonates with modern cigar smokers. This conversation dives into the business side of cigars, lessons learned along the way, and how Outcast Cigars fits into the larger Miami Cigar Co. ecosystem. If you’re a cigar retailer, brand owner, or aficionado who enjoys hearing the why behind the smoke, this episode is for you. 🔥

In this episode, we cover: • The story behind Outcast Cigars • Jason Wood’s role at Miami Cigar Co. • Building a cigar brand in a crowded market • Retailer relationships & distribution strategy • Lessons from the premium cigar business

📺 About Deep Cuts Live Deep Cuts Live is a weekly interview series exploring the business, culture, and people of the premium cigar industry. Hosted by Antoine Reid, the show features honest, unscripted conversations with brand founders, manufacturers, retailers, and industry leaders.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and comment with your favorite takeaway—it helps the channel grow. 🔔 New episodes drop regularly—turn on notifications so you don’t miss one.

📌 Follow & Connect: Instagram: @editor.reid Website: https://deepcutslive.com

An all-new Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid. Episode 158 with special guest Mike Palmer, national sales manager for Powstanie Cigars.

An all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid. Episode 157 with special guest Ra'ed W. Saqfelhait, co-founder of The Leaf Master Tobacco Trading, LLC.

An all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid. Episode 156 features special guests Sandy Cobas and Giselle Herrera from El Titan de Bronze. This mother and daughter duo run one of the most popular cigar factories in Miami, Florida's Little Havana neighborhood. Learn how El Ttian de Bronze got its start, Sandy's rise in the industry, and why several leading cigar brands including Cohiba, Warped, and Drew Estate have some of their award-winning cigars made here.

An all-new Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid. Episode 115 with special guest John Hakim, Scandinavian Tobacco Group's brand manager for La Gloria Cubana, Partagas, and El Titan De Bronze's Redemption.

An interview with Billy & Gus Fakih, owners of Artesano Del Tobacco, on their highly-rated premium cigar brands Viva La Vida and El Pulpo and their experiences in the premium cigar industry.

An all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid. Episode 153, Enrique Sanchez, founder of Global Premium Cigars.

An all-new Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid. Episode 152 with special guests Fouad & Romy Kashouty, owners of Hiram & Solomon Cigars.

An all-new Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid. Episode 151 with special guest Rob Maneson, (now former) president of the U.S. and Americas at League of Fat Bastards Cigars.

An all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid. Episode 150, Les Mann, vice president of sales at S.T. Dupont USA.

An interview with Anto Mahroukian, president of JM Tobacco. Hear the origin story of JM Tobacco and its quest to create quality cigars offered at an affordable price point despite the rise in expensive premium cigars.

An interview with Eladio and Emmanuel Diaz, master blender and commercial director for Tabacalera Diaz Cabrera. Learn about the impressive career of Eladio Diaz, a leading blender from the Dominican Republic, and how he's taking his blending skills to a new level by building a family-owned brand.

An interview with Justo Eiroa, president of JRE Tobacco. Justo talks about Aladino Cigars and his experience working with his father, Julio Eiroa. Learn how Justo has built his family's premium cigar brand and the steps he's taking to ensure his company gives back to Honduras.

An interview with Juan Martinez, executive president of Joya de Nicaragua. Juan shares the story of one of Nicaragua's leading premium cigar makers and brands, Joya de Nicaragua, and gives us a blender's take on what makes Nicaraguan-grown tobacco so special.

Eddy Guerra, head of U.S. brand marketing at Oettinger Davidoff AG, joins in for episode 145 of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid! This episode covers marketing and branding tips for luxury and small businesses and provides insights into some of Davidoff Cigars's latest releases, the AVO Experience, a collaboration with DJ D-Nice, and the return of the Davidoff Maduro.

La Aurora is the oldest cigar factory in the Dominican Republic, but does its reputation make it an easy sell in the U.S.? In Episode 144 of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, hear from two men who are part of La Aurora's U.S. sales team. Learn about the legacy of this Dominican Republic cigar brand, the visionary and entrepreneur who leads the company today, and why this premium cigar brand should be on your radar and in your humidor today.

Watch this episode of Deep Cuts Live on https://YouTube.com/deepcutslive

In episode 143 of Deep Cuts Live, host Antoine Reid has a conversation with Juan Lugo, founder of Don Doroteo Cigars. Juan comes from a four-generation tobacco growing family, though he did not immediately get into the tobacco business right away. Instead, he served in the military and worked in Silicon Valley where he learned a lot about what it takes to make a startup successful. Taking what he had learned in the past, Juan set out to honor his family's tradition in tobacco and later launched his own premium cigar brand, Don Doroteo, in 2022.

Hear more about Juan's experiences in the cigar industry and how he's built his brand in record time. This is a great podcast for anyone who is thinking about starting a new business today but fears making a mistake that could be costly and prevent their business from flourishing in the future.

It's Deep Cuts Live's first ever tip show! Tune in for 30 minutes of viewer's questions about premium cigars. This show covers a number of commonly asked questions from cigar smokers including how to choose a cigar, the best budget cigars, how a cigar's shape affects how a cigar smokes, when to ash, and if price reflects quality in a cigar.

Guests include: Allen Sanabria (Family x Loyalty), Luciano Meirelles (Luciano Cigars), Brandon Marsh (Big Sky Cigar), Damon Robinson (Charlotte Cigar Week), Miguel Schoedel (Crowned Heads), Jason Wood (Miami Cigar & Co.), Nestor Miranda (Miami Cigar & Co.), Aric Bey (Black Star Line Cigars), Ernesto Padilla (Padilla Cigars), Jeffrey Amendola (Amendola Family Cigars), Christopher Monaco, Amendola Family Cigars).

We're mixing things up a bit with this week's Deep Cuts Live! For Episode 141, the special guest is Julio Cabrera, the award-winning bartender behind Miami's Café La Trova and the new premium cigar brand Sacrificio Cigars.

Julio has a unique and engaging story that's sure to inspire everyone to take some action in their life. After studying to become an agricultural engineer, Julio realized something that many do at some point in their professional careers–his work wasn't fulfilling. He wanted to pursue something he was instead passionate about. He set off to study hospitality and bartending, a career move that excited him even though it had his family worried initially. Learn how he took control of his career and became an award-winning bartender and owner of one of Miami's hottest bars frequented by celebrities from Cam Newton to Alicia Keys.

Julio also talks about his latest business venture–the launch of Sacrificio Cigars, inspired by his relationship with his father and made with the help of one of Nicaragua's largest makers of premium cigars.

Becoming a content creator is a popular professional track for many people, but what does it take to be a successful content creator? What does it take to put together a video or to build a dedicated audience? In episode 140 of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Mechelle Merkerson shares how her desire to teach and educate others about premium cigars led to her creating her own online show, "Cigars with 'M'."

Hear her unique approach to creating content, including scripting videos, handling social media, and tips for others considering getting into the creator economy. For anyone interested in becoming a content creator or getting into the business of user generator content (UGC), this will be a great interview for you to listen to.

Thanks for listening! Did you enjoy this episode? Be sure to leave a review and hit the subscribe button to never miss an episode of Deep Cuts Live!

Watch Deep Cuts Live on YouTube.com/deepcutslive and catch up on what you've missed by visiting deepcutslive.com.

Hector Becerra is the national sales manager for Quesada Cigars, a well-established cigar manufacturer based in the Dominican Republic. In this interview with Deep Cuts Live, Hector dives into what makes Quesada a brand that should have a regular place in your humidor and what it takes to be a successful salesman and marketer in today's cigar industry. For anyone in sales, learn why "being on" at all times is more of the norm and, at times, necessary to achieve success.

Ready to unlock the blueprint to conquering uncharted territories? Tune in now and be inspired by Panda Yan's exceptional expedition, proving that with tenacity and the right opportunities, you, too, can turn your dreams into reality.

Join us in this exclusive interview to uncover the untold story of how Panda Yan, armed with determination and curiosity, forged an extraordinary path. Dive into the riveting narrative of his journey from China to the cigar factory floor in Nicaragua, where he honed his skills and knowledge, ultimately giving birth to his brainchild, Y Panda—a premium cigar brand he crafted with the help of his mentor, Luciano Meirelles.

Don't miss out on this must-watch video destined to reshape how you perceive entrepreneurship and innovation! Remember to subscribe to Deep Cuts Live on YouTube for additional content and exclusive interviews like this, and visit deepcutslive.com to catch up on what you've missed.

How does an epiphany sparked by women's hair product lead to a premium cigar brand? You'll learn how that happened with this week's Deep Cuts Live interview with Kevin Brown. Brown has long been into entrepreneurship and has launched several businesses. It was when he found himself faced with an inner conflict selling hair product to women that eventually launched him into the cigar industry. Learn how this UPS driver learned about the cigar culture by building a cigar lounge experience and eventually creating a premium cigar brand.

Be sure to subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more interviews and content about the cigar culture and lifestyle.

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Aric Bey returns to Deep Cuts Live to talk about everything that's happened with his premium cigar brand, Black Star Line Cigars, since his first appearance in 2020. Since his first appearance, Aric has worked on and released several new cigars, most notably Mr. Fahrenheit and Rosewood 1923. Aric discusses working with new factories, such as Tabacalera La Isla and Fabrica Oveja Negra.

Hear how Aric has better defined his brand, what it stands for today, and how he's using it to make a statement. Make sure you tune in until the end, where Aric discusses some of the events happening in countries like Nicaragua that are presenting challenges for his company today.

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There's a misconception that "boutique" cigars aren't as good as more well-known brands, and this week's guest hopes to put that myth to rest once and for all with his company and its products. Mario Caraballo talks about what led him to launch his own premium cigar brand, Casa Caraballo, and a few lessons he's learned as a small business owner. Learn what the boutique cigar industry is really about in 2023 and how AI is moving the premium cigar industry forward.

Suppose you're a new business owner competing with bigger brands with bigger marketing budgets. In that case, this episode is definitely for you! Mario shares some tips for brand owners to use with their retail partners to help a small brand grow and scale. Hear why being a small business can give you a major competitive edge in today's marketplace.

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If you're bored with the typical name-brand cigars, this podcast will inspire you to venture into the unknown and explore the world of boutique cigars! This week's Deep Cuts Live features special guest Allen Sanabria, co-owner of Family X Loyalty Cigars.

Over five years ago, Sanabria and his business partner launched a pipe accessory designed for use with premium cigars. After nine months, Allen set out to create his premium cigar brand. With the help of Blackbird Cigar Co.'s factory, they blended their cigar and launched their own company into the market. A trademark dispute led to a rebrand as Family x Loyalty, revitalizing their efforts.

Allen Sanabria and Deep Cuts Live host Antoine Reid talk about boutique cigars or non-mainstream cigars. Learn why considering these unique brands could help you find a brand and product you like.

Join us for an exclusive interview with Christian Eiroa, the renowned founder and president of C.L.E. Cigar Company. In this captivating discussion, Christian takes us on a journey through his upbringing in Honduras, where his father imparted invaluable knowledge of tobacco cultivation and cigar craftsmanship. Discover Christian's transformation from a hesitant outsider to a passionate force in the premium cigar industry as he shares his remarkable story.

Christian Eiroa delves into the creation of C.L.E. Cigars, his brand that exemplifies his commitment to excellence and innovation. Gain insights into his creative process and how the Asylum line allows him to push the boundaries of cigar-making. Moreover, Christian sheds light on his advocacy efforts and collaborations with the Premium Cigar Association, unveiling the multifaceted nature of his dedication to the industry.

Don't miss this captivating interview that delves deep into the life and experiences of Christian Eiroa, a true visionary in the world of premium cigars.

Watch, comment, and subscribe to Deep Cuts Live. Listen to this and other engaging Deep Cuts Live interviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and more. Visit deepcutslive.com for a treasure trove of inspiring conversations.

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Dive into an exclusive interview with Miguel M. Schoedel, the accomplished national sales manager of Crowned Heads, as he takes us on a compelling journey from the baseball diamond to the world of premium cigars. Uncover Miguel's inspiring career transition and invaluable insights into sales.

Discover the fascinating story of Miguel's pursuit of his baseball dreams, his subsequent pivot into a sales career, and his rise to the position of national sales director at Crowned Heads, a prominent and rapidly growing premium cigar brand headquartered in Nashville, TN. Gain practical advice and strategies from Miguel as he shares tips for aspiring sales professionals, drawing from his experiences.

In this captivating interview, Miguel Schoedel also provides an exciting glimpse into what Crowned Heads and Ozgener Family Cigars have planned for the highly anticipated Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show in Las Vegas, offering a sneak peek into the future of the brand and the industry as a whole.

Don't miss this captivating conversation with Miguel M. Schoedel, where baseball, sales expertise, and premium cigars intersect.

Watch, comment, and subscribe to Deep Cuts Live. Visit deepcutslive.com for more captivating interviews.

In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, famed cigar brand owner Nestor Miranda and his son-in-law, Jason Wood, the Vice President of Miami Cigar & Company, discuss their lives, careers, and the company's premium cigar portfolio.

In this candid interview, Nestor Miranda talks about his childhood in Cuba, his move to the United States, and how he started Miami Cigar & Company in 1989. He also shares his insights on entrepreneurship, including how to start a business, what it takes to be successful, and the importance of family.

Also, Jason Wood discusses the company's brands, including Nestor Miranda Special Selection, Don Lino, and Tatiana Cigars. He also shares what new releases Miami Cigar & Company will debut at this year's Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show in Las Vegas.

This interview is a must-listen for anyone interested in building a small business into a successful brand and those interested in the history of Miami Cigar & Company.

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In this interview, Luis Miguel Torres, co-founder of Freud Cigar Co., shares his insights on how to create an ultra-premium cigar brand in 2023. Luis has spent his career working in the luxury product space, and he brings a wealth of experience to this conversation. He discusses the ultra-premium cigar category, how cigars are priced, and the link between price and quality. He also shares how his past experiences working in the luxury lifestyle space helped shape Freud Cigar Co.

If you're interested in premium cigars, luxury items, or entrepreneurship, this is a must-watch video. Luis Miguel Torres is a wealth of knowledge, and he shares his insights in a way that is both informative and engaging.

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In this interview, Brandon Marsh, co-founder of Big Sky Cigar, shares his story of how he went from farming to making cigars. Brandon grew up on a farm in Montana and has always loved the outdoors. He started his own cigar company, inspired by his love of Montana. Big Sky Cigar and its products are named after iconic Montana landmarks, and its cigar blends are made to be enjoyed in the outdoors while fishing and doing other activities one would do in Montana.

In this interview, Brandon talks about the steps he took to create his company, how his brand's cigar blends were created, and his long-term goals for his cigar company. He also shares some valuable insights on how to start a new business, bootstrap a company, and stay motivated when things get tough.

This is a must-watch video if you're interested in premium cigars, starting a new business, or Montana. Brandon Marsh has a wealth of knowledge about starting a new business while discussing his company's premium cigar products.

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In this hour-long interview, Charlie Minato, editor and co-founder of Halfwheel, discusses his journey to becoming one of the most well-known voices in the premium cigar industry. Charlie shares his insights on the media landscape, the challenges of running a business, and his advice for anyone who wants to make it in the cigar industry.

Whether you're a cigar enthusiast or simply interested in the business of media, this interview is a must-watch. Charlie's candid and insightful commentary is sure to leave you with a new appreciation for the world of premium cigars.

Subscribe to this YouTube channel for more interviews like this one. You can also listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, iHeart Radio and other podcasting platforms.

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In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, we chat with Luciano Meirelles, owner of Luciano Cigars (formerly Ace Prime).

When Luciano Meirelles' family faced a traumatic event, he knew he had to make a change. Determined to be more present with his loved ones, he decided to simplify his life and pursue his passion for cigars. But instead of launching his own brand right away, Luciano took a different approach – he grew tobacco, learned how to ferment it, and made cigars for others long before starting his own label.

In this inspiring interview, we'll learn more about Luciano's journey, his philosophy on creating a premium cigar brand, and how he defines his purpose. Whether you're a cigar enthusiast or simply someone who struggles with work/life balance, Luciano's story is sure to motivate and inspire you.

So sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into the fascinating world of cigars with Luciano Meirelles. And don't forget to hit the like button, subscribe to our channel, and share this video with your fellow cigar aficionados. Let's spread the word and support this amazing industry together!

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In this all-new Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, special guest Damon Robinson gives us all the details about Charlotte Cigar Week. Learn how this special week focusing on the cigar culture and lifestyle in and around Charlotte, North Carolina, came to be and the work it's taken to build this event up to a must-attend for many cigar enthusiasts in and outside of North Carolina. Damon gives us a rundown of the events of the week, the many sponsors that are helping to make this a memorable occasion and how there's a little something for everyone, from education built around the craft of cigars to can't-miss parties and dinners.

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In episode 125 of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, special guests Jeffrey Amendola and Chris Monaco from Amendola Family Cigar Co talk about their latest release, the Amendola NYC Series - West Side Story.

You'll often hear that it takes 300 hands to make a cigar but what is the process behind taking a cigar from concept to a finished product on a store shelf?

Learn how the NYC Series was created by Jeffrey and Chris and the various stages of production it took to create the cigar. Learn how this is a real American-made product with New York City being woven throughout the product, including being hand rolled in NYC at Martinez Hand Rolled Cigars Factory. What's ahead for this new cigar line? Another New York City-themed release? Watch and find out in this in-depth interview unlike any other in Deep Cuts Live's history.

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In episode 124 of Deep Cuts Live, host Antoine Reid speaks with special guest Ernesto Padilla, the owner of Padilla Cigars. Born in Cuba, Ernesto has been a key player in the premium cigar industry for over 20 years.

In this fascinating interview, Ernesto shares his journey in creating a traditional cigar and how small brands in the industry have to navigate their own distribution companies. He also offers insights into why staying small and boutique gave his company longevity, and why getting big isn't necessarily the goal for every business.

Ernesto reflects on his 20 years in the cigar industry and how the boutique category has evolved over the years, particularly with the rise of the influencer. He highlights the importance of reading and learning about the history of the cigar industry, and shares his unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in this business.

If you're a cigar aficionado, entrepreneur, or just curious about the world of premium cigars, you won't want to miss this episode! Tune in now and join us for an unforgettable conversation with Ernesto Padilla.

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In this week's Deep Cuts Live, I'm speaking with Philip Zanghi, the mastermind behind Debonaire Cigars and Indian Motorcycle Cigars. In this chat, we talk about his journey in the cigar industry and the realities of running your own premium cigar brand. Philip has been a part of the cigar industry for over 30 years, and let me tell you, he's got some serious knowledge to drop. He founded InterTabac Company back in 1991 and even worked with the legendary Rocky Patel, who became his 50 percent partner before Rocky Patel Premium Cigars officially launched. But that's not all! Philip has also launched several other businesses, including a blunt wrap paper company. He saw having his own cigar brand as the ultimate business card, and he's here to talk about the costs, the hustle, and building brand awareness in the industry. One thing Philip talks about that really caught my attention is the idea of purging. If you're a true cigar aficionado, you know that purging can bring out even more flavor in a cigar as it's being smoked. Philip is the expert when it comes to all things cigars, and he's here to share his tips and tricks with us. But it's not just about the technical aspects of cigars. Philip also talks about how success in the industry can change a person. He's seen it all and has some truly fascinating insights to share. So, if you're ready to take your cigar game to the next level and learn from one of the greats, you won't want to miss this video. Grab a premium cigar, sit back, and enjoy the conversation with Philip Zanghi. Trust me, it's one you won't forget!

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What happens when you love wine and cigars? If you're Valda Stojanov, you take those two passions and create an exciting new premium cigar brand from it. In this all-new Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Vlada Stojanov, founder and owner of Somm Cigars, talks about his background in the wine industry and how it eventually led him to world of premium cigars. Learn how Vlad's work with other premium cigar brands prepared him for his own brand and the challenges he had to overcome to create Somm's first blends.

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Silicon Valley is known for being the tech Mecca of the U.S. but did you know it's the home base for a premium cigar brand as well? In this all-new Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, special guests Chris Olivares, Kerry Knight, Patrick Diaz, and Ozhen Arsenous from Casa de Sueños shares how a love of cigars brought them together to form their own brand. Learn how they got started in creating their brands, why they chose De Los Reyes as a manufacturing partner and how a shift in focus helped them identify and connect with their audience.

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Are you a premium cigar lover looking for a new, exclusive brand to try? Look no further than Howard G Cigars. Founded by Howard Gumbs Jr., this boutique cigar brand is inspired by his love of cigar culture and respect for the artisanship behind the craft.

With a collection that offers a variety of intensities of premium aged Nicaraguan tobacco, Howard G Cigars are handcrafted with the finest attention to detail, ensuring a consistent, full, and flavorful smoke every time. Whether you're a seasoned smoker or a first-timer, this exclusive Deep Cuts Live interview with Howard G Cigars' founder Howard Gumbs Jr. will leave you wanting to run out to your local tobacconist in search of the Howard G-produced Black Moses, Magic Stick, or All Pro Series cigar.

But Howard G Cigars is more than just a brand - it's a connection. Howard believes that some of the most impactful connections he's experienced with people have happened while enjoying a good cigar, and he's committed to fostering those connections through his cigars. Howard G Cigars is dedicated to the satisfaction of its customers and retail partners, and always stays focused on quality and consistency.

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In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Indiana Ortez, the youngest member of the Ortez tobacco family, talks about the launch of her new company, Casa De Ortez. Casa De Ortez celebrates the quality and experience of Nicaragua's oldest tobacco family, providing a vertically integrated approach to cigar production.

Indiana's experience in blending and marketing, coupled with the Ortez family's seven decades of experience in tobacco production, delivers a unique and unforgettable experience for cigar enthusiasts worldwide. With the first brand, Primavera, set to launch in Spring 2023, Casa De Ortez aims to bring the rich heritage of Nicaraguan tobacco to the forefront. Hear Indiana's story about how she's built her business, growing up in Nicaragua and what makes her country's cigars so special.

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In this all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, guest Michael Dounoulis details his journey from working in the hospitality industry in New York City to learning about the cigar making process in the tobacco fields of Nicaragua. After growing up in Jersey, Michael knew he loved working with people and found his place as a host and general manager in establishments in New Jersey and New York City. When the pandemic shut down his place of employment, he decided to make a big change–he and his wife moved to Nicaragua where he learned how cigars was made. Learn more about his company Astoria Cigar Co. and also why he decided to represent Luciano Cigars.

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In this latest episode Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Oliver Nivaud, director of operations at United Cigar Group, shares how he made the move from hospitality to working with premium cigars. Oliver gives some insight into what some of his retail customers are dealing with right now and why United Cigar Group puts so much focus on brick-and-mortar retailers in a digital age. Also learn more about United Group Group's portfolio and how Oliver and his team approaches pricing.

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In part 2 of this conversation with Dr. Gaby Kafie we're given a science lesson in what makes nicotine addictive and what many people get wrong about cigars. Dr. Kafie also reveals why he moved the production of Kafie 1901 cigars from Honduras to La Aurora in the Dominican Republic. In the end, he also shares what his ultimate philosophy is and what keeps him motivated.

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When Dr. Gaby Kafie learned he could no longer practice medicine due to an ailment, he turned to his other passion for a profession–cigars. How exactly does a doctor get into cigars? Listen to part 1 of this intimate interview with Dr. Kafie where he shares stories of his childhood and what led his family to leave Honduras and relocate in Miami. Learn about the impact his father had on his work ethic and the circumstances that launched his career into the cigar world.

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From the vault! Check out this "lost" 2015 interview with Jonathan Drew, founder and president of Drew Estate. Here you'll learn about the origin of one of the cigar industry's most unique and popular brands from one of the men who founded it. Learn about ACID, the cigar brand that started it all and Undercrown, the ultra-premium cigar line created on the factory floor that was totally unplanned for. Jonathan also touches on Barn Smoker, Drew Estate's popular event series and how his company joined forces with the Pappy Van Winkle family.

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In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Mo Maali discusses a problem many new businesses face–how do you make your brand or product legitimate in the eyes of the retailer or consumer? In 2014, Mo decided to launch his own premium cigar brand, Patina Cigars. From the start, Mo's biggest challenge has been convincing retailers that his brand is legit and worth carrying. Learn how Mo built his brand and created his cigar blends. Mo also explains why patience is key to every entrepreneurs' pursuit of success.

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In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Brandon Oveson shares how he and his business partner turned a challenging life situation into a unique brand. Brandon and his business partner, Kendrick, were once Mormons but left the religion and were branded apostates, which is someone who renounces a religion, political belief or principle. In search of a community to be a part of, both found cigars to provide them both comfort and a group of people they could relate to. Learn how Brandon and Kendrick founded Apostate Cigars and brought it to life during the pandemic with the help of Jochy Blanco and Tabaclaera Palma. Brandon discusses the different Apostate Cigars lines including the Initiatory, Deseret, and the Liahona. Brandon also shares why figuring out your "why" is necessary for success in any business.

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In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Chris Doyle and Ben Rotem share the story behind their popular monthly cigar subscription service, Luxury Cigar Club. Learn how they select the cigars for each month's box, why they think it's good for you to smoke cigars you may not be guaranteed to like, and two cigars they've smoked that totally took them by surprise. Watch until the end when they offer advice to any entrepreneur who's just getting started in launching a new product or starting a new business.

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In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Alexander Berezowski discusses his company, My Cigar Pack. In the past, the only way a person could buy and learn about cigars was to go into a physical store. Now, Alexander's company is delivering cigars directly to people's mailboxes through an innovative monthly cigar subscription service. Learn how Alexander chooses the cigars for his subscription service and some of the things he's learned about people's preferences for cigars today. Alexander also shares some exciting news about My Cigar Pack including new subscription options, websites and collaborations with Jonas Santana (Blackbird Cigar Co.) and Enrique Seijas (Matilde Cigars).

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In this all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Brandon Hayes talks about the 12th anniversary of Richardson, Texas-based cigar lounge and store Renegade Cigars. Learn how Brandon and his staff has built an engaged community within its store, how he chooses the cigars to stock, and why education is the driving force behind much of what makes Renegade Cigars a unique cigar store. Brandon also shares an update on Henderson Ventura and the fire that recently burned down Dominican Republic cigar factory Tabacalera William Ventura.

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Renegade Cigars: https://renegadecigars.com

In this all-new Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, James Agopian shares his unexpected entry into the cigar world. At the request of a family friend, James started working at a cigar store even though he himself knew very little about cigars. Learn how his experiences as a retailer eventually inspired him to start his own brand, Sinistro Cigars. James talks about his experiences as a new boutique brand and some of his company's latest releases.

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In this all-new Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, father and son duo Dave and Brandon Frakes from Industrial Cigar Co. give you the information you need to make your next trip to a cigar lounge even better. We oftentimes see cigars described by their wrapper, binder and filler but that's not going to help you find a cigar that fits your palate. Hear their advice for choosing cigars and finding something new to smoke. The Frakes also give advice to other retailers who are struggling to build a loyal customer base and tips for making your store into a second home for consumers seeking a community.

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In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Ian and Rebecca Harvey share what it's like to be a tobacconist in 2022. Learn why ventilation is a major concern for them and why they feel more retailers need to be worried about it, too. The Harveys share their experiences with choosing product for their store, managing customer expectations, and dealing with manufacturers. Plus, learn how they've made Smokers Abbey Austin a destination for many cigar enthusiasts. --

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In this all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, John Laurendi shares how he turned his cigar hobby into a lifestyle brand, Peter James Co. Learn how John approached building his company and expanding it from its original product category of luxury leather cigar cases to include other cigar accessories and adjacent products such as organic coffee, parfums, sofas and more. John also gives insight into how his company approached launching its very own premium cigar brand, Los Estoico, which made its official debut in the summer of 2022. Watch until the end when he shares his motivations and what success means and is to him.

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In Episode 106 of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Alec Cuevas shares the story behind Sangre Nueva, the first cigar he's blended for Casa Cuevas Cigars. Learn how Alec worked with his grandfather to create this special cigar that earned him a lot of buzz and attention at this year's Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show. Also, Alec gives his take on cigar marketing today: what factors are keeping new adult smokers from getting into cigars? What role is social media playing in marketing efforts? Towards the end, Alec offers advice to other young professionals getting into an already established business or industry.

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In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Jesus Martinez shares the story of his family's cigar factory located in New York City's Manhattan borough. Learn how Jesus is carrying on a business that's over 50 years old and how he uses New York City's diversity to inspire his cigar blends for Martinez Cigars. David Rivera also shares how he approaches product development when helping Jesus build Martinez's presence in markets and stores well beyond the Big Apple. Jesus and David both share tips for others interested in started their own cigar brands as well as what they believe is necessary to build a business that lasts.

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In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Jerrold Miles and Corey Turner explain why being a smaller, independent premium cigar brand is actually an advantage. Learn how these two lawyers set out to create a cigar brand that would appeal to the masses and how their go-to-market method can be used by any business looking to gain traction in a competitive category. In addition to sharing the story of how Nomos Cigars came to be, Jerrold and Corey also explain the importance of proving rather than explaining a problem when it comes to business.

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In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Rick Rodriguez shares what life is like after leaving his position at General Cigar Company and the CAO cigars brand. When Rick decided it was time for a change, he and a friend decided to launch their own premium cigar brand named West Tampa Tobacco Company. Find out how they got started and the steps they took to find the right manufacturing partner to help them bring their blends to market. Rick also shares his advice to other entrepreneurs and why chasing after monetary profits is always going to lead businesses and people in the wrong direction.

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In this episode Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Jesse Mariut & Steve Gherebea look back on their documentary, "Hand Rolled: A Film About Cigars." Learn how these two film makers built an entire documentary around a subject they were curious about–cigars–and how they went about finding the right people to interview and include in their documentary's production. Jesse and Steve give insight into their creative process and what they learned about content creation, editing, and how to ask the right questions to make a compelling film people will want to watch.

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In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, George Rico shares how he expresses his creativity through making cigars. George's father worked in the cigar industry and soon after the famed '90s cigar boom, George decided to launch his own boutique cigar brand. He decided early on his brand's unique selling point would be the story behind each blend and the different approach to branding, such as using a flower as inspiration for the Gran Habano's popular Black Dahlia cigar. Learn how George marketed his brand, how he convinced retailers to carry his brand, and why running his company with a "boutique" mindset has kept him in business for over 20 years.

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In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Leonor "Leo" Abzaradel, Platinum Nova Cigars shares her secret to success–what your profession, whatever you do, you have to be passionate. Leo has never let stereotypes or other's opinions stop her from achieving her goals. She's sold wine, she's worked in some of New York City's leading cigar retail stores and lounges and now is the CEO of a premium cigar brand, Platinum Nova Cigars. Learn how she continues to break through the glass ceiling and why she stopped chasing money and started working and living passionately instead.

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In Episode 99 of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Lee Marsh shares how his love for premium cigars led him to launch his own brand, Stolen Throne Cigars. Knowing how competitive and overly saturated the premium cigar industry is, Marsh and his business partner opted to do things differently with their boutique brand. Learn how Marsh set his company and its products apart from their competitors by using the blue ocean strategy described by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne. Also learn how making cigars is very similar to how musicians put together an album of music.

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In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Litto Gomez, Jr., shares what it's like growing up in the cigar industry. Litto's father is one of the Dominican Republic's well-known cigar makers. Litto talks about growing up in the cigar industry, what made him want to join the family's business and what it was like blending his very first cigar, the La Flor Dominicana Solis. In addition to talking about his father and brother, Litto talks about what life is like as a college student and what his peers think about today's cigar industry.

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In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, guests Manolo Santiago, Jamie Baer and Serge Bollag talk about how they joined forces to launch Casa 1910, a premium cigar brand inspired by the Mexican Revolution with blends that incorporate Mexican tobacco. Hear why they wanted to use their new brand to put Mexico and its tobacco and cigar history on the map and how they brought their brand to market. Learn the mistakes they made as well as the early successes they've achieved. Also, learn how you can create the ultimate cigar and spirit pairing in the comfort of your home.

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In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Matt Booth discusses his cigar brand, Room101, and why he sold it to Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG). Get insight into why Booth believes this acquisition will level up Room101, the surprising cigar brand he wants to collaborate with and his surprising prediction for the boutique cigar industry going forward.

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In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Lissette Perez-Carrillo shares her story of pursuing a career in law for the purposes of supporting her family's cigar business. Alongside her father, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, and her brother, Lissette is part of the team behind the award-winning E.P. Carrillo Cigar brand. Learn how Lissette has handled marketing a highly regulated product like a cigar and her tips for others that may find themselves marketing a product that's regulated and restricted in some way. Lissette also shares the story behind some of her company's biggest releases, from the E.P. Carrillo La Historia and The Pledge to the Inch and E.P. Carrillo brand.

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In this all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Cynn Coburn shares how acknowledging and accepting the negative experiences in life made her stronger and a better entrepreneur in the long-term. Learn how Cynn has made a life out of helping people alongside her husband and how a trip to Nicaragua completely changed how she understood and saw life. Cynn also talks about her latest business venture and passion project, Dissident Cigars, and the steps she's taken to grow the brand and its products in recent months.

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In this all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid shares how the opportunity to work with his family's cigar business was so alluring that he decided to put aside his pursuit of screenwriting to give cigars a shot. Learn about Tony's iconic cigar making father, Litto, and how a robbery inspired him to launch his cigar business in the early 1990s. Tony talks about La Flor Dominicana, his father's pandemic ashtray creation, and how his company is about to enter into the NFT business.

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Room101 Cigars, which is celebrating its 13th anniversary in the premium tobacco industry this year, just made headlines with the news that it had been acquired by Scandinavian Tobacco Group! Acquisitions and mergers always get people riled up over fears that their favorite brands and companies will change but here's why I think this may be a win for both Matt Booth and STG in the long run.

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In this all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, entrepreneurs Brian Schmittdiel & Angelo Fraboni share the inspiration behind their premium cigar brand, Founders Cigar Company. Learn how the ideas of community was woven into their brand and how they worked in American themes into their different product lines. Also learn how cigars play a big role in those deployed overseas and how Founders supports the charity Operation: Cigars for Warriors.

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In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Bryant and Douglas Bocock share how they took the love of their birth country, Honduras, and combined it with the American Dream to create their own business and brand, Bocock Brothers Premium Cigars. The Bocock Brothers chat about their passion and how it fuels their success rather than a pursuit of money. Learn how they went about building their business to last and their advice for other entrepreneurs looking to start their businesses.

In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Nicholas Melillo explains how he pursued a career in cigars after spending years learning all he could about them. Learn how he got his professional start working in cigar retail, a fateful meeting that led to a big opportunity and how he fell in love with all things Nicaragua. Learn also how Nicholas tapped into his network to land his product in the hands of popular podcast host Joe Rogan.

In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Chris Weber shares how he and his business partners latched on to an opportunity to build a premium cigar brand after facing obstacles with their publication business. Weber talks about the steps he and his partners took to launch Veritas Cigars, some of the mistakes that were made and what lessons were learned about business and entrepreneurship along the way.

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In this episode of Deep Cuts Live, Pierre Jourdan and Pablo Rodet shared how they joined forces to re-invent cigar accessories for a new generation. Learn how they gave cigar cutters new utility and personality and how they inserted "fun" and fashion into other accessories including bracelets and ashtrays. Pierre and Pablo also explain how finding a good partner can accelerate the growth of your business and product ideas.

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In the latest Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Dean Parsons shares how sharing a cigar with his real estate clients eventually inspired him to start his own premium cigar company. Learn how his desire to live life to the fullest helped inspire Epic Cigars and some of the advice he received that helped him set his brand apart from others.

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Back in 2019, Antoine Reid traveled to the Dominican Republic to witness how premium cigars are made and how tobacco is grown. During that trip, he had the opportunity to sit down with Hendrik "Henke" Kelner and his son Klaas to discuss his career in the tobacco industry and to learn how Hendrik Kelner became one of the cigar industry's most respected cigar makers. Enjoy this special "deep cut" interview from the vault!

In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Pete Johnson shares how made the jump from music to the world of cigars. Learn how Pete redefined the world of boutique cigars with his creative approach to marketing and branding, creating a brand around his desire to be different and to create a brand that didn't conform to industry standards. In addition to diving deep into the world of Tatuaje Cigars, Pete shares how he's re-investing in the future of the cigar industry through his advocacy work and support of cigar-friendly trade groups.

In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Sébastien Decoppet talks about why he left behind his corporate job and moved from Switzerland to Honduras to learn how to make cigars. Learn how he went from knowing little about tobacco and cigars to owning his own company and being one of the cigar industry's most compelling blenders. Also joining the interview is Brian Motola, who recently joined the company as its sales director and partnered with Sébastien to start a new cigar factory, Fabrica Centroamericana de Tabaco SA (FCT).

In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, twin sister duo Yvonne and Yvette Rodriguez share the story of how they became the first women to launch and own their own cigar brand in the U.S., Tres Lindas Cubanas Cigars. Learn how they got their start and how they were inspired by their Afro-Cuban heritage and created multiple business ventures in an attempt to stay true to themselves and their backgrounds. They also give advice for how other entrepreneurs can start their own businesses and the one thing each person with a business idea must do in order to achieve any success.

In this latest Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Tony Bellatto shares his story of entrepreneurship and what inspired him to start so many businesses. Learn how Tony got into the coffee-making business, how he launched his own Rosé wine product, and the steps he took to create his own premium cigar brand. Tony also gives advice to others who are considering launching their own businesses and why you shouldn't be afraid to fail.

In this all new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Ben Wills shares how she built her social media management and curation business centered around premium cigars. Learn what it really takes to become an influencer and how Ben organizes her day and approaches content creation. Ben also discusses her take on the role of women in today's cigar industry.

In this episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Pierre Jebian shares how he went from performing on stage as a music artist to leading the creative efforts and U.S. division of HumidifGroup USA. Learn how his company is bringing NFC technology to the very traditional cigar industry and making smart packaging. He also shares some of the other tech-based and creative solutions his company is introducing to other cigar industry projects.

In this all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Kevin Nicholas shares his story of intrigue and magic. Learn what steps he took to become a magician and how he became a leading mentalist who's entertained celebrities like Ozzy Osborne. Kevin also shares how you can captivate an audience and what you need to do to wake up happy every day.

In this all-new episode of Deep Cuts Live, Jon Huber shares how he escaped the nightmare of a boring 9-to-5 and found his passion in the premium cigar world. Learn how Jon embraced curiosity to drive him to learn more about cigars and how that curiosity led him to CAO and later on to found his own company, Crowned Heads. Jon also shares the many ways he uses Crowned Heads to express his creativity.

In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Omar de Frias explains why he left behind a career in NASA to go all-in on his premium cigar brand, Fatello Cigars. Learn what the entrepreneurial journey was like for de Frias, how he built brand awareness for his product and how he discovered and embracing his "why."

In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Pedro Gomez explains how he went from making saddles in Nicaragua to working for the market disruptors, Drew Estate. Learn how Pedro grasped opportunities as they presented themselves to him. Learn how Pedro learned new skills to become a key member of the Drew Estate team and his advice for others looking to disrupt their respective industries. Pedro also shares news of the revamped Drew Estate Barn Smoker program and details of two of Drew Estate's latest releases, the Undercrown 10 and the 20 Acre Farm.

In the latest Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Brian Desind shares the story how he went from making catchy music to shaking up the cigar industry with the launch of Privada Cigar Club. Learn how this collector of cigars took on traditional methods of marketing and applied what he learned about story telling and branding from the music industry to sell and promote cigars. Towards the end of the interview, he shares two ways anyone can practice "communal commerce."

In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Jonas Santana explains how he turned rejection into a business. Santana explains the steps he took to launch Blackbird Cigar Co. and how taking a more personable approach accelerated his brand's growth. In addition to sharing how he grew his Instagram audience to 17K without buying a single follower, Santana explains why your motivation for a business shouldn't always be profit.

In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Jeremy Casdagli shares how he used obstacles and failure to build a successful premium cigar brand with an international presence. Learn how Jeremy tapped into his family's unique history with Cuba and tobacco to build his own brand and what he's learned along the way. Also watch until the end when he offers advice to those looking to sell luxury product.

In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Alex Perez shares the circumstances and events that led him to quit his 9-5 job and ultimately take a bet on himself. Alex reveals the family ties and history behind The Mansa. He also talks about his entrepreneurial journey and the event that helped him become recklessly fearless.

In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, special guest Enrique Seijas shares the story of his family and how they relaunched a once defunct Dominican Republic cigar brand. Learn how the family made the transition from the corporate world of tobacco to becoming brand owners of a smaller brand. Enrique also provides tips for how he's dealt with his fear of public speaking to become the face of his family's business today.

In the latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Bradley Rubin discusses the motivations of his father that led to the founding of Alec Bradley Cigars. Learn how the Rubin family embraced their heritage and passion to launch a cigar business and how Bradley and his brother are helping to bring in the next generation of customers for their family's business. Bradley also offers tips for how to make a brand appeal to today's diverse customer base.

In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Michael Herklots shares how the end of one job convinced him to go for his dream of launching his own business. Learn how he used his network for guidance and manufacturing and what his vision is for the future of Ferio Tego. Herklots also shares what tips he has for anyone out there interested in launching his or her own business today.

In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Dr. Stefan Lampert shares how the desire to create a product to share with his clients turned into a booming cigar business. Learn how this lawyer approached building his business and what steps he took to expand his business and its product's reach from Europe to the U.S. and other countries. Also, find out why he says it's important for entrepreneurs to make mistakes.

In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Carson Serino talks about his family's premium cigar company, Serino Cigar Co., and how he's brought in a new perspective to this traditional art form. Learn how Carson has leveraged branding and social media to build a following around his company's products. Also learn why your brand's story is the key to setting its products apart from those from a competing company.

In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live host Antoine Reid, Southern Draw Cigars' founder Robert Holt shares how a series of bad decisions and failures led him and his wife Sharon to create Southern Draw Cigars. Southern Draw is a premium cigar brand known for putting faith and family at the center of its business. Learn how Holt and his family built charity into their work, how he balances religion with business, and his surprising advice to other entrepreneurs looking to launch a business today.

In this latest episode of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Reinier Lorenzo shares his entrepreneurial story. After leaving Cuba, Reinier moved to the United States where he would go on to create and launch his very own premium cigar brand. Reinier reveals what steps he took to create his own business and products and the very personal nature of the cigar business. He reveals his secret to success and the mindset it takes to get results.

In this interview of Deep Cuts Live, Antoine interviews George James, an entrepreneur who launched his own premium cigar brand after working almost two decades in a Fortune 500 big tobacco company. George shares the steps he took to launch his brand including the special marketing, branding and blend development that took place. He also talks about how he controls his company's manufacturing process. Learn what big business move he says you should take before you even make your LLC official.

In this episode of Deep Cuts Live, host Antoine Reid interviews Grace Cabezas and Nigel Reo-Coker, co-owners of The Terrible Cigar Club. Grace and Nigel were longtime friends who decided to join forces to launch their own cigar retail store and lounge with an accompanying monthly cigar subscription service. Learn more about Nigel's experiences as a professional English soccer player and Grace's experiences working in the cigar industry. Both share tips on how to build a business, how to find a cigar that fits your palate and why representation matters so much right now in the cigar industry.

An interview with Robin Blue, founder of Blue Smoke ATL. Robin shares how her love of fashion led to her founding an accessory brand that appeals to both cigar and cannabis smokers. Robin talks about the ups and downs of business and how gaining feedback early on helped her better develop her business early on and how past failures helped her become a better business owner.

A lot of people feel inspired to start their own business but how do you take a passion and build a profitable business around it? In this interview with Desiree Sylver, PhD, owner of Drunk Chicken Cigars, she discusses how she went from being a casual cigar smoker to a brand owner. Learn how she navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and how she finds balance between work and family obligations.

Some people start a business for fame, others for profit, and then some launch a business to give back. That's what Steve Zengel, founder of Los Caidos Cigars, did. Inspired by a personal loss suffered during Sept. 11, Steve launched his own cigar line where part of the profit of each cigar sold would go toward supporting police and firefighters. Learned how he got his start in the industry, how he learned from the mistakes he made, and his advice for other businesses looking to make a connection with their community.

How does a person scale their company and expand their brand across new categories? You do it exactly how Matt Booth, owner of Room101, did it. Matt started off making custom jewelry and once he established his brand and company, he chose to expand into completely new categories. Learn what inspired him to launch his own company, what his creative process is like, and how he's successfully gotten into the jewelry, premium cigar and spirits industries.

Celebrities often attach their names to apparel, spirits and other products but it's rare to see celebrities attach their names to a premium cigar. Escobar Cigars made headlines this year when it announced it was partnering with Grammy award-winning rapper and songwriter Nas, who is a full-on partner with this premium cigar brand. Gomes talks about how that partnership came about and why DJ Khaled and others are embracing their brand. Also hear about how the supply chain crisis is impacting the cigar industry and the new releases expected out of Escobar in the near future.

Jeremy McDonald has spent years working in the cigar industry, handling the sales of a major cigar brand until recently when he launched his very own cigar brand, Wildfire Cigar Company. While many cigar brands would hope and pray for a good cigar rating, McDonald has seen behind the curtains of the review and rating process and isn't holding out for a good rating–he just wants to know if you like what he's created. Learn about the major cigar factory behind his first two releases, The Single and the Revivalist, and how he plans to take on the very traditional cigar industry.

In this interview with Peter Gross, Janelle and Lamar Leroy of ATL Cigar Co. we discuss how these three friends came together to create and launch a cigar brand built around the city and lifestyle of Atlanta. We also chat about how the events of 2020 helped shaped the brand and have an honest discussion of the role race plays in their business.

A group of friends and cigar smokers joined forces to create a cigar brand that's breaking ground and barriers one cigar at a time. In this double-header, Emperors Cut's Temi Bush talks about how the brand came into existence while her business partner Darryl Redmon shares his tips for what makes a cigar sell in today's competitive cigar market.

Margaret Caldwell is a green entrepreneur who got her start in jewelry and gem stones before making the leap into growing legal cannabis in California. With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, she realized the opportunity hemp and CBD offered and made yet another move–she launched her own CBD brand. Learn how she's built her own CBD brand, Caldwell Botanicals, how she's gotten her product into stores and what's she's learned about guerrilla marketing and building a business on her own.

When you're starting or trying to build a business, you're going to realize you can't do it alone. Finding a good partner that shares in your passion and vision is easier said and done. Learn how Jeffrey Amendola and Christopher Monaco teamed up to build Amendola Family Cigar Co. and how forming strong partnerships and fostering good relationships has helped their business grow tremendously.

How do you become a successful DJ with the support and sponsorship of an industry-leading company? You listen to this podcast featuring Eli Lagaretta and find out! Eli is the official DJ of Drew Estate, one of the largest makers of premium cigars in the U.S. It may seem like an odd combination but it's opened the doors in terms of travel, notoriety and opportunity for Eli, a longtime lover of music who was able to turn his passion and hobby into a profitable job he enjoys.

In the final Deep Cuts Live interview of 2020, special guest Erica Arroyo talks about how she came to work in the media side of the cigar industry and what inspired her to start her own podcast, The Lounge Experience. We talk about the changing role women and minorities have in the cigar lifestyle as well as some of our favorite things and lessons learned during 2020.

An interview with Fabian Barrantes, creative director at Lotus Group and Vertigo by Lotus. With current world events, it’s as important as ever to have your own accessories. For cigar smokers, accessories help you not only better enjoy the lifestyle but also serve as a way for you express yourself. Fabian shows off a wide range of recent releases from Lotus and Vertigo and teases some things to come.

It’s the first ever Deep Cuts Live's Halloween episode! Our special guest is Jeremy McDonald, National Sales Manager for Caldwell Cigar Co, La Barba Cigars, and Lost & Found Cigars. In this interview, Jeremy talks about his he came to work in the cigar industry and the circumstances that brought him together with Robert Caldwell. We discuss sales and the advantage of selling from a personality perspective rather than solely on product. Learn more about Caldwell, La Barba, their brands and the new show "4 Shots with Tony and Jeremy."

In this interview, Micky Pegg of All Saints Cigars talks about his time in the tobacco industry. Micky worked on Capitol Hill as an intern which paved the way for his career in cigars. He worked with several well-known brands before taking a short break from the industry. He made his big return as a brand owner, launching All Saints Cigars over a year ago. Learn more about this brand and hear Micky’s take on what innovation means in the cigar industry today.

In this episode of Deep Cuts Live, I’m joined by Diana Rojas, a brand manager at Altadis U.S.A. Diana is an advertising and marketing guru with a love for cigars. She talks about her time in the cigar industry and how women have taken a much more prominent and important place in it. In addition to sharing how she and the Altadis marketing team have approached marketing new cigar releases in 2020, she also talks about her love for cars and more.

An interview with Juan Cancel and Kevin Keithan of Protocol Cigars. In this interview we learn about Protocol Cigars, a brand run by a former NYPD officer and a cyber crimes tech. Learn how they set their company and brand apart from others and how they learned that the key to success was authenticity and pushing through hard times and challenges.

An interview with Adrian Acosta, the man behind The Cigar Culture. Adrian grew up around tobacco but didn’t think he’d make a career out of it. He went on to work in retail with Nat Sherman before going out on his own and becoming an independent cigar broker. Adrian talks about how he tapped into the lifestyle and culture surrounding cigars, the importance of education and his approach to launching a brand in today’s marketplace.

An interview with Karen Berger of Daytona's Don Kiki Cigar Superstore and K by Karen cigar company. Karen shares her inspiring life story with the listeners that includes triumphs and tragedies. Karen has worked in tobacco factories, fields and retail and is a brand owner and has unique experiences that make her one of the cigar industry’s leading women.

A fun and lively chat with Will McPhaul, a territory manager for Drew Estate. In this interview we learn about Will’s experience in retail working at Anstead's Tobacco Company in Fayetteville, NC. Will takes us inside the culture of Drew Estate and shares the creative vibes and attitude shared by many at the company, including Jonathan Drew. Learn about some of Drew Estate’s latest releases and virtual events, including the Barn Smoker happening later this year.

An interview with Crystal, a cigar broker who represents different brands including Protocol Cigars and Blackbird Cigar Co.. Crystal has been in the industry for some time and worked with some well-known brands and companies. She talks about sales and life as a cigar rep and also how she’s adapted to the changing cigar industry. You’ll hear her insights into what retailers are looking for in new products and also how success in sales is tied directly to passion and having a good reputation.

An interview with Tim Swail, Executive Vice President of sales at Boveda, Inc. Tim shares Boveda’s origin story from how he and Sean Knutsen got involved in the humidity business to the hurdles they had to overcome to get their products in the hands of cigar retailers and consumers. You’ll hear a unique story involving Carlito Fuente Jr. and learn what Boveda products are best for your premium cigars.

An interview with George “Latin Thunder” Rami, Senior Brand Manager at Davidoff of Geneva USA. George has an extensive history in the cigar industry, having started off in retail before being recruited by Dylan Austin to work with Camacho Cigars. In this interview we talk about George’s work with the Camacho brand, its unique approach to marketing and packaging, the creation and value of the shop-in-shop and the latest releases. We also talk about Honduras, Camp Camacho and the recently released Camacho cookbook. At the end, George even reveals the origins of his nickname “Latin Thunder.”

Another Deep Cuts Live interview with Kathleen Kelly, owner of Queensbury Cigar & Pipe and Cup O' Joes. Kathleen shares how she built a business around pipes and later got into selling premium cigars. She explains what it’s like being a retailer and how she’s had success by embracing social media and out-of-the-box thinking.

In this Deep Cuts Live interview I chat with Jaxx Guevarra, a cigar sales representative with Altadis U.S.A. Jaxx has a background in interior design but when the economy faced a downturn in 2008, she pivoted to retail and worked with cigars. After several years of working in retail, she became a sales rep and eventually came to work with Altadis U.S.A., promoting brands like Montecristo, H. Upmann, Aging Room, and Onyx Reserve. Jaxx shares her experiences in the cigar industry, her approach to social media, some recent releases from Altadis U.S.A. and some of her interests outside of work.

In this interview, Aric Bey, a firefighter in Chicago, talks about how he started his own cigar company, Black Star Line Cigars. Aric shares how persistence paid off in terms of recruiting El Titan de Bronze to help make his cigars. He also talks about the advice and guidance Drew Estate founder Jonathan Drew, Cohiba brand ambassador Sean Williams, and others gave him to help start his brand. He also reveals the story behind War Witch, a cigar made by Aganorsa Leaf that helped put him and his company on the map.

This episode features Dave Imber, one of the entrepreneurs behind CigarClub, a monthly cigar subscription box service. In this interview we talk about Dave’s love for cigars that dates back to his college years. He reveals how he made the leap from a creative agency to helping to build CigarClub’s business. Dave also provides a detailed account of what makes CigarClub so unique and a great option for cigar enthusiasts in search of a great variety of cigars. The conversation ends with a tease of a collaboration between CigarClub and Cigars & Leisure.

An interview with Christopher Moore, owner of @carolinabluecigars. In this interview we talk about how Chris got involved with cigars, how he built his business, his experiences as a Black brand owner in the cigar industry and how COVID has given him and his brand a new chance and opportunity.

An interview with Karl "The Mailman" Malone and his daughter, Kadee. Many know Karl from his long professional basketball career as a power forward for the Utah Jazz–but that's only part of his story. Malone is an entrepreneur with his own retail store in Ruston, Louisiana, Legends Cigar & Vape, a distributor of rum and also for owning his own cigar brand, Barrel Aged by Karl Malone. In this interview, Karl and his daughter discuss his career, his love of hunting, Alaska and passion for cigars.

How is making cigars a lot like cooking? That's the question Erik Espinosa, owner and founder of Espinosa Premium tackles in this interview. Erik didn't always like cigars while he was growing up but the older he got, the more he came to appreciate the lifestyle and art behind making a cigar. Learn how this entrepreneur built his business to not only achieve success but to build a cult following among cigar enthusiasts around the world.

Often times in our career, we're faced with how to bring new life and excitement into an already established product or brand. How do you push that product into the future while honoring its past? That's a question that Sean Williams has had to deal with as the brand ambassador for Cohiba Cigars. Williams talks about his past in cigar blending and how building his own brand led to the opportunity to help manage a brand with worldwide recognition.

You're selling a product in a niche market where the focus is more so on the product than a personality. This is a scenerio faced by many people working in sales and marketing today and something this episode's guest, Terence Reilly, deals with on a regular basis. Terence is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Aganorsa Leaf, a company that not only grows tobacco in Nicaragua but makes its own cigars as well. Terence shares how he's helped to rebrand the company to put the focus on its tobacco and its cigars and how focusing on the consumer's experience has been his company's pathway to success in a competitive market.

How do you sell a product when you're facing challenges such as negative attitudes, crowded marketplace, or unexpected occurrences like the coronavirus? You think positively and turn to sales experts like Rick Ardito. Currently Rick is the national sales director for Bugatti Group where he's selling an innovative collection of torch lighters but he's help sell everything from humidors to premium cigars. He shares his experience and reasons for remaining positive and reveals tricks of the trade, including how mentioning a popular coffee franchise can get you out of many uncomfortable situations.

In the digital age, why are brick and mortar retailers still so important to the cigar industry? That's a question we tackle in this interview with Juan Lopez, the National Sales Director for Gurkha Cigars. Juan has worked in the premium cigar industry since the mid 1990s during the famed Cigar Boom and has seen cigars go from being so in demand that manufacturers struggled to keep up with demand to a time where it's harder to get shelf space in a retail store. Juan talks about his experience selling cigars and dives into the history of Gurkha Cigars, a brand that's celebrated its 30th anniversary just last year.

Ernesto Perez-Carrillo has built a reputation as being one of the cigar industry's most celebrated cigarmakers with an amazing story. Ernesto grew up in Cuba and moved to America where he wanted to become a musician. That dream evolved and cigars entered his life and he went on to understand tobacco on a level that few have. Ernesto talks about blending cigars and building his own brand, E.P. Carrillo Cigar Co., a company he runs with his family. He also looks back on his career, from experiencing the Cigar Boom in the '90s to creating a new trend, big ring gauged cigars. Ernesto also talks about winning Cigar Aficionado's Cigar of the Year, collaborating with others, and how he ultimately hopes to be remembered.

James Brown and his wife Angela once ran their own travel company. Then they decided to give it all up and move to Nicaragua and start their own cigar company. Many entrepreneurs dream of owning their own company but few are aware of all of the sacrifices that will need to be made in order to achieve anything remotely resembling success. Check out this interview with James and learn how–and why–he created Black Label Trading Company and built his own cigar factory.

Have you ever wanted to go and start your own business in a niche market? You may want to listen to this interview with Jeff Haugen of Crux Cigars first! Jeff shares his story of how he went from working in retail to creating his own premium cigar brand and the challenges he's faced along the way. Jeff emphasizes the importance of having a passion for your work and brands and how pursuing monetary gains isn't always the best goal for any entrepreneur or business.

An interview with Ram Rodriguez, CEO of El Artista Cigars. Ram reveals his unexpected career in the tobacco industry, his family's business. Ram fields listeners questions about tobacco and cigar blending and also provides the stories behind some of his company's well-known brands, including Big Papi by David Ortiz.

An interview with Joshua Habursky, Director of Federal Affairs for the Premium Cigar Association (PCA). Joshua talks about Substantial Equivalence (SE), a part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's compliance for premium cigar and other tobacco products. While discussing SE's overall impact on the industry and new and existing products, Joshua also touches on advocacy and how retailers, manufacturers and consumers can band together to bring about positive change for the premium cigar industry in the U.S.

An interview with Brad Winstead, CEO of Casa de Montecristo, Inc. Brad's two-decades long career in the tobacco industry began in retail and since then he's dealt with sales, marketing and finally made his way back to retail as the CEO of the franchise, Casa de Montecristo, which has locations across the U.S. Brad shares his experience with improving the in-store experience for consumers and how retailers can better prepare themselves for future disruptions caused by COVID-19 and other unexpected events.

An interview with Shiah Goldberg, general manager at Casa de Montecristo by Prime Cigar & Whiskey Bar. Shiah shares how he first got into cigars and the hospitality industry. Shiah talks about the unique setup of his business, which is both a spirits bar and cigar lounge, and it's eclectic customer mix of tourists and Miami locals. Shiah also shares his hopes for other retailers coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this interview with Angela Yue, she discusses her background in tobacco retail in the San Diego area. Angela talks about the branding and special considerations that went into Lord Puffer Cigars, a tobacco retail business that she co-founded and works at. Angela talks about the challenges of being a tobacco retailer in California and her plans to expand her brand to Florida. She also talks about using her platform and business to help support organizations like the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, which provides educational opportunities to children in the Dominican Republic.

An interview with Philip Segal IV, owner of Havana Phil's Cigar Company. Philip shares the story of his journey into the premium cigar retail business following a life changing event. He provides a personal account of how the COVID-19 has impacted his small business but how his manufacturing partners and customers have banded together to help him get through it. Philip also talks about the cigars his customers are buying and the value of educational opportunities for retailers and their customers, such as Davidoff's Camp Camacho.

An interview with Corinto Talanca, owner of Boss Cigars in Carrollton, Georgia. Corinto shares how he and his business partner approached opening their own cigar lounge and how they set out to make it different from other cigar stores in their area. He also talks about some of the buying habits of his customers, revealing what sort of cigars he seeks out and what cigars his customers are actually buying.

An interview with Fred Vandermarliere, CEO of J. Cortès, a family-owned company that makes cigars. Fred shares his family's story and its history in business and the cigar business. He also provides background on how his family came to work with the Oliva family and eventually how the opportunity came to acquire Oliva Cigars. Fred provides his own philosophy of when an acquisition makes sense for a company but why a hands-off approach can lead to big results for both companies.

An interview with Abe Flores, master blender and founder of PDR Cigars. Before he entered the cigar making business, Abe was a programmer and also worked in retail. Attention to detail and consumer behavior were his main focuses and gave him the knowledge needed to make a premium cigar brand that would appeal to the masses. Listen to his story and how in a short amount of time he was able to go from unknown to one of the Dominican Republic's most promising new cigar makers and brand owner.

An interview with Henderson Ventura, co-master blender at Tabacalera William Ventura in the Dominican Republic. Henderson works closely with his father in their family's cigar factory. He has worked with many well-known cigar brands including Caldwell Cigar Co., Room 101 and La Barba. In addition, he is co-owner of his own boutique brand, Adventura Cigars. Learn about what goes into maintaining a factory and the blending process from one of the industry's up-and-coming master blenders.

In this interview, Nick and Janine Perdomo talk about the origins of their cigar brand, Perdomo Cigars and the history of the company that goes back to 1992. Nick and Janine talk about the importance of instilling family values into their children and business and supporting their retail partners. Nick also provides a blueprint for other brand owners looking to build brand awareness without the need to release new products regularly.

This interview features two brothers, Alec and Bradley Rubin, who in recent years have carried on their family's tradition of cigar making with their own brand, Alec & Bradley. The Rubin brothers discuss their family's approach to business and brand building and reveal how they're putting their own twist with their own cigar blends and brands. They talk about the youthful wave gripping the traditional premium cigar industry and what's head for them and their company.

An interview with Eddy Guerra, senior brand manager at Davidoff of Geneva USA. Eddy has a background in graphic design and experience working in the hospitality industry. As a great marketer who typically focuses on how to create activation and engagement through unforgettable experiences, he's currently using all of his experience to build a bigger audience and customer base for Davidoff's premium cigar brands including AVO and Camacho. He shares his story and provides some tips for other marketers and designers to get more results from their work.

An interview with Jarrid Trudeau, Vice President of Sales at Kristoff Cigars. Jarrid discusses his unexpected career twists and turns that had him working for one of the largest retailers in the U.S. to heading up the sales effort for a boutique cigar brand. Jarrid talks about the importance of relationship building for all professionals and how manufacturers can best serve their retail partners during times of adversity.

An interview with Jason Wood, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Miami Cigar & Company. Jason talks about his father-in-law, Nestor Miranda, and his family's premium cigar company. Jason also talks about his love for sports and how he and his family have been coping with the impact of the coronavirus.

An interview with Robert Caldwell, owner of Caldwell Cigar Company. Robert is an entrepreneur who has always done things his own way. He talks about his business ventures leading up to his successful cigar brand and what it's taken to go from startup to one of the biggest boutique companies in the industry. He also touches on collaborating with other companies and brands and how he managed to take his company global.

An interview with Humberto Areas, creative director at Cigar Package Design. Humberto is a creative professional who has worked with a variety of businesses, from premium cigar brands to olive oil products found on the aisles of grocery stores. Humberto takes us through his creative process and provides tips to other businesses on how to approach their branding and marketing practices.

An interview with Luis Cuevas Jr., President of Casa Cuevas Cigars. In this interview, Luis talks about how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted his family's cigar factory and its cigar brand. In addition, Luis shares how he and his family have approached building its cigar brand and the challenges they've faced. Luis also touches on his experiences working so closely with his family in a business setting.

An interview with Joe Gro, Digital Marketing Manager at Drew Estate. In this interview, Joe talks about his life before joining Drew Estate, one of the largest premium cigar companies in the U.S. He also talks about the emergence of digital platforms and how companies should embrace the shift to digital for engagement and activation of their customer base.

An interview with Michael Herklots, Vice President of Nat Sherman International. In this interview, Michael talks about his creative background and how being creative and musician helped set him up to work in the competitive premium cigar industry. He also talks about cigar making, dealing with criticism, and how being deliberate in his actions transformed his work and life.

An interview with Rafael Nodal, head of product capability at Tabacalera USA. Rafael shares his story of migrating from Cuba to America, growing up in New York, moving to Miami and getting into the cigar culture. He also talks about his love of art and music, even playing a song toward the end of the video for our audience.

In this interview, Edward Kim talks about his journey from private security guard and MMA fighter to knife designer. Kim talks about how he got into cigars and how it inspired the Condor, a high-end cigar cutter.

An interview with Tony Bellatto, owner of La Barba Cigars. Tony is an entrepreneur with several successful businesses including a tobacco retail store, coffee company, and wine and cigar brands. In this interview we discuss his experience with businesses, the wine world, and how he's blended his passions into his work.

An interview with Klaas Kelner, senior brand ambassador at Davidoff Cigars. Klaas shares stories about his family, including his father, cigar maker Hendrik "Henke" Kelner. He also offers tips and advice for how to create your own cigar and spirit pairings at home.

An interview with Paul Copeland, co-owner of Shore Thing Cigars. Paul runs Shore Thing Cigars with country music star Luke Bryan. Paul shares his story of how he moved from Nashville to Florida to open his lifestyle lounge, his experiences with cigars, and his love for music.

An interview with Matt Booth, owner of Room 101. Matt makes custom jewerly in Los Angeles. In addition, his brand includes a gin product and premium cigars. Matt talks about his time in the military, his tattoos, his inspirations and his premium cigar products.