#ELOsoFumarTakes

 #ELOsoFumarTakes #352ndTake We’re back with another special episode, and this one is a must-watch for cigar enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.Joining me is Joshua Habursky, Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association  https://premiumcigars.orgWe dive into the current state of the premium cigar industry, advocacy efforts, legislative challenges, and why protecting premium cigars matters now more than ever.#ELOsoFumarTakes #352ndTake #PremiumCigars #CigarRights #CigarIndustry #CigarCommunity 

#ELOsoFumarTakes – #351stTake It’s that time of year again… my Top Ten Cigars of 2025 are about to be revealed.       WELCOME BACK! HAPPY NEW YEAR! The night is here! The time is right! It's time for the #ELOsoFumarTakes Top 10 Cigars of 2025! Once again, the legendary George Brightman joins us for the Top 10 Countdown for the ages! I’ve sent George my top ten cigars for him to sample and taste test blind. He gives an honest breakdown alongside my own assessments. Enjoy! Criteria: It's vitola based. I had to have smoked the cigar for the first time in the last year and a half.* It must not suck. No limited edition cigars (i.e. TAA, shop exclusive) are eligible. A previous number 1 cigar winner (blend-specific, i.e. 2017 Winner Espinosa Habano) cannot be on this year's Top 10 or repeat as winner.* A company cannot have more than 1 cigar on the Top 10, however, may be considered for honorable mention.* THE BIG ONE: frequency of smoke. Basically, I had to have the means AND opportunity AND did, in fact, smoke the cigar frequently.   Just to review, here is last year's list: Top 10 Cigars of 2024: Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu Blue No. 1 Toro Grande BLK WKS Killer Bee Robusto Room101 Johnny Tobacconaut Robusto (2023 Edition) Joya de Nicaragua Cinco de Cinco Robusto Gordo Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Umbagog Bronzeback Plascencia Cosecha 149 Azacualpa Powstanie Connecticut Belicoso La Aroma de Cuba Connecticut Corona Micallef Blue Robusto Ferio Tego Summa Torpedo       Top 10 Cigars of 2025 (this year): 1) Kristoff Veinte Twentieth Anniversary Toro (Timestamp: 02:49:37) The Veinte Cigar follows the recipe template of incorporating tobacco from many regions. Blend-wise, the Veinte Anniversary consists of a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper over an Indonesian binder and a combination of Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania fillers. Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca Binder: Indonesian Filler: Nicaraguan, Pennsylvania Country of Origin: Dominican Republic Factory: Tabacalera Von Eicken S.R.L. Size: 6.25 x 54 2) Powstanie Connecticut Justice (Timestamp: 02:35:57) The Powstanie Connecticut features an Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper over a Pennsylvania Broadleaf binder and aged Nicaraguan fillers. Production for Powstanie Connecticut comes from the Fábrica de Tabacos Nica Sueño S.A. factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Binder: Pennsylvania Broadleaf Filler: Nicaraguan Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Nica Sueño Size: 5.5 x 46 3) Perdomo 30th Anniversary Connecticut Epicure (Timestamp: 02:27:51) Produced at Tabacalera Perdomo in Estelí, Nicaragua, the Perdomo 30th Anniversary Connecticut features 100% Nicaraguan tobaccos grown on the Perdomo family farms in Condega, Estelí, and Jalapa. The cigar is highlighted by a 15-year-old Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper aged in bourbon barrels. Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Binder: Cuban-seed Nicaraguan Filler: Cuban-seed Nicaraguan Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Tabacalera Perdomo Size: 6 x 54 4) United Gold Star Robusto (Timestamp: 01:54:14) The Gold Star features a Habano 2000 Intermedio wrapper from the Quevedo region of Ecuador. The blend also features a Sumatra binder and is composed of Connecticut Broadleaf and Dominican filler. The blend is slightly tweaked from the original limited edition. Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000 Intermedio (Quevedo) Binder: Sumatra Filler: Dominican (Ligeros, Criollo ’98, Corojo ’98), Connecticut Broadleaf Country of Origin: Dominican Republic Factory: Tabacalera William Ventura Size: 5 x 52 5) Gran Habano Corojo No. 7 Toro (Timestamp: 01:49:49) The Gran Habano No. 7 is a Nicaraguan puro – namely, it uses 100% of the tobaccos grown in Nicaragua. In addition to the special hybrid wrapper used, the remainder of the blend uses Corojo tobaccos grown in Nicaragua. Wrapper: Hybrid (Nicaraguan) Binder: Corojo, Nicaragua Filler: Corojo, Nicaragua Country of Origin: Honduras Factory: G.R. Tabacaleras Unidas S.A. Size: 6 x 54 6) Trinidad Espiritu No. 3 Toro by Altadis USA (Timestamp: 01:40:05) Keeping to the release’s theme, the Espiritu Series No. 3 features a Mexican wrapper from the San Andrés region. The Trinidad Espiritu No. 3 uses all Nicaraguan tobaccos for the remainder of the blend. Production comes from AJ Fernandez’s factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. Wrapper: San Andrés (Mexico) Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A. Size: 5 x 50 7) BLK WKS Studio Rorschach Sumatra (Timestamp: 01:31:42) This short robusto (4.5 x 48) delivers a robust, flavor-rich smoking experience. Featuring a Sumatra wrapper with Nicaraguan binder and filler, it opens with bold charred wood notes, followed by black pepper, and finishes with an underlying sweetness. A medium-plus cigar that consistently delivers. Wrapper: Sumatran Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium-plus Tasting Notes: Charred wood, black pepper, subtle sweetness Size: 4.5 x 48 8) Aladino Fuma Noche Super Toro by JRE Tobacco Co. (Timestamp: 01:09:00) JRE Tobacco keeps the blend close to the vest, but the cigar features a Maduro wrapper with Honduran binder and filler. Production comes from the Fabrica de Puros Aladino at Las Lomas Jamastran in Honduras. Wrapper: Maduro Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran Country of Origin: Honduras Factory: Fabrica de Puros Aladino Size: 6.25 x 54 9) Cohiba Riviera Perfecto (Timestamp: 00:56:39) The Cohiba Riviera features a San Andrés Tuxtla wrapper over a Honduran Connecticut binder, with filler tobaccos from Honduras and Nicaragua. Production takes place at the STG Estelí factory in Nicaragua. Wrapper: San Andrés Tuxtla Binder: Honduran Connecticut Filler: Honduran (Jamastran, La Entrada), Nicaraguan (Condega, Estelí) Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: STG Estelí Size: 6 x 60 10) Bentley White Edition Robusto (Timestamp: 00:41:24) Vitola: Robusto Length: 5" Ring Gauge: 50 Country of Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Factory: Joya de Nicaragua Blender: Undisclosed Price: $14.00 Release Date: September 2024

MILESTONE ALERT — #Take350 TONIGHT! We’re celebrating Episode #Take350 of #ELOsoFumarTakes with an all-star lineup   Special Guests: • George Rico — Gran Habano Cigars #1 Cigar of the Year 2023: GRAN HABANO 20th Aniversario El Sueño • Pete Johnson — Tatuaje Cigars #1 Cigar of the Year 2024: Tatuaje Havana VI Verocú Blue No. 1   Two legendary cigar makers. Two #1 Cigars of the Year. One milestone episode.

This week on #ELOsoFumarTakes for the #349thTake — we’re thrilled to welcome the return of our favorite Niitany Lion — Michael Cappellini as our special guest! ️Michael isn’t just a former political candidate — he’s also the official U.S. Brand Ambassador for Toscano Cigars . This episode dives deep into his unique journey: from running for public office in Lackawanna County to representing a legendary Italian cigar brand across the United States. Balancing all that and his growing family. Michael's one of the best.Join us for an unforgettable conversation about politics, heritage, cigar culture, and lifestyle — it’s one you won’t want to miss. Enjoy!

#ELOsoFumarTakes #Take348     We welcome Todd Naifeh, President of the Premium Cigar Association and owner of ZT Cigars! Todd brings decades of passion, advocacy, and leadership to the premium cigar world — and this Take is one you won’t want to miss.   Expect a deep dive into the PCA’s mission, industry insights, and the story behind ZT Cigars.

For our #347thTake - We’re welcoming Gus Fakih & Billy Fakih of Artesano Del Tobacco, the family behind some of the most passionately crafted cigars in the industry. From their heritage to their bold blends, you won’t want to miss this conversation.   Catch past episodes here https://www.podbean.com/pi/pbblog-6vzdf-2834cd “At Artesano Del Tobacco, craftsmanship isn’t just tradition — it’s a promise.”

This episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes Steve Saka to sit down for our #346thTake. It’s our annual visit with the man, myth, and legend. The Cigar Curmudgeon will no doubt have some self-deprecation to administer. But, fear not, for this <Snicker> Star is no match for the wits of El Oso, as I plan to get him to enjoy himself despite his fierce denials. This Liga Legend may even crack a smile. You never know. Enjoy!

Celebrating 8 Years of #ELOsoFumarTakes!   This episode is more than just another episode—it's a milestone. We're celebrating 8 incredible years of unforgettable guests, deep-dive conversations, and a shared passion for cigars. As part of our annual tradition, we're once again joined by Tim Wong, our very first guest, who returns every year to guest-host this special anniversary tribute.   And this year’s featured guest? The one and only Klaas Kelner—the man behind Kelner Cigars S.A.S. in the Dominican Republic. The Kelner name is legendary in the cigar world, and Klaas continues that legacy with every blend, leaf, and story.   We toast to the past, light up the present, and look forward to many more years of incredible conversations.   Here's to 8 years strong—and counting.

It’s an annual tradition, this week #ELOsoFumarTakes celebrates its host’s birthday! Bear is getting older and older each year and despite Steve Saka’s opinion - we love to celebrate birthdays. Now, Steve cannot join us this year for this episode, but that doesn’t mean we’re shying away from celebrating or awesome guests. My good friends Jon Carney and Ben Lee stop by to make this a birthday one we won’t forget! Enjoy!

This episode on #ELOsoFumarTakes Tripp Waldrop joins us for the Ultimate Pairing Showdown: The Top 3 Cigar Pairings We’re breaking it down in two ways: 1. Specific pairings — like “That mojito I had in Cancun was the perfect match for this cigar because…” 2. General pairings — like “Scotch overall is the best pairing because…” We want to hear from you: What’s your go-to pairing with a good cigar? Drop your top picks below and we might feature them in the episode   Enjoy!

#ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome Law Ream of Davidoff Cigars and Ambassador of all things Zino to sit down for our #342ndTake! From media member to Brand Ambassador. From PCA Director look-alike to re-igniting a brand named for one of the industry’s icons. It’s another fun journey to explore. Enjoy!

Welcome Back! This week our #341stTake is A collaboration special!   William Cooper joins us as we combine #ELOsoFumarTakes and Cigar Coop Prime Time Special Edition. There’s been some comings and goings the last couple of weeks, including the prestigious Cigar Journal Awards. We’ll hold court with cigars and commentary. Enjoy!

What’s cooler than being cool? Well, this episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Sean Williams - Global Ambassador for Cohiba & Silencio. Our #340thTake will be cool, chill and amazingly fun. Here’s a riddle for you: If you had a job supported by another job, but it was your job to support both jobs and make it look cool and easy. How would you do it?     Enjoy!

This episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome first time guest Kevin Shahan of Cigar Prop fame and glory. Kevin’s energy and enthusiasm is always at a level 10, but his zany antics are a refreshing balance of charm and sincerity. And while his July 4th attire is something I’d rather not see again, personally, his drive and love for the industry has formed a journey I can’t wait to unfold. Enjoy!!

#ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Matt Tye of How Bout That Cigar to sit down for our #338thTake. It’s going to be a rock’em, sock’em good time. We’ll look back on the last few years together as media brands that “came up together”. What’s surprised us? What hasn’t? It all starts here at 9:30pm Central. Enjoy!

#ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of John McTavish to sit down for our #337thTake. The ‘Cigar Surgeon’ operates at a different standard than most. As a member of the renowned Developing Palates team, every meticulous detail is recorded, analyzed and brought to bear against arguably the highest standard within the industry’s media. Don’t believe me? Tune in tomorrow night as we walk through a PhD level and journey that is as fascinating as it is discerning. Enjoy!

This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes back 3 of the industry’s Kings of Road Warriors, Dukes of Deals, Earls of ‘Earn It’ and Marquises de Los Hombres (yeah, I took some license in languages there)! Our #336thTake promises to deliver some hot takes and witty words. Enjoy!

This episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes returns for our #335thTake and it will be one to remember! I'm pumped for this long-time-coming episode and the story to be be told. Cayman Cigar Company founder Scott Haugh joins us alongside a returning guest from a long time back - Mr. Anthony Cantelmo will join us as well. A story of cigars, charity and giving back.  Enjoy!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksWlc4bEXXs    

This week, fresh off a record double header last Sunday, William Coop returns for our #334thTake. Our show will focus on a theme of the best of the best. We’ll discuss our Best/Favorites in a cavalcade of categories. Enjoy!

This week, it’s going to be one hell of a Father’s Day celebration! As you know, Tom Lazuka is back per tradition. This time, we’ve got a whole panel of dads and a cigar big enough for the day….literally. Jay Davis, William Cooper, Ben Lee, Tripp Waldrop & Denis Tsvang bring the Dad power, we’re going to need it! It’s a Father’s Day Sunday Double Header. Join us for pairings on Let's Get Pairing (7pm Central) and then join us at 9:30pm Central for the usual fun. Can we all take down the Asylum Megalophobia? Tune in to find out!!!