The Tasting Hour - Smoke, Sip, Savour.

What does the future look like for premium cigars in the UK?This month on The Tasting Hour, Jason and Gary tackle two big issues facing UK cigar smokers: plain packaging and the tobacco duty increase coming in October. What will the changes mean for cigar lovers, retailers and the premium cigar market — and just how expensive could enjoying a good cigar become?There’s plenty from across the Atlantic too. Jason and Gary chat with José from La Galera Cigars, talking Dominican cigars, tobacco and the story behind the brand, before catching up with Pete from Tatuaje Cigars, one of the best-known names in the modern premium cigar world.Expect cigar industry news, great conversations, strong opinions and, naturally, the usual banter from Jason and Gary.Light up something special, pour yourself a drink and join us for another The Tasting Hour — Smoke, Sip, Savour.

Episode 13 – Summertime Smoke Festival & The Plain Packaging DebateWe’re back with Episode 13 of The Tasting Hour!Jason and Gary catch up on all the action from the Summertime Smoke Festival, including conversations with Davidoff, Rocky Patel, Hiram & Solomon and more from the cigar world.We also tackle a serious issue facing UK cigar smokers — plain packaging — and discuss what the proposed changes could mean for premium cigars, retailers and cigar culture in Britain.Plus, expect the usual mix of cigar talk, drinks, opinions, laughs and the occasional detour!Pour yourself something good, settle in and enjoy Episode 13 of The Tasting Hour. 🥃💨

Episode 12 marks a huge milestone for The Tasting Hour Podcast as we celebrate our first full year on air.In this special episode, we take a look back at the guests, stories, and conversations that have shaped the podcast over the last 12 months. From interviews with industry legends such as Davidoff and Rocky Patel to chats with Trident Military Cigars, Rebellion Cigars, and many others, we revisit some of our favourite moments from the first 11 episodes.We also reflect on the more serious conversations we’ve had around men’s mental health and prostate cancer awareness—topics that are just as important as the cigars and whisky we enjoy.Thank you to everyone who has listened, watched, supported, and shared the podcast during our first year. Here’s to many more great conversations ahead.The Tasting Hour Podcast – Cigars, whisky, and conversations worth having.

On this month’s Tasting Hour Podcast, we head to Ignite 2026 to catch up with some of the biggest names in the cigar industry and discover the latest releases creating a buzz across the market — from the major cigar houses to smaller boutique brands making their mark.We also talk mental health with the men behind Men’s Shed, the inspiring Australian idea now taking hold across the UK, helping tackle loneliness, connection and wellbeing through community, conversation and shared skills.And with the warmer weather finally arriving, May’s cocktail of the month is the Bluebird — a light, refreshing cocktail perfect for sunny afternoons and relaxed evenings.Great cigars, great conversations and plenty of stories along the way.Subscribe, like and join us for another episode of The Tasting Hour.Wedmore Men's Shed is organising WEDFEST 2026 to be held in St Mary's Church on Friday 10th July.The event will be supported by Women of Wedmore and Wedmore Scouts. Commencing at 6pm it promises to be an evening of good music from local artists with food and drink available but most of all a relaxed evening of fun.Weather permitting, we hope to have a range of acts performing both outside and inside the church itself.Proceeds will go to Wedmore Men's Shed and The Somerset Prostate Screening Association (SPSA).SPSA is a registered charity and run entirely by volunteers, many with personal experience of prostate cancer and the effect it has on their lives and that of their families.links https://menssheds.org.uk/https://www.bluebirdcafewedmore.com/

The Tasting Hour – This Month’s Episode 🔥This month on The Tasting Hour, we’re diving deep into craftsmanship, flavour, and a few hidden gems from the cigar world.We kick things off with the story behind Rebellion Cigars — how they started, what sets them apart, and their bold collaboration with Eddie Hall, the 2018 World’s Strongest Man. It’s a fascinating look at passion, power, and premium cigars coming together.We also sit down with the organisers of Call of the Wild Festival to chat about what’s coming up in this year’s event. Expect insights, behind-the-scenes details, and why it’s shaping up to be an unmissable event.💨 Ever heard of purging a cigar?We break down this little-known technique in our Cigar 101 segment — what it is, why it matters, and how to do it properly.🍸 Cocktail of the Month: The Port NegroniA rich, smooth twist on the classic, perfectly paired with this episode’s lineup.And finally, Jason and Gary get hands-on with something special — sampling a different blend from Leaf by Oscar, cigars not currently available in the UK. Expect honest reactions and plenty of flavour notes.Sit back, pour a drink, and enjoy the ride.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more monthly tastings and cigar culture.Link to call of the wild 28th to 31st May#COTWCigars and accessories at Rebelliously low prices#TastingHour #Cigars #RebellionCigars #EddieHall #CallOfTheWild #PortNegroni #Cigar101