Cigar Hacks

It all started here eight years ago east of just west of this very location. We discuss the last eight years and what the next eight years will bring. The Hidden Herf stumps the panel and is an interesting selection. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Company; Plaistow, NH Controversy Corner – Seth Who?

It’s not every week that we have a new cigar brand owner join us for an episode. Jimmy Miller and long-time friend of the Hacks, Max, have a New England launch event of Miller Cigar at Castro’s in Manchester. The Hidden Herf is well received and collectively the Hacks have smoked the other vitolas so we’re able … Continue reading "Episode 418: Miller Cigars with Jimmy and Max – Local Spotlight: Castro’s Backroom; Manchester, NHH"

The multi-award-winning cigar rep, Mike the Cop from Rocky Patel, is at Grumpy’s this week. We drop in to catch up with Mike and find out about the 30th Anniversary cigar release. The Hidden Herf is a bit of a sleeper and is well received by the panel. Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigar & Lounge; … Continue reading "Episode 417: Rocky Patel Cigars with Mike the Cop – Local Spotlight: Grumpy’s Cigar & Lounge; Hudson, NH"

It’s our 7th annual trip to the Poconos. We record on Halloween after smoking and partying all day, so you know what to expect. Local Spotlight – Junko’s Cigar Lounge; Hazelton, PA Controversy Corner – Weather Station Anomaly and Alien Spaceships.

It’s back to the firepit for what my be the last time this year as we discover a time traveler in our midst. The Joke-O-Meter and HR are workimg overtime this week as almost nothing is off limits. We have a visit from a prodigal Hack and a guest from an episode a long time … Continue reading "Episode 415: Calling HR – Local Spotlight: Ricky’s Firepit"

The panel convenes at Cigar and Lounge in Watertown, MA. We have couple of special quests and a couple of Hacks that haven’t been on for a while. This episode is loaded with cigars, laughs, and fish stories. The Hidden Herf is picked out after a couple of clues. Local Spotlight – Cigar and Lounge; … Continue reading "Episode 414: The Virtual Brother-In-Law – Local Spotlight: Cigar and Lounge; Watertown, MA"

It’s Big Sky Cigars at Grumpy’s Cigar & Lounge and we are there to talk with the representation of both. Nurse Rick tries his hand at reading the into. There are two Hidden Herfs and an abundance of bad jokes for this episode. Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigar & Lounge; Hudson, NH Controversy Corner – … Continue reading "Episode 413: Have Another Grumpy Day with Big Sky Cigars – Local Spotlight: Grumpy’s Cigar & Lounge; Hudson, NH"

Shacky Greene wants to try being the announcer, so we hand him the intro copy and say, “you’re on”! The Hidden Herf is illusive for a little while, but eventually it’s picked out. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Controversy Corner – Saying the quiet part out loud.

It’s a perfect day on the sidewalk in Manchester, NH which makes for prime people watching. We are in for the Madre Tierra, live rolling event at Castro’s. We call Jay the Lawyer for the Pittsburg report. The Hidden Herf receives some of the highest scores. Local Spotlight – Castro’s Backroom; Manchester, NH Controversy Corner … Continue reading "Episode 411: People Watching with Madre Tierra Cigars – Local Spotlight: Castro’s Backroom; Manchester, NH"

We are joined, via call-in, by Mel and Kevin of The Elevated Humidor Cigar Co. and Stories Cigars + Lounge. We smoke two Hidden Herfs and recap the New England Cigar Festivl. Local Spotlight – Stories Cigars + Lounge; Lufkin, TX Controversy Corner – The Great Circle.

Jay (the lawyer) is in town for the NE Cigar Expo. We organize a small group recording at the Mustang Ranch to preview Expo weekend. Jay brings us a fantastic, limited-edition cigar for the Hidden Herf. Local Spotlight – Various Lounges; Pittsburg, PA Controversy Corner – Charlie Kirk

It’s been almost 3 years since our epic Rocky Patel interview on episode 265. This is Rocky’s 30th year and he’s back on with the Hacks for the first half at Twins Smoke Shop in Londonderry, NH. The Hidden Herf is a new Rocky Patel that lives up to the hype. Our second half guests … Continue reading "Episode 408: Rocky Patel – Thirty Years – Local Spotlight: Quartermaster’s Cigars; Frederick, MD"

Contrary to what you might hear on this episode this is number 407. Mama McGroin joins us for a little stand-up comedy to try out some new material. The Hidden Herf is well received by the panel. Local Spotlight – McGroin Manor Controversy Corner – How’s the weather where you are?

It’s large crowd so we need to do the half-time panel swap. We preview the New England Cigar Expo. The Hidden Herf is a new release. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Company; Plaistow, NH Controversy Corner – Private Equity.

The team sits down with our new Aladino Cigar Rep, Adrian, where we learn about the brand, the family, and the cigars. Adrian is a former history professor which drives some of the conversation. The Hidden Herf is something special. Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigar & Lounge Controversy Corner – The Bay of Pigs.

It’s another small-group mid-week episode. We gather at Ricky’s firepit with perfect weather for the second week running. The Hidden Herf is another panel stumper but still receives good marks. Pat’s Pick of the Week. Local Spotlight – Ricky’s Firepit Controversy Corner – From sports to politics.

Rhino’s is a new shop in the southern NH area. The Hacks gather on a perfect Wednesday evening for an outdoor episode. We sit down on the newly minted patio at Rhino’s, with one of the owners, to get the scoop on this new lounge. Junk Mail Bag: Best 30 Cigars Podcasts Best 40 Tobacco … Continue reading "Episode 403: On the Patio – Local Spotlight: Rhino’s Cigar Lounge by Owl Shop Tobacconists; Windham, NH"

Direct from the Route One Business Networking Group (BNG) event for our fifth year, we talk with Brittany Lyla, the group media specialist, and a few other BNG members while enjoying cigars under the tent on the back patio at the Rosaria Restaurant. The Hidden Herf is well received by the panel. Local Spotlight – … Continue reading "Episode 402: Back for More 5.0 – A Chat with Brittany Lyla – Local Spotlight: Route One BNG Summer Cigar Event"

Direct from the Mustang Ranch at sunset we have a couple of Hacks the have been on hiatus. The Hidden Herf is panel stumper and receives an interesting result. We also recap Summa-Palooza. Local Spotlight – Sunset at The Mustang Ranch Controversy Corner – Waiting for the Perp-Walk

Warning: This episode is totally uncut and unedited. This is how it sounds after a couple days of drinking, smoking, sun, fishing and fun on the barge. It’s the 8th annual summer trip on the barge and we are at the lake house for the sixth year. The weather is almost perfect, many cigars are … Continue reading "Episode 400: Summa-Palooza 2025 – Local Spotlight: On the lake; New Hampshire"