The Cigar Authority

Generational Cigar Bans - The After Show

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The anti-tobacco people are at it again. We talk about tobacco free generation bans. A number of cities and towns are looking at instituting these ban...

2024 Cigar Draft

27 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, it's the 2024 Cigar Draft! 48 cigars are on the board and we have to pick the best pack with a salary cap of $120.00...

Cigar Words You Can’t Use in Germany - The After Show

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Al Micallef joins us on The After Show. We talk about a German court ruling that a non-Cuban company cannot use the term Habano or Cubano. Al also sha...

The Al Micallef Cigar Story

20 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, we hear the Al Micallef Story. Al Micallef, founder of Micallef Cigars joins us live in studio. Hear about his histo...

The Micalllef Effect on Cigars - The After Show

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dave wrote an editorial and heard from a lot of people. We talk about it on The After Show. Are expensive cigars on the way out? The Cigar Authority i...

Cigar Strength Meter

13 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, the guys have come up with their own Cigar Strength Meter. After weeks of bickering & testing the final results ...

Cigar Topic Ideas for New Episodes - The After Show

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, as we enter the 15th year, we talk about some potential topics for new shows.  Some are good, some need work and others need to be discarded. ...

Cigar Authority 14th Anniversary Show

06 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, its the TCA 14th Anniversary Show! We celebrate 14 years of cigars, laughs, and shenanigans. But the big question is...

What Cigars Did Dave Buy at PCA? - The After Show

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are always new cigars at the trade show. What did Dave buy and were there a lot of expensive cigars at the show? The Cigar Authority is a member...

Dave's 2024 Premium Cigar Association Recap

30 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority it's the 2024 PCA Recap! Hear what Dave has to say about this year's trade show! How did the new date affect attendan...

Cigar Terminology - The After Show

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On The After Show, we discuss some of the terms that are used in the cigar business. You will sometimes hear cigar manufactures using these terms, so ...

Growing Up In The Cigar Business

23 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, we talk about growing up in the cigar business with Erik Wentworth of 3 Leaf Cigars, and Dan Davison of The Ash Hole...

Preparing for Eating and Entertainment at the Trade Show - The After Show

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ed Santamaria and Dave do a lot of preparation for the trade show. It’s not all about cigars. Ed and Dave talk about planning for eating and enterta...

How to Be a Cigar Buyer

16 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority we ask, how to buy cigars before the trade show. Ed Santamaria of Two Guys Smoke Shop joins the show for the very fir...

Pet Peeves with Steve Saka - The After Show

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Saka can be opinionated. On The After Show, Steve shares some of his pet peeves with us. We also share some of ours with him. The Cigar Authorit...

Cigars from the 80's and 90's with Steve Saka

09 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority we talk about cigars that existed in the 80's & 90's with Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust! We will sm...

When Should You Unload Your Cigars? - The After Show

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you are a retailer with cigars that don’t sell, what should you do? What if you’re a consumer with a lot of cigars you’re never going to smok...

2023 Cigar Survey Results

02 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The results are in, its the 2023 TCA Survey Results Show! This was our biggest survey ever so lets breakdown what you had to say about your 2023 year ...

Name Changes in the Cigar Industry - The After Show

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What’s in a name? Sometimes in the cigar industry, things get rebranded. Why does this happen and does it make a difference? The Cigar Authority is ...

Big Sky Cigars and Micro Brews

24 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, Brandon Marsh From Big Sky Cigars joins the show to talk about Big Sky Cigars & Micro Brews! We'll be smoking th...

How Do I Get Thrown Out of a Cigar Shop? - The After Show

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we talk about how customers get thrown out of cigar shops. Dave gives 10 reasons why some customers are asked to leave and not come back. The C...

Blind Cigar Reviews

17 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority we discuss blind cigar reviews! Are they the best way to review cigars? We open the books and show you how our STARS ...

Nelson Alfonso and Selected Tobacco

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Oliver Nivaud joins us on The After Show. He talks about PCA, Nelson Alfonso, Selected Tobacco and so much more. The Cigar Authority is a member of th...

Behind The Leaf: Cigar Stories Gone Sideways with Oliver Nivaud

10 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, its Behind The Leaf: Cigar Stories Gone Sideways with special guest Oliver Nivaud of United Cigars. Cigar companies ...

C- Stores & Premium Cigars - The After Show

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s After Show Topic: Convenience stores are worried about cigar sales - and may go more premium, leaving Cigar Shops to compete with C- stores ...

2024 Cigar Industry Predictions Show

03 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, it's the 2024 Cigar Predictions Show! Join us for a look into your cigar future. Explosive predictions on potential ...

Meet the Cigar Hacks - The After Show

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we welcome a special guest to The After Show. Dave joins us from The Cigar Hacks podcast. It’s a bunch of hacks talking cigars, etc. The Cigar...

Darkside of the Cigar Industry

27 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, it's the Darkside of The Cigar Industry.Join us as we uncover stories, & controversial practices. This show take...

Why People Don’t Go to Certain Cigar Shops - The After Show

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Some cigar shops are more popular that others. Why is that? On today’s show, we look at some of the reasons why. The Cigar Authority is a member of ...

2024 Firecracker Cigars Announcement

20 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, it's the 2024 Firecracker Announcement! One of the most anticipated cigar releases of the year is back. Who will be ...

Why Choose an Unavailable Cigar of the Year? - The After Show

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The cigar of the year lists are coming out. A lot of them seem to be choosing limited edition or hard to get cigars. Why would they do that? The Cigar...

The 2024 State of The Cigar Industry Address

13 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week it’s the 2024 State of the Cigar Industry Address on The Cigar Authority. This is one of our most popular shows every year! What trends di...

I Can’t Believe That Was Trademarked - The After Show

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Trademark disputes have always been a thing in the cigar industry. We talk about some of the disputes of the present and past. The Cigar Authority is ...

The Cigar of the Year 2023

06 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's show we announce the cigar of the year for 2023? Who will win? You'll have to tune in to find out! We will smoke the Montosa Maduro Tor...

Taking a Look Back at 2023 - The After Show

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year! We’re looking back at what happened in 2023 in the cigar industry and on The Cigar Authority. The Cigar Authority is a member of the...

You’ve Been Buying The Wrong Cigars

30 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, the guys discuss how people are buying the wrong cigars. Which cigars are the right ones to buy? Tune in to find out...

Catching Up on Your Cigar Questions - The After Show

27 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As the year draws to a close, we are doing some housekeeping. Today’s show will be dedicated to catching up on questions submitted by out audience. ...

Cigar Authority Christmas 2023

23 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's the Annual Christmas Episode of The Cigar Authority! Join us as we light up a Byron 1850 and get ready for the Christmas holiday starting tomorro...

Cigar Gift Trends Over the Decades - The After Show

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Christmas is coming up. Dan Davison joins us to talk about gift trends in and out of the cigar world. The Cigar Authority is a member of the United Po...

The Cigar Authority 2023 Survey

16 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week its the 2023 Cigar Authority Survey! What did you have to say about what's going on in the cigar world? Tune in for the results! Join Mr. Jo...

What Will Be Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar of the Year? - The After Show

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about cigar of the year lists and the Cigar Aficionado one in particular. We cover the history of the winners and speculate on what might win ...

The Seven Deadly Sins of the Cigar Industry

09 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss what are the seven deadly sins of the cigar industry. What are the seven things that cigar companies should NEVER do? Find out th...

Economic Turmoil in Cuba - The After Show

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s episode of The After Show, we talk about the economic woes in Cuba. How is this affecting the cigar industry and the people of Cuba? The ...

The Most Wanted Cigars List

02 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we ask what are the cigars on the most wanted list? There are plenty of incredible cigars out in the market today, but we'll tell you what c...

Which Cigars are Underrated? - The After Show

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, on The After Show, we go through some cigars that we consider to be underrated. Why do we think they are worthy and what possible reasons are t...

I Smoked 2000 Boxes of Cigars

25 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dave has crunched the numbers and discovered he has smoked 2000 boxes of cigars in his life! How did Dave figure this number out? What have been the c...

The Perdomo Factory Tour - The After Show

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by Nick and Nicholas Perdomo to talk more details about the Perdomo Factory Tour. We dive into some of the details. The Cigar Authority...

Nick Perdomo - The First 30 Years of Cigars

18 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, we celebrate 30 years of Perdomo Cigars with Nick Perdomo live in studio! We discuss the first 30 years of Perdomo &...

I Could Have Been a Cigar Contender - The After Show

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we talk about the cigars that didn’t make it into this year’s TCA Contender Pack. We give some of the reasons why they did not become conte...

Cigar of the Year Contenders

11 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Cigar Authority, it's the Annual Contenders Show! Who are this year's contenders for the cigar of the year? Are there more or less th...

New England Terminology - The After Show

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Micky and Frank from All Saints Cigars join us. We quiz them on New England words and terminology to see what they know. The Cigar Authorit...

Artificial Cigar Shortage with Micky Pegg of All Saints Cigars

04 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we ask is there an artificial cigar shortage? Micky Pegg of All Saints Cigars has the answer! In the first hour, we'll smoke the St. Francis...

Starting a Cigar Shop Follow Up - The After Show

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we have an email from a listener who is serious about starting a cigar shop. He has questions and we have answers. The Cigar Authority is a...

How To Start A Cigar Brand

28 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we talk about how to start your own cigar brand! We'll also smoke a Nub on this week's show. Join Mr. Jonathan, David Garofalo and Ed Sulliv...

How Do We Pick Contenders for Cigar of the Year? - The After Show

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What goes into choosing the cigar of the year? How do the contenders get chosen? We give a behind the scenes look on today’s episode. The Cigar Auth...

What Is TAA Cigar Association?

21 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, we talk about the TAA. Is it a cigar? Is it a secret club? Is it a party? Find out this week! In the first hour we l...

Growing Up Kelner- The After Show

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are thrilled to welcome Hendrik Alexander Kelner to today’s episode. Hendrik is the son of Henke Kelner. He talks to us about life in a tobacco f...

RockTober with Tony V! Cigars & Rock Music

14 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, it's RockTober with Tony V! We'll talk about cigars & rock music. In the first hour we light up a Kristoff. Join...

What Went Wrong at the New England Cigar Expo? - The After Show

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Previously, we talked about how great the New England Cigar Expo was. On today’s show, we talk about all the things that went wrong behind the scene...

Recapping The Cigar Expo

07 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, we recap the New England Cigar Expo. The suprise was revealed to be Bill Burr, hear what he thought of the show! We'...

The After Show Live! New England Cigar Expo Review

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we have a special live edition of the After Show! We're breaking down how the New England Cigar Expo went with Dan Davison. Join Mr. Jonatha...

Live From The Cigar Expo

30 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, we're live from the New England Cigar Expo Day 2! Join us for suprise guests and fun! We will smoke the New England ...

Cigar Journal Awards- The After Show

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cigar Journal gave out their awards at Intertabac. We talk about the awards and who won them. Give a listen to find out who the readers of the magazin...

The Story of Arnold Andre Cigar Company

23 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, we discuss the history of the Arnold Andre Cigar Company, it's not what you think! In the first hour we light up a T...

Cigar Shop Financing from a Banker’s Perspective- The After Show

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we have an email from an actual banker. Dave’s banker explains what Dave got right and wrong about the finances of opening a cigar shop or bu...

Episode 700 of The Cigar Authority!

16 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, we will celebrate Episode 700! In the first hour we light up a Terra Nova Araperique. Join Mr. Jonathan, David Garof...

Cigar Review Update - The After Show

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are talking about the, smoke taste and review system by consumers with no bias. The Cigar Authority is a member of the United Podcast Network and i...

Planning The Expo - The New England Cigar Expo Preview Show

09 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, we preview the New England Cigar Expo with Dan Davison In the first hour we light up a La Galera Habano Chaveta. Joi...

Should I Buy an Existing Cigar Shop? - The After Show

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about when it makes sense to buy an existing cigar shop instead of opening a new one. It’s critical to do very thorough due diligence. We al...

Premium Cigars Vs Value Cigars - What’s the Trade Off?

02 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, we will look at the trade off between premium & value cigars. In the first hour we light up a 22/83 Join Mr. Jon...

Why Are Cigar Manufacturers Opening Accounts in Europe? - The After Show

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are talking about the trend of New World cigar manufacturers opening new accounts in Europe. We go through a list of 7 reasons why manufacturers ma...

The Real Cost to Open a Cigar Shop

26 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, we will look at the real costs to open a cigar shop. In the first hour we light up a La Gianna Havana Robusto Natura...

Strategic Alliances in the Cigar Industry - The After Show

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Eric Newman joins us on The After Show. In recent cigar news, we saw Micallef Cigars and All Saints Cigars reach a strategic agreement. We talk with E...

Cigar Family, with Eric Newman, Patriarch of America’s Oldest Family-Owned Premium Cigar Maker

19 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, we talk with Eric Newman from J.C. Newman Cigar Company. In the first hour we light up a Diamond Crown cigar, and in...

A Conversation with Rocky Patel - The After Show

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Rocky Patel joins us on The After Show. We talk about a variety of topics including new world cigars, Cuban cigar pricing, the Chinese market a...

Rocky Patel, the O.G. of the Cigar Industry

12 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, we are joined by Rocky Patel from Rocky Patel Cigars. He's now over 30 years in the cigar industry and it was once a...

At What Age Should People Enter and Exit the Cigar Industry? - The After Show

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we are joined by a familiar face, Sarah Green. We talk about when people should get into and get out of the cigar industry. Is there an ideal a...

Packaging & Re-Branding Cigars. What’s Old is New Again.

05 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, we will look at packaging and re-branding the old into something brand new, but its really the same thing. In the fi...

The Cigar Reviewers Name Game - The After Show

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Cigar Authority has enlisted the help of our listeners to do blind cigar reviews. Now the question is what we should call the reviewers. Once agai...

Inflation Boosts Private Label Brands including CIGARS!

29 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, Mr. Jonathan, David Garofalo, amd Ed Sullivan talk about Private Label products including cigars brands. We will smo...

Consumer Rating Cigar System - The After Show

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Cigar Authority has enlisted the help of our listeners for cigar reviews. We have a group of listeners that are reviewing cigars. We need to come ...

The Cigar Brand Graveyard

22 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, broadcasting live from the Toscano Sound Stage in Salem, New Hampshire… Welcome to The Cigar Graveyard… a plac...

Positives and Negatives of the PCA Trade Show - The After Show

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dave is back from PCA and he’s talking about what was positive and negative about the show. He talks about parties, seminars and so much more. There...

Let’s Recap PCA 2023 - New Cigars & Cigar Business!

15 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, broadcasting live from the Toscano Sound Stage in Salem, New Hampshire… Dave is back from the Premium Cigar Asso...

Is Less More in Cigars? - The After Show

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Skip Martin posted something interesting on social media. Does capping the production improve the quality of cigars? If you work more slowly, will it ...

What Happens When You Age a Box of Cigars?

08 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, broadcasting live from the Toscano Sound Stage in Salem, New Hampshire… We look to redeem ourselves from from ex...

What’s New at the Cigar Trade Show? - The After Show

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dave is going to the PCA soon. He likes to see all the new products. However, are there really many new products to see? The Cigar Authority is a memb...

What To Expect at the 2023 Cigar Trade Show

01 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, broadcasting live from the Toscano Sound Stage in Salem, New Hampshire… The Premium Cigar Association annual tra...

How to Do a Cigar Review - The After Show

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The first cigars have gone out to The Cigar Authority reviewers. On todays after show, we talk about how to do a cigar review. What is the best way to...

The Swisher Cigar Story

24 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, broadcasting live from the Toscano Sound Stage in Salem, New Hampshire… We dive deep into the Swisher cigar sto...

Premium Cigar Sales Down, Prices Going Up - The After Show

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

PCA is coming up. There are a lot of high-priced cigars being announced. Are these things retailers should be ordering as cigar sales are going down? ...

Boom! New Firecracker Cigar With E.P. Carrillo

17 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority, broadcasting live from the Toscano Sound Stage in Salem, New Hampshire… Welcome to our annual special edition of T...

Is Cigar Smoking a Habit or Hobby? - The After Show

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What are the differences between a habit and a hobby? We talk about whether cigars fall into the habit or hobby category. You might be surprised (or n...

Cigar Futures - Buying Futures in Cigars

10 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority broadcasting live from the Toscano Sound Stage in Salem, New Hampshire… What if Cigar Futures was a thing. We ta...

Cigar Boom Bust 2023 - The After Show

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have been in the midst of a cigar boom. Is 2023 the year of the cigar boom bust? What can we learn from previous cigar busts? We talk about it on t...

What Would They Think of Their Cigar Company Now w/ Guest Amanda Micallef

03 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority broadcasting live from the Toscano Sound Stage in Salem, New Hampshire… What do they think of their companies no...

What Makes a Great Cigar Commercial? - The After Show

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Justo Eiroa from JRE Tobacco joins us for The After Show. Justo needs a new ad for The Cigar Authority. We discuss what goes into making a good commer...

Cigar Tobacco vs Tobacco with Justo Eiroa of Aladino

27 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority broadcasting live from the Toscano Sound Stage in Salem, New Hampshire… Justo Eiroa is the President of JRE To...

So, You Want to Be a Cigar Reviewer? - The After Show

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Did you ever wonder what goes into reviewing a cigar? We talk about the steps involved in crafting a cigar review. The Cigar Authority is a member of ...

Cigar Smoking & Driving With Glen Case of Kristoff Cigars

20 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Cigar Authority broadcasting live from the Toscano Sound Stage in Salem, New Hampshire… Glenn Case is the owner and founder of K...