Cigar Hacks Podcast

The Hacks drop in to Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge for the Rocky Patel Cigars Event. We are joined by Mike the Cop and Walter from Grumpy’s. A new hack is sworn in and with enough clues the Hidden Herf is figured out, Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge; Hudson, NH Controversy Corner – Late … Continue reading "Episode 343: You Can’t be Grumpy Here – Local Spotlight: Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge; Hudson, NH"

We are back at the firepit with a cast of what seems like a dozen. Comedy Chris and a mystery guest drop by and then phones start ringing. The Hidden Herf is almost pegged. Local Spotlight – Cigar Raffles Controversy Corner – Smurfs and next steps.

It’s the Memorial Day episode so we do a little extra for those who made the sacrifice. It’s a full house of Hacks with a couple of participants in the peanut gallery. The Hidden Herf is an interesting selection, but it still stumps the panel. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Co; Plaistow, NH Controversy Corner … Continue reading "Episode 341: You Can’t Say That – Local Spotlight: Plaistow Cigar Co; Plaistow, NH"

After watching the Bruins get eliminated on the big screen by the firepit we load in a few more logs to keep the panel warm. We have a guest who was an impromptu call-in a few weeks back. The hidden herf is a follow up from last week. Local Spotlight – The First Firepit of … Continue reading "Episode 340: Buttered Meat – Local Spotlight: The First Firepit of 2024"

It is playoff season so we are at The Tobacco Shack for the Celtics game. The Hidden Herf is another Florida find from Nurse Rick, it gets a decent rating. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Controversy Corner – Lunar Months.

Bar tenders from three of our favorite cigar bars get together with us this week as we talk cocktail trivia and cigar pairings. This is one of our more creative episodes as we demonstrate how the New Hampshire cigar bars are diverse, yet able to come together for one fun episode with The Hacks. Local … Continue reading "Episode 338: The Cigar Bar Tenders Special – Local Spotlight: Castro’s, Twins, and Grumpy’s"

For two weeks in a row we record on an off day. This week we head to the upstairs at Castro’s in Nashua for a conference room style sit-down. We have a call in from Brady of La Rosa Negra Cigars. The podcast juice is flowing and the Hidden Herf knocks it out of the … Continue reading "Episode 337: Saturday Night in Nashua – Local Spotlight: Castro’s Back Room; Nashua, NH"

We find ourselves at Grumpy’s this week to find out what’s new and why things are more grumpy than before. It’s more than just the cigars. The Hidden Herf is a good one, but someone was paying attention and figures it out at the 11th hour. Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge; Hudson, NH … Continue reading "Episode 336: Have a Grumpier Day – Local Spotlight: Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge; Hudson, NH"

It’s the annual Masters Weekend at Plaistow Cigar, but this year it’s with the new brand: 3Leaf Cigars. The Charcuterie pairing is a hit and enhances the Hidden Herf rating. We learn about the 3Leaf Cigars brand, the cigars, and Erik’s journey, over the past year or so, starting a new cigar company. The new … Continue reading "Episode 335: 3Leaf Masters w/Erik Wentworth – Local Spotlight: Plaistow Cigar Co; Plaistow, NH"

This episode starts out like any other, but just as we we get the Hidden Herf going we are thrown a curve-ball and have to switch cigars. Two Hidden Herfs perhaps? We drag a few people in from the lounge as we work our way through the regular segments. If you follow boxing, be sure … Continue reading "Episode 334: “In the Pink” Surprise – Local Spotlight: Castro’s Back Room; Manchester, NH"

Mike the Cop, our local Rocky Patel rep, is just back from The PCA 2024 Trade Show in Las Vegas. We are at the Tobacco Shack’s “Party for the Hell of it 3.0” and it’s a full house. The Hidden Herf is a “yet to be available” PCA release. Ricky calls in from Florida for … Continue reading "Episode 333: Direct from the PCA 2024 Trade Show – Local Spotlight: The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA"

The Reverend Harvey is back, but with a few restrictions. The Third Unit Production Manager organized this week’s location at The Ash Lounge and proceeds to nails the Hidden Herf within the first few minutes. Who knew we had a couple of cross-fit trainers in the group. Nurse Rick calls in with the Florida report. … Continue reading "Episode 332: The Reverend Returns – Local Spotlight: Ash Cigar Lounge; Kingston, NH"

It’s back to Twins for the St. Paddy weekend episode. Our special guest is actually a Hack but, he has his Twins Manager hat on so he gets special billing. We have a quick call from Ricky in Florida to start things off. The Hidden Herf stumps the panel and receives a decent overall rating. … Continue reading "Episode 331: It feels like we were just here. – Local Spotlight: Twins Smoke Shop; Londonderry, NH"

We are back at the private smoking lounge this week with a full crew for a high energy episode. Ricky is back in Florida, he calls in from King Corona and puts a couple guys on the line with us. Something goes wrong with the Hidden Herf. We add a new segment to discuss generational … Continue reading "Episode 330: Return to the Undisclosed Location – Local Spotlight: King Corona Cigars and Cafe; Tampa, FL"

It’s a short crew recording early in the week as kind of an impromptu pop-up podcast. The Hidden Herf is a bit obvious after too many specific clues out of the gate. We dive into to a couple of New England Cigar Expo interviews. Pat the Law student drops in for a few F-Bombs. Pat … Continue reading "Episode 329: Fluoride Lube – Local Spotlight: Twins Smoke Shop; Londonderry, NH"

We find ourselves at Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge for the third time in five weeks! The principals from Big Sky Cigars are in the area, how could we not go there again. We sit down with Jess Coleman (CEO) and Brandon March (VP) to learn about Big Sky Cigars. It turns out to be more … Continue reading "Episode 328: Big Sky Cigars and Comedy – Local Spotlight: Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge; Hudson NH"

It seems like a small group episode but we eventually manage to have eight people on after we sit down with the shop owner and customer representatives. The Second Unit Production Manager arranged the Cigar & Lounge location and the Hidden Herf that stumps the panel. Pat is back from his Tampa trip and Ricky … Continue reading "Episode 327: Pat and Ricky’s Big Adventure – Local Spotlight: Cigar and Lounge; Watertown, MA"

Direct from Castro’s in Bedford, NH it’s the 2023 Hackie Awards Show and the Hackapalooza 6.0 recap. With ten on the panel this is one for the books. The Hidden Herf is a special awards show selection. Local Spotlight – Castro’s Backroom; Bedford, NH Controversy Corner – How are the award categories and nominees selected?

We are two days in to Hackapalooza 6.0 and find ourselves at Grumpy’s to record for the second week in a row. We are joined by the team from Madre Tierra Cigars who made the trip from Florida for the full Hackapalooza 6.0 experience. We are also joined by the Pocono and Nashville Hacks live … Continue reading "Episode 325: Hackapalooza 6.0 w/Madre Tierra Cigars – Local Spotlight: Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge; Hudson NH"

Nick Goss is one of our local brokers that we have been trying to connect with since the beginning, it finally happens this week. The event included offerings from BuyItSigned.com in addition to the Goss Man’s selections. The Hidden Herf is an obscure selection but one of the panel happens to recognize it. The White … Continue reading "Episode 324: The Goss Man W/Nick Goss – Local Spotlight: Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge; Hudson NH"

It’s back to Twins 7-20-4 Lounge for kind of a pre-palooza visit. We take two call-ins this week, Ricky is at Grand Cathedral Cigars in Tampa, plus the GC and Sparky are at a surprise party. We have a few drop-in guests including one of the original Hacks. The Hidden Herf requires a giant clue … Continue reading "Episode 323: Roses on a Piano – Local Spotlight: Twins Smoke Shop; Londonderry, NH"

Direct from Plaistow Cigar it’s kind of a laid back episode. Nurse Rick calls in from Mi Casa Cigar Shop & Lounge in Valrico, Florida. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Co; Plaistow, NH Controversy Corner – Fake news document drops.

It’s New Year’s Eve at the (undisclosed location) Lancero Lounge, with the Hacks extended cigar family. The wives join the panel for another special episode where we get the scoop on how we met our wives. Plenty of laughs as the truth comes out. The Hidden Herf is a special selection for 2024. For the … Continue reading "Episode 321: The Wives’ Special 2.0 – How We Met – Local Spotlight: The Lancero Lounge"

For the 2024 New Year episode we head over to Eli’s Smoking Lounge with some of the new Hacks. The Hidden Herf is a different size of a cigar we have smoked recently and the consensus is that it is very different. Local Spotlight – Eli’s Smoking Lounge; Nashua, NH Controversy Corner – Predictions for … Continue reading "Episode 320: Size Matters in the New Year – Eli’s Smoking Lounge; Nashua, NH"

We return to the Two Guys Christmas Party at the Seabrook location for another year. This time we are joined by Jarrid Trudeau EVP of Kristoff Cigars. Jarrid is an old friend of the OG Hacks, so it’s catching up on some history and getting the newer Hacks up to speed on the Kristoff story. … Continue reading "Episode 319: A Kristoff Christmas W/Jarrid Trudeau – Two Guys Smoke Shop; Seabrook, NH"

There was a launch party for a new line of cigars at The Ash in Kingston, NH on the same night as the local football team playing Thursday Night Football at The Tobacco Shack in Rowley, MA. We had already arranged a giant turkey frying event at the Shack for Thursday Night Football so we … Continue reading "Episode 318: Where’s Everyone Going? – Deep Fried Turkey"

The Undisclosed location is a private smoking lounge where one of the Hacks happens to know a guy. The hidden Herf is pegged straight out of the gate by the pro. The Mail bag is full and the podcast juice is flowing, it’s one of those! Local Spotlight – Toast Across America Charity Event Controversy … Continue reading "Episode 317: The Undisclosed Location – Toast Across America Charity Event"

For the second week in a row, a large contingent of Hacks invade a cigar lounge. With almost as many Hacks joining as last week, it’s becoming a regular thing. The Hidden Herf is a controversy in itself. We try a new segment and initiate a new Hack. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, … Continue reading "Episode 316: Full House – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA"

A large contingent of Hacks invade the Ash Cigar Lounge to do an episode with Darren Hill, our local New England Sales Manager for My Father Cigars. At one point we count 20 participants, so pull out your score card for this one. The Hidden Herf receives a very good rating overall. The Reverend Harvey … Continue reading "Episode 315: My Father w/Darren Hill – Ash Cigar Lounge; Kingston, NH"

Let’s get grumpy! This week we visit the new Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge, formerly El Toro, and sit down with two of the new owners to discuss what’s involved in running a cigar bar. A pair of new Hacks are minted and the Hidden Herf stumps the panel again. Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigars & … Continue reading "Episode 314: Have a Grumpy Day – Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge; Hudson NH"

We drop in to the Diplomat Cigar Lounge in Keene, NH to surprise Josh, the owner, and Mike, the Rocky Patel Rep, for the first Rocky Patel event at this shop. A small contingent of Hacks make the trek on a Thursday, so we pull in a couple of regulars the round out the panel. … Continue reading "Episode 313: The Diplomat Drop-In W/Rocky Patel Cigars – The Diplomat Cigar Lounge; Keene, NH"

A couple of new Hack recruits join the crew at Ricky’s firepit. It’s a chilly night, so we load up the wood, have a good cigar, and sample some fine spirits to keep us warm. We recap the Pocono Palooza trip. The Hidden Herf is a new release from a well known brand, but it … Continue reading "Episode 312: The Last Firepit of ’23 – Local Spotlight: Pocono Palooza Lounge Tour"

We head down to the Poconos for the 5th year, including Pocono Wedding Palooza. The Rabbi Cut Above joins us at Best Cigar Pub for this episode along with The JoJo Mo clan and a new recruit, Mike the Runaway. We interview the front of the house manager at Best Cigar Pub to get some … Continue reading "Episode 311: Pocono Palooza 4.0 – Local Spotlight: Best Cigar Pub; Drums, PA"

Kurt Kendall of Twins Smoke Shop and 7-20-4 Cigars has his 60th birthday bash with Rocky Patel. A few lucky raffle winners are invited the the lake house for the weekend with Kurt and Rocky for cigars, food and spirits. Our own Hunter Rick and Nurse Rick are among the weekend winners. We get a … Continue reading "Episode 310: Weekend at the Lake House – Local Spotlight: Kurt’s 60th Birthday Bash w/Rock Patel"

We recount four interviews from the New England Cigar Expo; Serino, Forged, JC Newman, and West Tampa Cigars. We have a special guest and the Hidden Herf ties in nicely.

Joe Gonzalez, our new Aston, La Aroma de Cuba, and San Cristobal rep, joins us at Plaistow Cigar this week. The Mail Bag is full of great messages. The hidden herf does not disappoint. We recap the New England Cigar Expo and have a few laughs along the way. Local Spotlight – New England Cigar … Continue reading "Episode 308: Ashton Cigars w/Joe Gonzalez – Local Spotlight: New England Cigar Expo 2023"

Dommie the Dominator and the Blue Ash tied the knot this past weekend. The rest of the family go on a mountain top vacation for the balance of the week. We initiate a new cigar smoker and make some new friends. Between the wedding, vacation, and the New England Cigar Expo far too many cigars … Continue reading "Episode 307: Cigar Hacks’ Wedding Vacation 2023 – Local Spotlight: Wedding Cigar Bar"

Joey, AKA The Godfather, AKA, Joey The Gent, has been on the show before but we have not told the story of his cigar journey until now. The Hidden Herf was an easy target for identification and receives a worthy rating. It’s a cast of Castro’s regulars with a few Hacks, so expect some fun. … Continue reading "Episode 306: The Godfather – Local Spotlight: Castro’s Back Room; Manchester, NH"

For at least five years we have been after Roy Kirby to do an episode with us. We finally converge at the Perdomo event at Plaistow Cigar for an episode with a few surprises, including the Hidden Herf. Local Spotlight – Perdomo Cigars at Plaistow Cigar Co; Plaistow, NH Controversy Corner – Just sit back … Continue reading "Episode 305: An evening with Roy Kirby of Perdomo cigars – Local Spotlight: Perdomo Cigars at Plaistow Cigar Co; Plaistow, NH"

Direct from the Route One Business Networking Group (BNG) event for our third year, we talk with various BNG members while enjoying cigars on the back patio at the Rosaria Restaurant. It’s the usual laughs with some new and old friends. Local Spotlight – Route One BNG at Rosaria; Saugus, MA

There’s a Blue Moon on Enema Lake for our first episode on the boat this summer where the S.S. Low Voltage lives up to it’s name. The Hidden Herf is one of Nurse Rick’s finds from his Florida trip. No fish were harmed (or caught) during the making of this episode. Local Spotlight – Five … Continue reading "Episode 303: Blue Moon – Local Spotlight: Five Lounge Rhode Island Recap"

We return to Mr. J’s in RI with Miserable Nick to sit down with Paul Joyal of J. Grotto Cigars and Mr. J’s Havana Cigar Lounge. When we arrive we find that Mike Rosales, the “Ro” in RoMa Craft Tobac, is there on an unscheduled visit. As true Hacks we have Mike join us and … Continue reading "Episode 302: J. Grotto, RoMa Craft, and Miserable Nick – Local Spotlight: Mr. J’s Havana Cigar Lounge; Coventry, RI"

We sit down with Netal of El Toro in Hudson NH for a small group session. Nurse Rick is in Haines City Florida and calls in with Anthony of The Cigar Quarters and John Deans of Madre Tierra Cigars. We will see you at The New England Cigar Expo on September 29th & 30th. Local … Continue reading "Episode 301: Live From Florida – Local Spotlight: El Toro Cigar & Lounge; Hudson, NH"

For our 300th episode milestone we descend on the Tobacco Shack unannounced and set up outside in the patio area on a fine summer evening. It’s a small group recording as many Hacks are on vacation or in disrepair. Nurse Rick calls in from Florida to give us the hotel check-in report. The Hidden Herf … Continue reading "Episode 300: The 300 – Local Spotlight: The Tobacco Shack Side Patio; Rowley, MA"

Back with our regular rotation of panelists it’s a full house for the Big Sky Cigars event at Plaistow Cigar. We are joined by their new rep, and long time Hack regular, Brian Sonia. Some of us have had a few of the new line from Big Sky, but the Hidden Herf turns out to … Continue reading "Episode 299: Big Sky Cigars w/Brian Sonia – Local Spotlight: Plaistow Cigar Co; Plaistow, NH"

For the second week in a row we are on the road for a family event. There’s a party for the ladies going on in the house and the men are exiled to the garage for cigars, podcast juice, and to record this week’s episode. The Hidden Herf turns out to be decent after we … Continue reading "Episode 298: Ladyfest – Local Spotlight: The Domicile 2.0"

It’s our second summer vacation special from the north country of New Hampshire. See episode 91 for the first in this series. More family members join in this year as we smoke an unusual Hidden Herf. Local Spotlight – On the lake; New Hampshire Controversy Corner – Skinwalker Ranch

We head over to El Toro in Hudson, NH this week for a chat with Netal to discuss the various unique cigars he carries. Podcast Juice is what’s on tap and the Hidden Herf is another good one. Local Spotlight – El Toro Cigar & Lounge; Hudson, NH Controversy Corner – Missing Aviators

The crew heads over to McGroin Manor this week where Mama and Papa McGroin join us for this episode. Mama is an aspiring stand-up comedian and keeps us in stitches for most of the episode. The Hidden Herf is a cousin to a recent one, and it gets a wide range of ratings. Local Spotlight … Continue reading "Episode 295: Stand-Up with Mama McGroin – Local Spotlight: McGroin Manor and Fox Cigar; Scottsdale, AZ"

Mike the Cop from Rocky Patel Cigars is back and redeems himself after Episode 292 from two weeks ago. We present a special award. The Hidden Herf is a complete surprise and gets a top rating. This one is a lot of fun as the podcast juice is flowing. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Co; … Continue reading "Episode 294: Redemption with Mike The Cop – Local Spotlight: Plaistow Cigar Co; Plaistow, NH and The Adventures of Pat & Chuck"