Back Porch Lounge Show EP61 - Mark McClurkan os C.A.T.I Cigars

Back Porch Lounge: Mark from CATI (Katie’s) — PR 49 “Cannon,” Pairings, Process, and the “Demon Donkey” StoryThis week in the Back Porch Lounge, we’re hanging with Mark from CATI (Katie’s) Cigars while we smoke the PR 49 “Cannon” and talk through everything that makes it a standout: smooth start, creamy profile, a stronger finish, and the kind of consistency you want for an easy, any-time lounge stick.We open with a real-life question: If you cut one and can’t smoke it right away, what happens next? The crew debates timelines, storage, and the difference between cut vs lit—because of course we do.Mark breaks down the blend components, explains how ring gauge affects transitions, and shares his hands-on approach to quality control—resting inventory, weekly checks, and keeping growth intentionally controlled so shops don’t get hit with backorders. We also talk pairing favorites (espresso, coffee, añejo tequila), upcoming events, and what’s next for the brand.Then we take a hard left into Mark’s past life working with exotic animals, where you’ll learn why zebras are officially “demon donkeys.”Final scores: 4.75–5.0 across the board.CATI Cigars, PR 49 Cannon, Back Porch Lounge, espresso pairing, boutique brand interview#BackPorchLounge #TheLeafCutters #CATICigars #PR49Cannon #LoungeTalk #Pairings #Espresso #Tequila #CigarPodcast #HumidorFavorites