Chew the Cashew and Old Soul

Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy light up a cigar that’s been getting a lot of buzz: the Oz Family Cigars Karatoba Robusto (5x52 box press)—Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Nicaraguan/Dominican filler. Early impressions land in the sweet spot: cedar spice, nutty creaminess, and that “chew the cashew” texture that turns into an instant running joke. At around $12, the big question becomes simple: is this a daily-humidor staple? Then they pour something neither of them expected to like as much as they do: Old Soul High Rye Bourbon (90 proof) from Cathead Distillery (with MGP in the mix). The nose screams vanilla cake, but the palate surprises with rye spice, tongue-tingle heat, and a cinnamon edge—plus a full debate over whether oak is even present. Water changes the profile, the pairing clicks, and both hosts land on the same conclusion: at about $45, it’s a yes. Also in this episode: The winter weather misery report (and Fingers’ snowblower betrayal: reverse-only) Why humidor “rules” are mostly nonsense—and why your perfect humidity is whatever makes your cigars smoke right A restaurant empire with $1.3 billion in debt and a portfolio that reads like a food court fever dream (Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Smokey Bones… and yes, Hot Dog on a Stick is real) A quick hit on Real ID and the new $45 TSA fee for travelers without a compliant ID U-Haul migration rankings: who’s leaving, who’s winning, and why The “classy person” list that somehow turns into Frasier, jealousy therapy, and “don’t be weird” It’s cigars, bourbon, winter frustration, humidor truth, bankrupt restaurant chains, and just enough nonsense to make it feel like home. Find everything at EatDrinkSmokeShow.com — and follow along for more episodes, videos, and subscriber-only extras. Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media! X (Formerly Twitter): @GoEatDrinkSmokeFacebook: @eatdrinksmokeIG: @EatDrinkSmokePodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.