Sick Week, Strong Pour

On this episode of Eat Drink Smoke, Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy power through sickness, sarcasm, and a chest-cold-induced remote setup to deliver a packed show covering cigars, bourbon, holiday drinks, money, travel, and the absurdities of modern life. Tony fires up an El Rey del Mundo’s “The Appointment” cigar, a 5x60 Gordo featuring a Cameroon wrapper by the Eiroa family, Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and a complex Honduran, Ecuadorian, and Nicaraguan blend. The guys break down flavor notes, including caramel, cedar, spice, and rich tobacco, debate ring gauge preferences, and ask the big question: Is this one of the best cigars under $10? (Spoiler: at $8.50, it might be.) Because Fingers is under the weather, the drinks diverge this week. Tony revisits the Blue Run High Rye Bourbon (111 proof), calling it a must-have bottle with notes of caramel, butterscotch, spice, and rye heat. Fingers opts for holiday comfort, sipping Evan Williams Peppermint White Chocolate Eggnog, a surprisingly delicious seasonal pour made with bourbon, rum, and brandy — and available for under $10. The conversation widens into the news of the week, including: Amazon Prime Video launching a news hub, and what it means for media companies Spirit Airlines selling O’Hare gate space, and why budget airlines feel riskier than ever The true cost of modern travel, nonstop flights, and airline reliability Why Americans are struggling to retire — and what the numbers really say How AI is reshaping jobs, careers, and spending habits The rise of 7- and 8-year car loans, $1,000/month car payments, and why used trucks suddenly make more sense The psychological traps of consumerism, Starbucks math, and “keeping up with the Joneses” Along the way, the guys debate foot rubs, socks, Amazon impulse buys, holiday gift nonsense, and why financial literacy still isn’t taught when it matters most. It’s classic Eat Drink Smoke: cigars, bourbon, food, money, culture, and humor — delivered even when Fingers probably should’ve stayed in bed. Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media! X (Formerly Twitter): @GoEatDrinkSmokeFacebook: @eatdrinksmokeIG: @EatDrinkSmokePodcast The Podcast is Free! Click Below! Apple PodcastsAmazon MusicStitcher SpotifySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.