Cigar Coop Prime Time Show

In this interview conducted at the Biltmore Miami we talk to Charles Gibb, CEO of Tabacalera USA. Charles assumed the CEO job back in April, 2026 and he has just completed 100 days on the job. In this interview we catch up with what Charles has learned in his new role, some of the key projects and collaborations Tabacalera USA has participated in. Finally, we talk aboutCharles getting ready for his first trip to Nicaragua.

In this interview conducted at the Biltmore Miami we talk to Charles Gibb, CEO of Tabacalera USA. Charles assumed the CEO job back in April, 2026 and he has just completed 100 days on the job. In this interview we catch up with what Charles has learned in his new role, some of the key projects and collaborations Tabacalera USA has participated in. Finally, we talk about Charles getting ready for his first trip to Nicaragua.

In this interview, we catch up Gabe Diaz of Altadis USA. Gabe is the brand manager for Montecristo, H. Upmann, and Aging Room. He is responsible for the go-to-market for these iconic brands. We caught up with Gabe following the launch of the new Montecristo Espada Conquistador. In this conversation we learn more about Gabe, his background, and role at Altadis USA. In addition to Conquistador we talk H. Upmann Sunrise and Aging Room Blue Amber.

In this interview, we catch up Gabe Diaz of Altadis USA. Gabe is the brand manager for Montecristo, H. Upmann, and Aging Room. He is responsible for the go-to-market for these iconic brands. We caught up with Gabe following the launch of the new Montecristo Espada Conquistador. In this conversation we learn more about Gabe, his background, and role at Altadis USA. In addition to Conquistador we talk H. Upmann Sunrise and Aging Room Blue Amber.

We are proud to welcome Drew Newman of J.C. Newman Cigar Company for a special afternoon livestream. As many know, J.C. Newman is a company that proudly ties itself to its history and the history of the United States. This year, the United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary as a nation. There are many America 250 celebrations, and J.C. Newman is right at the center of it. We will discuss this with Drew and also talk about Drew’s unique vision for his family business in the future.

We are proud to welcome Drew Newman of J.C. Newman Cigar Company for a special afternoon livestream. As many know, J.C. Newman is a company that proudly ties itself to its history and the history of the United States. This year, the United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary as a nation. There are many America 250 celebrations, and J.C. Newman is right at the center of it. We will discuss this with Drew and also talk about Drew’s unique vision for his family business in the future.

On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 191 we discuss our Go To Tracks. We've done Essentials, Deep Cuts, and Songs That Grow on Us. This one is simple - what are some the tracks that we reach for and never get tired of? On this show, Dave and Coop smoke the CAO America 250 cigar. As always you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 191 Playlist

On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 191 we discuss our Go To Tracks. We've done Essentials, Deep Cuts, and Songs That Grow on Us. This one is simple - what are some the tracks that we reach for and never get tired of? On this show, Dave and Coop smoke the CAO America 250 cigar. As always you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 191 Playlist

We are proud to welcome Drew Newman of J.C. Newman Cigar Company for a special afternoon livestream. As many know, J.C. Newman is a company that proudly ties itself to its history and the history of the United States. This year, the United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary as a nation. There are many America 250 celebrations, and J.C. Newman is right at the center of it. We will discuss this with Drew and also talk about Drew's unique vision for his family business in the future.

We are proud to welcome Drew Newman of J.C. Newman Cigar Company for a special afternoon livestream. As many know, J.C. Newman is a company that proudly ties itself to its history and the history of the United States. This year, the United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary as a nation. There are many America 250 celebrations, and J.C. Newman is right at the center of it. We will discuss this with Drew and also talk about Drew's unique vision for his family business in the future.

When Rafael Nodal and AJ Fernandez team up, the cigar world listens. Following the massive success of the original #1 Cigar of the Year (2019) and the heavily praised Sonata, the duo has returned with the third movement in their musical lineup: the Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Concerto. Inspired by the intricate balance of classical compositions, Nodal designed the Concerto to mimic a solo instrument playing alongside a grand orchestra. The “soloist” here is a stunning, exclusive hybrid Criollo ’98 wrapper grown on Fernandez’s Finca La Lilia farm. Underneath, AJ Fernandez orchestrated a blend of deeply aged Nicaraguan tobaccos—some resting for nearly 12 years—to create a complex flavor. Wrapper: Nicaraguan Criollo Hybrid (Finca La Lilia) Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: AJ Fernandez (Factory not specified) Vitola: Toro  Size: 6 x 52 Final Score:  89

When Rafael Nodal and AJ Fernandez team up, the cigar world listens. Following the massive success of the original #1 Cigar of the Year (2019) and the heavily praised Sonata, the duo has returned with the third movement in their musical lineup: the Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Concerto. Inspired by the intricate balance of classical compositions, Nodal designed the Concerto to mimic a solo instrument playing alongside a grand orchestra. The “soloist” here is a stunning, exclusive hybrid Criollo ’98 wrapper grown on Fernandez’s Finca La Lilia farm. Underneath, AJ Fernandez orchestrated a blend of deeply aged Nicaraguan tobaccos—some resting for nearly 12 years—to create a complex flavor. Wrapper: Nicaraguan Criollo Hybrid (Finca La Lilia) Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: AJ Fernandez (Factory not specified) Vitola: Toro Size: 6 x 52 Final Score:  89

On Prime Time Episode 381, the one and only Rafael Nodal of Aging Room Cigars and Tabacalera USA returns to the Prime Time Show. Whether or not its Great Things are Happening Here or The Best is Yet to Come, Rafael always will have some of the amazing products he is spearheading. We will talk about this and a whole lot more. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments. The Live True segment will be custom made for Rafael to talk about World Cup Cuisine!

On Prime Time Episode 381, the one and only Rafael Nodal of Aging Room Cigars and Tabacalera USA returns to the Prime Time Show. Whether or not its Great Things are Happening Here or The Best is Yet to Come, Rafael always will have some of the amazing products he is spearheading. We will talk about this and a whole lot more. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments. The Live True segment will be custom made for Rafael to talk about World Cup Cuisine!

Powstanie added their 4th new line to its cigar portfolio, called the San Andrés.  This new cigar features a San Andrés wrapper from Mexico, giving them another maduro option alongside their Connecticut Broadleaf, Habano, and Connecticut lines.  One of the main reasons for the San Andrés was the scarcity of Connecticut Broadleaf maduro, and they wanted to give their cigar smokers another, more available maduro option.   The Corona Gorda size was added later in 2026.  Coop reviewed the robusto size here. Powstanie San Andrés Wrapper: San Andrés, Mexico Binder: Ecuadorian Habano Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Nica Sueño S.A. Vitola:  Corona Gorda Size:  5 1/2 x 46 MSRP:  $13.50 Final Score:  91

Powstanie added their 4th new line to its cigar portfolio, called the San Andrés.  This new cigar features a San Andrés wrapper from Mexico, giving them another maduro option alongside their Connecticut Broadleaf, Habano, and Connecticut lines.  One of the main reasons for the San Andrés was the scarcity of Connecticut Broadleaf maduro, and they wanted to give their cigar smokers another, more available maduro option. The Corona Gorda size was added later in 2026.  Coop reviewed the robusto size here. Powstanie San Andrés Wrapper: San Andrés, Mexico Binder: Ecuadorian Habano Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Nica Sueño S.A. Vitola:  Corona Gorda Size:  5 1/2 x 46 MSRP:  $13.50 Final Score:  91

On Prime Time Episode 380, it’s Media Panel #24. Tonight, Eric Guttormson of Cigar Dojo and Kevin Shahan of Cigar Prop are back with us for another media panel. Tonight we will dive into various cigar companies looking at their strengths and areas they can improve in. This will be a most interesting discussion for sure. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

On Prime Time Episode 380, it’s Media Panel #24. Tonight, Eric Guttormson of Cigar Dojo and Kevin Shahan of Cigar Prop are back with us for another media panel. Tonight we will dive into various cigar companies looking at their strengths and areas they can improve in. This will be a most interesting discussion for sure. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

Alex Tavella of KMA Talk Radio joins us on Prime Time Jukebox Episode 190 as a Special Guest DJ as we discuss Songs That Grow On Us. Sometimes when we first hit a song, it just does connect with us. But sometimes over a period of time the song grows on us, and to our surprise it finds its way to our playlists. Tonight Dave, Coop, and Alex discuss songs that did that for them. As always you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 190 Playlist

Alex Tavella of KMA Talk Radio joins us on Prime Time Jukebox Episode 190 as a Special Guest DJ as we discuss Songs That Grow On Us. Sometimes when we first hit a song, it just does connect with us. But sometimes over a period of time the song grows on us, and to our surprise it finds its way to our playlists. Tonight Dave, Coop, and Alex discuss songs that did that for them. As always you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 190 Playlist

On Prime Time Episode 379, we are proud to welcome Don Emmanuel of Don Emmanuel Cigars to the show. Don Emmanuel was born in São Paulo, Brazil. His passion was ignited early, inspired by his grandmother’s work with Suerdieck, once the largest cigar brand in Brazil. Over the course of two decades, his fascination evolved into mastery: he became the highest-scoring Master Cigar Sommelier in the world, as recognized by the International Association of Cigar Sommeliers (IACS), and has since led master classes and pairing events around the globe, including at InterTabac, the world’s largest tobacco fair. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

On Prime Time Episode 379, we are proud to welcome Don Emmanuel of Don Emmanuel Cigars to the show. Don Emmanuel was born in São Paulo, Brazil. His passion was ignited early, inspired by his grandmother’s work with Suerdieck, once the largest cigar brand in Brazil. Over the course of two decades, his fascination evolved into mastery: he became the highest-scoring Master Cigar Sommelier in the world, as recognized by the International Association of Cigar Sommeliers (IACS), and has since led master classes and pairing events around the globe, including at InterTabac, the world’s largest tobacco fair. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

Prime Time Jukebox Episode 189 highlights Music for the Fourth of July. For this year, it is special as it is the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Dave and Coop present songs where each has a them tied in with America or the United States from a historical or cultural standpoint. Dave smokes the Drew Estate Kentucky Fire Cured Chunky while Coop smokes the United Firecracker Maduro. As always you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 189 Playlist

Prime Time Jukebox Episode 189 highlights Music for the Fourth of July. For this year, it is special as it is the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Dave and Coop present songs where each has a them tied in with America or the United States from a historical or cultural standpoint. Dave smokes the Drew Estate Kentucky Fire Cured Chunky while Coop smokes the United Firecracker Maduro. As always you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 189 Playlist  

On Prime Time Special Edition 192, we are honored to welcome the one and only Rocky Patel – making his first appearance on a Cigar Coop show. This promises to be an entertaining show. Rocky has over three decades in this business and to compress it one show will be difficult, but there is plenty to talk about with Rocky past and present. Plus we will have our Artesano de Tobacco Under the Sea, Lure/Valcari Tall Tales Segment, Espinosa This Day in Sports History, and Altadis USA Great Things are Happening segments

On Prime Time Special Edition 192, we are honored to welcome the one and only Rocky Patel – making his first appearance on a Cigar Coop show. This promises to be an entertaining show. Rocky has over three decades in this business and to compress it one show will be difficult, but there is plenty to talk about with Rocky past and present. Plus we will have our Artesano de Tobacco Under the Sea, Lure/Valcari Tall Tales Segment, Espinosa This Day in Sports History, and Altadis USA Great Things are Happening segments

Tonight we present the first Prime Time Jukebox Live – livestream #1. We have done 188 episodes of Prime Time Jukebox, and we have built a platform to talk music and cigars. One thing we have never done is do a live show. Tonight, Dave and Coop will go live for the first time. This is the recording of that first live episode. The Mount Rushmore Concept is something Cigar Coop was one of the first to do in Cigar Media. It has and continues to be a staple on Prime Time Special Edition. Tonight, Dave and Coop pick six categories and put who belongs on Mount Rushmore in each category. There are only four spots per category.

Tonight we present the first Prime Time Jukebox Live – livestream #1. We have done 188 episodes of Prime Time Jukebox, and we have built a platform to talk music and cigars. One thing we have never done is do a live show. Tonight, Dave and Coop will go live for the first time. This is the recording of that first live episode. The Mount Rushmore Concept is something Cigar Coop was one of the first to do in Cigar Media. It has and continues to be a staple on Prime Time Special Edition. Tonight, Dave and Coop pick six categories and put who belongs on Mount Rushmore in each category. There are only four spots per category.

On Prime Time Episode 378, we are proud to welcome Craig Cunningham and Christopher Mey from Esteban Carreras as our special guest. It’s the first time we’ve had Esteban Carreras on our show, and this has been a long-time coming. Founded by Craig Cunningham, Esteban Carreras is a vertically integrated operation making some really good cigars. Recently Christopher has joined Craig from Rocky Patel to head up his international business. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

On Prime Time Episode 378, we are proud to welcome Craig Cunningham and Christopher Mey from Esteban Carreras as our special guest. It’s the first time we’ve had Esteban Carreras on our show, and this has been a long-time coming. Founded by Craig Cunningham, Esteban Carreras is a vertically integrated operation making some really good cigars. Recently Christopher has joined Craig from Rocky Patel to head up his international business. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

On Prime Time Special Edition 191, we welcome Joshua Evarts as our special guest. Josh is the owner of The Vault in Idaho. He is also a former PCA Board of Directors member and now an author. We will dive all into Josh’s story and new book. Plus we will have our Artesano de Tobacco Under the Sea, Espinosa This Day in Sports History, and Altadis USA Great Things are Happening segments. We also debut our Lure/Valcari “Tall Tales” segment.

On Prime Time Special Edition 191, we welcome Joshua Evarts as our special guest. Josh is the owner of The Vault in Idaho. He is also a former PCA Board of Directors member and now an author. We will dive all into Josh’s story and new book. Plus we will have our Artesano de Tobacco Under the Sea, Espinosa This Day in Sports History, and Altadis USA Great Things are Happening segments. We also debut our Lure/Valcari “Tall Tales” segment.

On the Smoking Syndicate Roundtable 24, the Cigar Coop Coalition tackles the M by Macanudo Myers’s Rum. This is the seventh installment of the M by Macanudo series. M by Macanudo is a series of flavored cigars produced by General Cigar. One of the offerings, the M by Macanudo Myers’s Rum, is infused with the flavors of Myers’s Rum. Both Macanudo and Myers’s Rum share a Jamaican heritage; the original Macanudo cigars were made in Jamaica, while Myers’s Rum is a well-known Jamaican brand.

On the Smoking Syndicate Roundtable 24, the Cigar Coop Coalition tackles the M by Macanudo Myers’s Rum. This is the seventh installment of the M by Macanudo series. M by Macanudo is a series of flavored cigars produced by General Cigar. One of the offerings, the M by Macanudo Myers’s Rum, is infused with the flavors of Myers’s Rum. Both Macanudo and Myers’s Rum share a Jamaican heritage; the original Macanudo cigars were made in Jamaica, while Myers’s Rum is a well-known Jamaican brand.

On Prime Time Episode 377, we welcome back John Hakim of Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) as our special guest. John is a brand manager of several brands in the STG portfolio such as Partagas and La Gloria Cubana. We will catch up with John on all of the happenings in his brands and more. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

On Prime Time Episode 377, we welcome back John Hakim of Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) as our special guest. John is a brand manager of several brands in the STG portfolio such as Partagas and La Gloria Cubana. We will catch up with John on all of the happenings in his brands and more. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 188, we present our "Deep Cuts Playlist". In 2025, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust (DTT): released a couple of samplers: Essentials and Deep Cuts.  The "Essentials" represent the popular, must-smoke cigars in the DTT portfolio. Meanwhile Deep Cuts represent DTT Master Ligador Steve Saka's absolute favorite cigars (which might be deeper, less popular ones) in the portfolio that he smokes. Analogously Coop and Dave will build their own playlists inspired by this concept. Tonight's episode was inspired by the Deep Cuts sampler. Coop and Dave each select 8 artists and then pick some of their favorite deep cut songs from each artist.  The Essentials Playlist was done on Prime Time Jukebox Episode 187. In addition, there will be Music News, Cigar News, Developing Palates' Review of the Week, and Dave's New Music 45. On this show the boys light up cigars from the Deep Cuts Sampler: Dave lights up Sobremesa Solita Red while Coop smokes a pre-release of the Mi Querida Black PapaSaka. Episode 188 Playlist

On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 188, we present our "Deep Cuts Playlist". In 2025, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust (DTT): released a couple of samplers: Essentials and Deep Cuts.  The "Essentials" represent the popular, must-smoke cigars in the DTT portfolio. Meanwhile Deep Cuts represent DTT Master Ligador Steve Saka's absolute favorite cigars (which might be deeper, less popular ones) in the portfolio that he smokes. Analogously Coop and Dave will build their own playlists inspired by this concept. Tonight's episode was inspired by the Deep Cuts sampler. Coop and Dave each select 8 artists and then pick some of their favorite deep cut songs from each artist.  The Essentials Playlist was done on Prime Time Jukebox Episode 187. In addition, there will be Music News, Cigar News, Developing Palates' Review of the Week, and Dave's New Music 45. On this show the boys light up cigars from the Deep Cuts Sampler: Dave lights up Sobremesa Solita Red while Coop smokes a pre-release of the Mi Querida Black PapaSaka. Episode 188 Playlist

PCA 2026: 14 Minutes with Pete Johnson, Tatuaje Cigars. This is our 9th and final longer form interview from the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show.

PCA 2026: 14 Minutes with Pete Johnson, Tatuaje Cigars. This is our 9th and final longer form interview from the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show.

This is our 8th longer form interview from the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. This one is our annual interview PCA Interview with Steve Saka from Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust.

This is our 8th longer form interview from the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. This one is our annual interview PCA Interview with Steve Saka from Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust.

Our seventh longer format interview from PCA 2026 is a Let's Get Pairing Episode recorded with Norm Hooten and Jonathan Carney of Hooten Young. In this segment, Tripp and Denis get into Norm's background in forming Hooten Young, the upcoming America 250 Reserve release, and an interactive pairing session.

Our seventh longer format interview from PCA 2026 is a Let's Get Pairing Episode recorded with Norm Hooten and Jonathan Carney of Hooten Young. In this segment, Tripp and Denis get into Norm's background in forming Hooten Young, the upcoming America 250 Reserve release, and an interactive pairing session.

On Prime Time Episode 376, we welcome back Juan Lopez, Vice President of Sales for Gurkha Cigars. This is a very special year for Juan as he celebrates 30 years in the cigar business. We will look back at Juan’s career, his commemorative cigar, and bring back memories of the last 30 years as we pay tribute to Juany. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

On Prime Time Episode 376, we welcome back Juan Lopez, Vice President of Sales for Gurkha Cigars. This is a very special year for Juan as he celebrates 30 years in the cigar business. We will look back at Juan’s career, his commemorative cigar, and bring back memories of the last 30 years as we pay tribute to Juany. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

In our sixth longer form interview from PCA 2026, we talk with Drew Newman from J.C. Newman Cigar Company. Drew takes us through J.C. Newman's lineup from the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show plus what his company will be doing to celebrate America 250.

In our sixth longer form interview from PCA 2026, we talk with Drew Newman from J.C. Newman Cigar Company. Drew takes us through J.C. Newman's lineup from the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show plus what his company will be doing to celebrate America 250.

On Prime Time Episode 375, we welcome Tom Zbyrad, the Brand Manager for Zino from Davidoff of Geneva. Zino has emerged as one of the hottest brands in the Davidoff portfolio. There also is a new release with the Zino Honduras. Tom will get into all of the happenings and we will learn a little more about him. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

On Prime Time Episode 375, we welcome Tom Zbyrad, the Brand Manager for Zino from Davidoff of Geneva. Zino has emerged as one of the hottest brands in the Davidoff portfolio. There also is a new release with the Zino Honduras. Tom will get into all of the happenings and we will learn a little more about him. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.