Cigars Daily

PODCAST · business

Cigars Daily

Explore the world of Luxury Cigars with your host Tim Swanson.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 428: Made in America. Every. Single. Leaf.

    July 4th, 2026 is America's 250th birthday. Two and a half centuries since the Declaration of Independence was signed and the whole experiment got started. The country is throwing a party and the cigar industry showed up with something I honestly did not expect. An actual American puro. Every single leaf grown right here in the United States. No Nicaraguan filler. No Dominican binder. No Ecuadorian wrapper. Just American dirt, American seed, American tobacco, and a barber pole wrapper that looks exactly like what you'd expect a cigar called "America" to look like.Tonight we're breaking down the CAO America 250th Anniversary blend, talking about what U.S. grown tobacco actually brings to the table, and getting into a bigger conversation about the role American tobacco has played in the cigar world for the last 250 years. Most people don't realize that tobacco was one of the driving forces behind the American colonies. It was currency. It was the reason Jamestown survived. It built entire economies before this country even had a flag. And now in 2026, someone built an entire cigar out of it. We're going to talk about whether it actually works.We'll talk about U.S. Broadleaf, Connecticut Shade, Pennsylvania leaf, what makes American tobacco different from what's grown in Nicaragua or Honduras or the Dominican Republic, and whether a true American puro can stand up against the competition. The crew has their takes and we want yours. Have you tried it? Are you skeptical? Do you even care about where your tobacco comes from? Drop it in the chat. This show doesn't work without you.

  2. 230

    Cigars Daily LIVE 427: Is My Father's New Cigar Better Than the Blue?

    Last year My Father dropped the Blue and it changed the conversation. A Honduran puro from the Garcia family, produced at their brand new factory, and it flew off shelves faster than anyone expected. Some people called it a home run. Some thought it was just okay. But nobody ignored it. Now the second cigar out of that same Honduras factory has arrived and it's called La Lealtad, which means "The Loyalty." Tonight we're putting it to the test.La Lealtad is a different animal than the Blue. Where the Blue was a full Honduran puro wrapped in Connecticut Broadleaf Rosado, La Lealtad brings an Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro Rosado wrapper over a double binder from Honduras and Nicaragua with Honduran and Nicaraguan filler. It's described as medium to full and reportedly pushes the flavor harder than the Blue did. The Garcia family is clearly not sitting still with this Honduras operation and tonight we're breaking down whether this second release lives up to the first one or surpasses it entirely.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 426: The Cigar Makers We're Betting On

    Tonight on Cigars Daily LIVE, I've got fresh space in the humidor and I'm looking to fill it with cigar makers that are actually worth going all in on. Not brands with one good cigar. Brands that show real consistency, identity, momentum, and staying power. I've already placed some big bets on names like Crowned Heads, Tatuaje, Atabey, Byron, Alfonso, Meerapfel, Ozgener, El Mago, and United. Tonight I'll tell you exactly why each one earned a spot on my shelves.Find our NEWEST cigars at daily low prices in one convenient place on Cigars Daily's NEW Cigars Page! Then we're opening it up to the whole Cigars Daily Nation. What brands would you bet your humidor on? We've got a simple set of criteria that every pick has to pass, so don't just drop a name. Tell us why. Bring your case and be ready to defend it, because tonight isn't about random favorites. It's about making the argument.My name is Tim and I'm the host of this show, but YOU are the co-host. Your comments and questions drive the episode. Settle in, grab a drink, and let's get into it.The crew is bringing their own picks too, so you're not just debating me. You're debating all of us. Which brands are legit and which ones are overhyped? Let's find out together.Got a brand you'd bet on? Drop it in the chat. This show doesn't work without you.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 425: Our Most Anticipated Cigars of 2026

    PCA 2026 is almost here and the announcements are coming in faster than we can keep up with. Dunbarton just dropped 18,000 new releases. Espinosa is putting out eight-ish. My Father has La Lealtad. Oliva built a humidor shaped like a soccer ball. Plasencia rebranded the whole company. And we haven’t even gotten to the show floor yet. Tonight the whole crew is pulling up to talk about the releases we’re actually getting behind this year.This isn’t a press release read. This is the stuff we’re genuinely excited to get our hands on. Every member of the Cigars Daily crew is bringing their own picks to the table, and we want to hear yours too. What’s caught your eye? What announcement made you stop scrolling? What are you hoping shows up at your local shop the second PCA wraps? Drop it in the chat because tonight’s show lives and dies on what the Nation is hyped about.My name is Tim and I’m the host of this show, but YOU are the co-host. Your comments and questions drive the episode. So grab a chair and a beverage to pair then drop your cigar comments and questions.We’ll walk through the biggest storylines heading into PCA. The brand rebrands, the limited editions, the collaborations that have the industry buzzing, and the stuff that makes you scratch your head and say what were they thinking. The crew will weigh in on their personal hype lists, and we’ll crowdsource yours live as we go. By the end of the night you should have a real game plan for what to chase in 2026.Got a must-have already locked in? Throw it in the chat. This show doesn’t work without you.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 424: Cigars Are About to Get Weird

    PCA 2026 is right around the corner and the leaks are already out of control. Plasencia is changing their entire logo and brand identity for the first time in forever. My Father just announced a brand new release called La Lealtad coming out of their Honduras factory. And Oliva just dropped maybe the most bizarre release I’ve seen in a long time. A Serie V Melanio humidor shaped like a literal soccer ball. I’m not making that up. Tonight we’re getting into all of it.This is going to be one of those weeks where the industry shows you exactly how strange things can get when everybody’s trying to make a splash before the biggest trade show of the year. Some of it is brilliant. Some of it is bizarre. And honestly, some of it I have no idea what to make of yet. That’s what tonight is about. We’re going to break down what’s leaked, what’s confirmed, and what it all means for the cigars you’re actually going to be smoking later this year.We’ll cover the Plasencia rebrand and what the new look says about where the brand is headed. We’ll talk about the My Father La Lealtad announcement and what we know so far about the second cigar coming out of their Honduras factory. And yes, we are absolutely going to spend some time on that Oliva soccer ball humidor because how could we not. Plus whatever else has dropped between now and showtime, because at this rate something new gets announced every six hours.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 423: The Cock of the Walk Has Arrived (ft. Jonas Santana)

    If you've watched this show for any amount of time, you know Billy. The man, the myth, the chicken wrangler. Cigars Daily's fictional CEO who rules the roost with an iron beak and has earned a cult following among the Cigars Daily Nation. Tonight we're sitting down with Jonas Santana of Blackbird Cigar Co. to introduce Billy's very own blend. It's called Cock of the Walk, and it's a four-country 6x52 Toro that struts exactly like its namesake.Jonas is the man behind the Cactus Wren Daily Edition, which the Nation already knows and loves. This time he went bigger. Nicaraguan Habano wrapper over an Indonesian binder, filled with a combination of USA, Nicaraguan, and Dominican Republic tobaccos. We'll break down how this blend came together, what makes it different from the Cactus Wren, and why Jonas was the right partner to bring Billy's cigar to life.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 422: The Baron of Broadleaf — Baring It All

    Tonight on Cigars Daily LIVE we've got Nick Melillo of Foundation Cigars in the house. Nick is one of the most respected names in the business and Foundation is celebrating 10 years, so we're getting into the whole story. How the brand started, what it took to build it, and what he's learned along the way about making something that lasts in this industry.We'll talk about the Foundation 10th Anniversary blend, the Knight Commander, and some of the cigars that put Foundation on the map. But more than that, we're getting into the why behind all of it.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 421: Cigars That Make Us Green With Envy

    Tonight on Cigars Daily LIVE 421, we’re leaning into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit and talking about the cigars that make us green with envy. These are the projects that make other cigar makers stop and say, “Man… I wish we had done that.” From legendary limited releases like Alec Bradley’s Filthy Hooligan, to brand-new flavor bombs like Romeo y Julieta’s Reserva Real Nicaragua Profundo crafted by AJ Fernandez, we’re looking at the cigars that stand out for their creativity, flavor, and sheer boldness. Along the way we’ll break down what makes these projects so special, why they work, and what the rest of the industry can learn from them. It’s all happening in full St. Patty’s Day style with plenty of green in the studio, great cigars, and the usual comment-driven chaos from Cigars Daily Nation.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 420: We Hit Milestones… Then Saka’s Jubilee Crashed the Party

    Tonight on Cigars Daily LIVE 420, we’re celebrating milestones… and then immediately getting shown up by Steve Saka. Over the last few weeks there have been a lot of big moments worth raising a cigar for — 15 years of marriage, 10 years working in the cigar industry, the Cigars Daily YouTube channel crossing 350,000 subscribers, and even my Dodge Challenger rolling over a very distinguished mileage number. But while we’re celebrating our own wins, the cigar world is celebrating something even bigger: 10 years of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. Steve Saka has become one of the most respected and outspoken voices in premium cigars, and the Dunbarton 10th Anniversary Jubilee is a perfect excuse to talk about where Saka came from, how Dunbarton got started, and where the brand — and the industry — might be headed next. Tonight we’ll dig into Saka’s story, the significance of the Jubilee project, and celebrate a whole bunch of milestones along the way.My name is Tim, I'm the host of this show. And YOU are the co-host. Your comments and questions will drive the episode. So grab a chair and a beverage to pair. Then drop your cigar comments and questions. 

  10. 222

    Cigars Daily LIVE 419: Ten Years in the Making - This Is Milestone

    Ten years ago I walked into this industry looking for part-time work while I was serving as a pastor. I had no idea that decision would change my entire life. What started as a side gig turned into a calling. Cigar maker, content creator, lounge manager, retail owner. Eventually all of that led to co-founding Cigars Daily with my father-in-law Jim Campbell. A decade later we've built one of the most recognized independent voices in premium cigars, and all of it started because I just wanted to be around the leaf.Tonight I'm telling you that whole story and introducing something I've been working on for a long time. It's called Milestone, and it's the most personal project I've ever been a part of. I partnered with Rick Rodriguez of West Tampa Tobacco Company to create this blend, and we built it in my favorite vitola because something this personal had to feel exactly right. I'll break down the entire journey. How this collaboration came together, why Rick was the right partner, and what the last 10 years in this industry have taught me about craftsmanship, community, and the relationships that make all of this possible

  11. 221

    Cigars Daily LIVE 418 + AfterParty: From Factory Floor to World Stage — Drew Estate's Pedro Gomez

    He started as the gopher guy at a factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. Nearly 20 years later, he's one of the most recognized faces in the entire industry. Tonight Drew Estate's Global Brand Ambassador Pedro Gomez joins us LIVE to tell his story — how a kid from humble beginnings in Nicaragua ended up becoming the voice of one of the biggest brands in the business.My name is Tim and I'm the host of this show — but YOU are the co-host. Your comments and questions drive the episode. Settle in, grab a drink, and let's get into it.We're going to talk about Pedro's journey from the factory floor in Estelí to traveling the world as a brand ambassador, what it's really like behind the scenes at one of the largest production facilities on the planet, and what's next for Drew Estate in 2026. We'll also get into Jonathan Drew's brand new venture — J. Sann & Son — a cigar factory, lounge, and culture center opening this spring in Miami's Wynwood district. It's a huge story and Pedro's got the inside scoop.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 417: What is Happening to Cuban Cigars?

    Cuba just cancelled its biggest annual festival for the first time since 1999. The island is in crisis — blackouts, fuel rationing, and airlines pulling out entirely. What does this mean for the future of Cuban craftsmanship, and what does it signal for the global industry?

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 416: Oliva Nick In-Studio With ALL The Answers

    Tonight on Cigars Daily LIVE 416, we've got Oliva Nick in the studio, which means it's one of those nights where everyone in the chat gets to interrogate a real cigar industry insider while we sit here and pretend we're mature adults.We'll be talking Oliva updates, what's actually happening with new releases this year, and the kind of behind-the-scenes stuff cigar people know that normal humans never see. How long things really take. Why some cigars blow up. Why others vanish. What's real versus what's just internet smoke.We're also hitting DailyCon 2026—real details on what we're building, what we're changing, and we're letting the comments help steer what this year's event turns into.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 415: The 2026 Cigar Squeeze—Prices Up, Taxes Up, Shipping Under Fire

    Tonight on Cigars Daily LIVE 415, we’re talking about what I’m calling The 2026 Cigar Squeeze—because it feels like cigar smokers are getting pinched from every direction right now. Prices are moving, checkout totals are getting weird, and depending on where you live, shipping and taxes are starting to feel like a mini boss fight you didn’t sign up for.And no—this isn’t some “go buy everything right now” episode. This is cigar news + real talk. I want to break down what’s actually changing, why it’s happening, and what it means for regular guys who just want to enjoy a good cigar without needing an economics degree to do it.We’ll hit the big stuff—price increases, tax surprises, shipping restrictions—and we’ll keep it grounded in what you’re actually seeing in the wild. Then we’ll open it up and let chat do what chat does best: argue respectfully, tell horror stories, and share what they’re seeing in their state.

  15. 217

    Cigars Daily LIVE 414: Is the Cigar Lounge Dying? (And Can We Save It?)

    Cigar lounges used to be the heartbeat of cigar culture—where you learned, met people, and actually hung out. But lately it feels like the lounge is getting squeezed from every direction. Some places are dealing with regulatory pressure, others are fighting the simple reality that people spend more time online than ever… and even when you walk into a lounge, half the room is already on their phones.Tonight on Cigars Daily LIVE, we’re talking about what’s changing—and why. Are lounges dying, evolving, or just being forced to adapt? What do cigar bars do better? Why are e-purveyors winning the convenience war? And what does a “good lounge” even look like in 2026?

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 413: The No. 1 Cigar Of the Year Revealed!

    It’s that time of year again — the lists are out, the debates are raging, and everyone wants to know the same thing: what’s really the No. 1 cigar of the year?In this episode of Cigars Daily LIVE, we’re digging into the Cigar of the Year results from the major publications. We’ll walk through the rankings, talk about what the critics got right, where they missed the mark, and why some cigars always seem to dominate these lists. From Cigar Aficionado to Cigar Dojo to the ever-coveted Halfwheel Consensus, nothing is off the table.But this isn’t just about reading lists — it’s about context. We’ll break down how these rankings are formed, why certain cigars rise to the top, and what actually matters when you’re deciding what deserves the crown.Then, we’ll give our own take and talk through what we believe truly belongs at the top when all the noise fades away.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 412: UNKILLABLE - The Cigar That Wouldn't Die

    Some cigars are good. Some are memorable. And then there are cigars that refuse to quit.Tonight on Cigars Daily LIVE, we’re telling the full story behind Unkillable — a cigar born out of resilience, grit, and the kind of determination that defines this industry. This isn’t just about a blend; it’s about what it represents and why that idea matters in a world that’s constantly trying to wear people down.We’ll talk about where the concept came from, what went into creating it, and why Unkillable became the right name at the right time. We’ll also open it up to the Nation and talk about what “unkillable” means to you — in cigars, in business, and in life.

  18. 214

    Cigars Daily LIVE 411: Top Lists, Chubby Chicks, & Bad Decisions

    It’s the first Cigars Daily LIVE of 2026, and we’re kicking the year off exactly how we mean to continue it: with hot takes, questionable choices, and a whole lot of fun.Tonight we’re talking Top Lists as they start rolling out across the cigar world—what they get right, what they miss, and why you shouldn’t let a list tell you what to enjoy. We’re also unveiling something brand new and completely ridiculous: Billy’s Chubby Chicks—short, fat, unapologetic cigars that are here to make a statement (and probably a mess).And of course, no great cigar night is complete without a few bad decisions, some laughs, and a lot of audience interaction. Whether you’re brand new to cigars after the holidays or you’ve been around the block a few times, this episode is all about starting the year loose, informed, and entertained.

  19. 213

    Cigars Daily LIVE 410: 2025 Cigar Year Review + 2026 Spoilers

    It’s the last LIVE of the year, and tonight we’re doing something big.We’re taking a deep look back at 2025 — the festivals, the trends, the standout cigars, the industry moments you loved (and some you didn’t see coming) — and then turning our attention forward to 2026 with predictions, premonitions, and bold calls for what’s next.We’ll recap the year’s hottest events, review what made headlines in every corner of the hobby, and highlight the cigars that defined 2025 — including the ones that will shape conversations next year. Then we’ll dive into 2026: new releases, emerging trends, big opportunities, and what we think the future holds for cigar lovers everywhere.So grab your favorite stick, settle in, and join us for a year-end celebration of cigars and a look at what’s on the horizon.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 409: How Cigars Cure Christmas Chaos

    The holidays are here — and so is the chaos. From judgmental in-laws to freezing back patios to your aunt who’s still trying to tell you cigars are worse than cigarettes… it can be a lot.In this episode of Cigars Daily LIVE, we’re talking about how cigars can actually make the holidays better. Whether it’s escaping the madness for a moment of peace or sparking up meaningful conversations in the garage-turned-smoking-lounge, cigars bring people together.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 408 + AfterParty: Cigar Predictions, Premonitions & Prophecies for 2026

    The Magic 8 Ball has been shaken, and the future is hazy… but that’s never stopped us before. In this episode of Cigars Daily LIVE, we’re peering into 2026 to make our boldest cigar predictions yet. From industry trends and upcoming projects to award-season guesses and long-shot prophecies, this is our chance to call our shots and see what the next year might hold for cigar lovers.We’ll talk about where the industry feels like it’s headed, which brands could have breakout years, what kinds of cigars might dominate conversations, and what surprises could be lurking just around the corner. Some of these calls will be educated guesses, some will be wild speculation — and all of them are up for debate.Bring your own predictions, drop them in the chat, and let’s see whose crystal ball is clearest when 2026 finally rolls around.

  22. 210

    Cigars Daily LIVE 407 (Micheal Knowles Lights Up The Lounge)

    Tonight on Cigars Daily LIVE, I’m joined by Michael Knowles — yes, that Michael Knowles — who’s stepping into the lounge to talk cigars, history, craftsmanship, and his own new project: Mayflower Cigars.This isn’t a political show and it isn’t a debate. It’s two guys hanging out, talking cigars, joking around, and digging into the story behind a blend inspired by one of the most iconic journeys in American history. We’ll cover everything from how the cigar was created, to what Michael wanted it to represent, to the wild ride of bringing a brand into the cigar world.Expect laughs, stories, and the classic Cigars Daily lounge energy we’re known for. Whether you’re here for the cigars, the conversation, or the chaos — you’re in the right place.

  23. 209

    Cigars Daily LIVE 406 (The Craziest Week In Cigar History! Let's Unpack It)

    This last week has been absolute madness in the cigar world — and tonight we’re unpacking all of it. From Thanksgiving rolling straight into Cigartopia, to the launch of LecheBurra, Steve Saka’s visit to the HQ, and the non-stop chaos of Black Friday weekend… it’s been one of the wildest stretches I’ve ever experienced at Cigars Daily.And as if that wasn’t enough, we’re heading into December with two of the most anticipated arrivals of the year: Foundation’s Tabernacle Knight Commander and the Foundation 10th Anniversary Round 2. So yeah… it’s been a lot.In this episode we’ll relive the insanity, talk through the biggest highlights, look ahead to the holiday season, and crack open some of the hottest new blends hitting shelves right now. I may be running on fumes, but the energy is high, the cigars are fire, and this community always brings the good times.

  24. 208

    Cigars Daily LIVE 405 (Steve Saka’s Most Unhinged Cigar Ever: LecheBurra)

    Tonight on Cigars Daily LIVE, we’re unleashing the wildest episode of the entire year. Steve Saka from Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust is in the studio, and we’re diving deep into the story behind LecheBurra — the completely unhinged collaboration he and I cooked up together (mostly he, but we’ll explain more during the show).This is the kind of project you can only make with Saka: part genius, part madness, and all heart. In this episode, we’re breaking down how the blend came together, why this was unlike any cigar project I’ve ever worked on, and what makes LecheBurra one of the most ridiculous, hilarious, and downright exciting things we’ve ever released through Cigars Daily Edition.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to collaborate with a guy who refuses to take anything too seriously — except the quality of the cigar — this is your backstage pass. We’ll talk blending, vision, inspiration, and yes… the donkey.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 404 (The Community’s 10/10 Cigars — You Decide!)

    Tonight, we’re putting the power in your hands. This is Cigars Daily LIVE: Community Choice 2025 — where we find out which cigars you think are true 10/10s.The chat will build the leaderboard as we go, so drop your top smokes in the comments and we’ll crown a winner by the end of the night. Are we talking Padron 1926? Tabernacle? Or something totally off the radar?We’ll run some quick-fire shoutouts, a blind taste duel, and a round of Hot Take or Not to see which blends actually live up to the hype. It’s all about the cigars the community loves — not the critics.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 403 (Veterans, Valor & The Warhead Returns)

    This week on Cigars Daily LIVE, we’re celebrating the heroes who’ve made our freedoms possible — the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. With Veterans Day upon us, tonight’s show is all about honoring their courage, sharing stories, and enjoying the sense of brotherhood that cigars bring to every lounge across America.We’re also firing up something special: the Espinosa La Bomba Warhead Limited Edition, one of the boldest cigars out there. We’ll talk about what makes this project so unique, how it’s become a fan favorite, and why it feels right at home on a night dedicated to valor and strength.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 402 (Breaking The Law with Davidoff's Working Class Wonder)

    You all know who's the law around these parts! Normally, it's your Cigars Daily LIVE team but tonight, we're breaking the law… but not just any law. We have Law Ream in the studio. He's been traveling the country in the name of Davidoff's Zino Nicaragua. We're all going to work together to see if we can break Law in, Cigars Daily style.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 401 (The Secret To The Rarest Leaf On Earth)

    What makes a cigar truly rare? In this episode of Cigars Daily LIVE, we’re diving into the world of exclusive blends and the rarest leaf on Earth. From hard-to-grow varietals to limited harvests that only happen once every few years, we’ll unpack what “rare” really means when it comes to cigars — and whether that rarity actually makes them better.We’ll talk about how cigar makers find, ferment, and blend these special tobaccos, and why some of the most sought-after leaves in the world are also the hardest to produce. Plus, I’ll be hanging with you in the comments as we taste and talk through what makes these cigars so unique.

  29. 203

    Cigars Daily LIVE 400 (Living LARGE With Sun, Smoke, & Island Vibes)

    It’s time to kick back, light up, and live large. In this special 400th episode of Cigars Daily LIVE, we’re bringing the island life straight to the studio with good friends, good conversation, and a tropical twist. Tonight’s show is all about the laid-back luxury that cigars naturally bring — that moment when the world slows down, the sun feels warm, and everything just hits right.We’ll dig into the craftsmanship and stories behind a new island-inspired project, talk about what makes that tropical lifestyle so appealing, and find out why cigars seem to fit it perfectly. Grab your favorite stick, pour something smooth, and join us for an evening of island vibes and cigar talk you won’t forget.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 399 (How Columbus Accidentally Invented The Cigar)

    In this week’s episode of Cigars Daily LIVE, we’re rolling back the clock more than 600 years to uncover how a few curious explorers, a sacred island ritual, and one very unlucky Spaniard gave birth to the modern cigar.Join Me, Amber, Terrence, and Billy for a hilarious, history-packed, game-show-style story time that covers it all — from the Taíno shamans and their “Cohibas”, to Rodrigo de Jerez, the first European to light up and (believe it or not) get thrown in jail for it. This episode will bring you back in time to gather a true appreciation for everything that has gone into creating the bustling world of premium handmade cigars that exists today.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 398 (A Blend For The END! The Last Cigar In My Humidor Will Be)

    If you look around, it sounds like the end of the world is right around the corner. But then again, if you're paying attention to public media then it's ALWAYS right around the corner. And whether it's AI, nukes, fungus, war, aliens, the illuminati, asteroids, multi-dimensional beings, or the hollow earth hippo, someday we're going to face a cataclysmic event. So the question remains, when each of us ends up with just an hour before the lights go out, which blend do we choose for the end? What's the last cigar ever? During this show we'll discuss the overarching world of cigars, but we'll also dial in on the blends that would be the perfect nightcap for the end of time… without being TOO much doom and gloom.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 397 (FAIL! Tim's Worst Mistake Plus More Industry Mishaps)

    They say that failure is part of success… if that's true, then I'm about to be the most successful person in the industry because I biffed it… BAD! During this episode, we're going to talk about exactly what I did, and exactly how bad it is. Now, I certainly don't have total command over mistakes and mishaps in the cigar industry. There have been massive mistakes and mishaps at ever level of the industry. And we're going to talk about them. These are the mistakes that have driven cigar makers, purveyors, and industry leaders to learn a better way of doing things. They're the problems that lead to profound change for a brighter future.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 396 (The Most Explosive Limited Edition Blends of 2025)

    Limited edition cigars are where brands really cut loose — bold blends, wild packaging, and the kind of creativity that gets cigar lovers talking. I also COMPLAIN non-stop about them… mostly because if one really leaves an impression then it’s more than likely it’ll be tough or impossible to find again. In this episode of Cigars Daily LIVE, we’re counting down the most explosive limited edition blends of 2025, including Espinosa’s La Bomba Warhead 6 with its throwback bomb-style box.We’ll dive into what makes a limited edition release exciting, which blends are turning heads right now, and whether these rare sticks are truly worth the chase. Plus, I’ll be hanging with you in the comments as we spark up some conversation about your favorite limited editions of the year.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 395 (That's IT! We're Going SCORCHED Earth)

    That’s it — we’re going scorched earth. In this episode of Cigars Daily LIVE, we’re diving into the latest release from Oscar Valladares: the Scorched Earth Daily Edition Maduro. If you’ve followed Oscar’s growing lineup, you already know about the Earth by Oscar and the box-pressed Flat Earth — both Corojo-wrapped fan favorites. Now the family gets a new twist with this dark, bold maduro.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 394 (Blockbuster Blends! Cigars That Blow The Roof Off The Cigar World)

    Fair warning- we only got this episode going after some insane technical issues, so if you want to hear Cigars Daily LIVE come off the rails, this is your episode. Most cigars come into the industry quietly. They get a soft, smooth, easy going launch into the industry. Others are more like the latest Avengers movie on opening day (I realize my movie theatre analogy is a little bit dated). These cigars are released to much acclaim. They receive all the fanfare in the world. Tonight, we're looking at some of these cigars to see just what it takes for a cigar to become a cigar world blockbuster hit! Plus, we get to peek in on a brand new project from industry giant Drew Estate, which is just coming out this week.

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    Cigars Daily LIVE 393 + AfterParty (HUMIDOR WARS! Battle For the Best Home For Cigars)

    Cigars can only live in one place - a humidor. It's the one place where cigars can survive and potentially age into fine tools for celebrating life's special moments. But a good humidor isn't always easy to come by. Today the world is plagued by poorly informed information about how to create a place to accurately store cigars. And it can cause cigar lovers to lose entire collections. During this episode, we'll be diving deep into the topic of humidors. What can/should they be made of? What's the best humidity and temperature? What are the dangers that aficionados need to watch out for when seasoning and storing cigars long term?

  37. 195

    Cigars Daily LIVE 392 (Cigar Makers Need to STOP Doing This One Thing NOW)

    Cigar Makers do some AMAZING things. Their art is one of the most logistically dense and complicated processes I’ve seen in my entire life. I admire my cigar making friends as much as I feel for the tremendous challenges they face on a daily basis. That being said, they don’t always get it right. Cigar Makers have simultaneously done some of the most brilliant and bone headed things I have seen in my adult life. During this episode, we will discuss a crucial item that will help cigar makers (many of whom do watch this show) to see where they’re going wrong, and what they can do to make the industry better for all of us.

  38. 194

    Cigars Daily LIVE 391 (The WEIRD New Era Of Cigar Swag w/ The Forgekeeper Statue)

    Cigar Swag is a longstanding tradition in the cigar industry. For a very long time, cigar makers have dedicated themselves to crafting useful cigar swag. Items that cigar lovers use everyday, that sport the branding of their favorite makers. But these days, the industry has taken a turn… but is it a turn for the better?I've learned a lot about this over the last decade in the industry. I've seen (and still have) some of the most useful items in the cigar world. Now I'm watching (and participating in) projects with challenge coins, statues, and whatever the hell Matt Booth is likely making. These new items come with no function. They're collectables, tokens, and trinkets. So, is the industry on the right track, or have we steered into a ditch?

  39. 193

    Cigars Daily LIVE 390 (When Pipes & Cigars Hook Up… The Great Aromatic Affair)

    Over the last few years, cigars have been having a rather steamy love affair with pipes… well, pipe leaf to be exact. There have been more and more projects that dawn the title 'aromatic' (essentially one step shy of being pipe leaf). Some projects even use leaf that's specifically crafted for pipes inside the wrapper, binder, filler blend. The big question that remains is - is this ok? Are we all cool with this? Should cigars and pipes be allowed to co-mingle like this? Or is this more of a 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' type deal? During this episode, we'll discuss the whole thing. We'll look inside the cigar making world at each of these projects and learn just what cigar makers and pipe people have been doing with our beloved blends.

  40. 192

    Cigars Daily LIVE 389 (Top Community Picks 2025: The Cigars YOU Can’t Stop Talking About)

    The TOP cigars aren’t the ones that are mentioned in magazines, or Top 25 lists. They’re not the ones that reviewers go gaga over. They’re not even the ones that get all the hype online. The world’s top cigars are the ones that win hearts and palates over with exceptional experiences. And those are the cigars we are chatting about on this episode. Join us to weigh in on the Top Picks from the Cigars Daily Nation as we discuss which projects offer profound flavor and which ones missed the mark.

  41. 191

    Cigars Daily LIVE 388 (Are Aged Cigars Worth The Wait?)

    Aged cigars have a reputation for being a special and elite treat for aficionados. But are they really worth the wait? Serious collectors claim that as little as 4 months all the way up to decades long aging processes will create an extra level of smooth, refined, clean, clear flavor. But how does it really work? Is there a point where cigars can age too long? During this episode, we'll be discussing cigar aging. We'll talk about the process, how long to do it, and exactly what can be expected when cigars get some serious time to rest.

  42. 190

    Cigars Daily LIVE 387 (Exposing the Cigar Industry with Oliva Nick)

    The cigar industry has some secrets, and tonight we're exposing all of them! For this episode, we'll be joined by Oliva Nick, an industry insider who knows where all the skeletons are kept. Together, we'll be grilling him with questions to peel back the curtain on every little thing that's hiding. Join us as we dive into the darkest parts of the world we love. Learn the dirty truth, and even ask your own questions to Nick. Together, we'll discover exactly what the cigar world has been hiding!

  43. 189

    Cigars Daily LIVE 386 (Underrated: Cigars That Deserve Way MORE Hype)

    It's amazing. Often, the best cigars are NOT the most popular ones. The world is filled with cigars from cigar makers who really know what they're doing. But for one reason or another people never hear about their cigars. The average cigar lover ends up pursuing projects that are better marketed or already have a large following. During this episode, we'll be diving into those types of projects. Together, we'll look at the under sung heroes of the cigar making world. We'll see who's not getting enough love, and who deserves a little more hype.

  44. 188

    Cigars Daily LIVE 385 (How to Spot Over-Hyped Cigars IMMEDIATELY)

    WATCH OUT! That next cigar might just be completely over-hyped! The world is filled with more new and limited edition releases than ever before. Some are bold projects it exotic leaf varietals that truly offer something different. Others are just another blend that's over-hyped and over-valued. So how do you tell the difference? These days it can be tough. Fortunately, tonight we'll be figuring it out together. At the Cigars Daily HQ, we're no strangers to what goes on in the cigar world. We'll be looking at some of these projects and learning what makes them the real deal or just another fad.

  45. 187

    Cigars Daily LIVE 384 (The NEW King of Cigars Has Arrived)

    If a cigar is a king, we call it El Rey. And for a long time around the Cigars Daily LIVE crew, there was only one Rey… until now.Introducing the Don Pepin Garcia E.R.H — the El Rey Del Los Habanos, or King of the Habanos. This bold new My Father blend is making a serious claim. With so many modern blends using Habano wrappers, what makes this one worthy of the crown?

  46. 186

    Cigars Daily LIVE 383 (The Legacy of Nick Perdomo & The Future of Cigars)

    The world of cigars is all about legacy. Cigar making families are constantly working to fine tune their craft, and raise up new generations who can carry the flame. On this week's episode, we're joined by Nicholas Perdomo III. When it comes to Perdomo Cigars, Nicholas is THE guy for the job. After decades of his Dad building one of America's most beloved brands, Nicholas is breaking into the industry with a project honoring his father's legacy. During this episode, you'll get to ask your questions about the brand, the blends, and more directly to Nicholas.This is a good look at the future of cigars. While Nicholas is next in line for Perdomo, he also represents the up and coming generation of cigar makers. In 10-15 years the whole cigar world will look A LOT different. This is the beginning of something really significant.

  47. 185

    Cigars Daily LIVE 382 (The Cigar That Was NEVER Supposed To Happen)

    Tonight’s episode of Cigars Daily LIVE is a special one—because we’re blend testing something that should’ve never happened in the first place.We’re diving into the early blending stages of a brand-new project for the Daily Edition lineup. The working title? Cock of the Walk—a cigar inspired by our very own chicken wrangling cast member – Billy.We’re going through the first round of samples, looking for that one blend that can rise above the rest and earn its place in the humidor. This is the part of the cigar-making process that doesn’t get talked about enough. It’s messy, it’s subjective, it’s full of surprises—and it’s absolutely critical.

  48. 184

    Cigars Daily LIVE 381 (Is Nicaragua Getting DETHRONED For Cigars?)

    Nicaragua has risen to the apex of the cigar making world over the last few decades, but now that status is being called into question.Cigar makers have been drawn to Nicaragua for it's nutrient rich soil and the powerful leaf it produces. However, over the last few years, nearly every cigar making family has made bold moves to build brand new factories and cigar making infrastructure in Honduras. So has Nicaragua had it's 15 minutes of fame? Is Honduras going to become the new cigar making capital of the world? On tonight's episode, we'll talk about this topic and what it means for cigars long term.

  49. 183

    Cigars Daily LIVE 380 (The Secret Smokes of Cigar Making Masters)

    Ever wonder what the people who make cigars actually smoke?Tonight on Cigars Daily LIVE, we're diving into the world of farm rolled cigars—the unbanded blends rolled right on the factory floor, not for retail, not for ratings… but for the rollers themselves. These are the blends that never hit the shelves but hold a special place in the hearts of those who spend their days crafting cigars for the world.We'll be lighting up some of these rare, rustic beauties and talking about what makes them so unique—from their construction and flavor to the down-to-earth culture that surrounds them. This is the side of the cigar world you don’t usually see—the behind-the-scenes smokes meant for the people who live and breathe this craft every single day.

  50. 182

    Cigars Daily LIVE 379 (The Corojo Collection: Legendary Leaf, Epic Flavor)

    In the cigar world, Corojo leaf is used by cigar makers to craft some of the most beloved blends we have today.During this episode, we’ll discuss what makes Corojo such a valuable part of the blending process for so many cigar makers. We’ll look at where the Corojo seed was born, and how it has transformed over the years of moving around Latin America. Plus, we’ll answer your comments and questions

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Explore the world of Luxury Cigars with your host Tim Swanson.

HOSTED BY

Tim Swanson

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