Smoke Night LIVE - Cigar Dojo

Now that the dust has settled from the PCA trade show and the year’s biggest cigar releases are on the table, it’s time for the most anticipated episode of the year—Cigar Brand Stock Market.This annual fan-favorite brings together an all-star panel featuring William “Cigar Coop” Cooper, John “Cigar Surgeon” McTavish, and Bear Duplisea, joining Master Sensei, Juan, and the Dojo crew. Together, they break down 20 of the most talked-about cigar companies coming out of PCA and give their expert verdict: Buy, Hold, or Sell.Who’s trending up? Who’s losing momentum? And which brands are primed for a breakout year? If you follow the premium cigar industry—or just want to sound like you do—this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

This week on Smoke Night LIVE, we welcome cigar industry icon Rocky Patel for a conversation about his journey from Hollywood entertainment attorney to one of the most recognized names in premium cigars. After discovering cigars in Los Angeles during the cigar boom of the early 1990s, Rocky left his law career behind and founded what would become Rocky Patel Premium Cigars in 1995.Join us as we talk with Rocky about building a global cigar brand, the evolution of his company, and what continues to drive his passion for premium cigars more than 30 years later. From the early days of Indian Tabac to the worldwide success of Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, this is a conversation cigar fans won’t want to miss.

It’s the final episode before the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show in New Orleans, and cigar companies have been flooding inboxes with press releases announcing their latest releases.William “Cigar Coop” Cooper and John “The Cigar Surgeon” McTavish join Sensei, Jordan, and Juan to break down which of these new cigars or accessories actually move the needle—and which ones fall flat.Tune in to find out what’s worth getting excited about and what might be headed soon to a brick-and-mortar near you.

What if you owned your own cigar shop… and every inch of humidor space was yours to control?That’s the challenge in this wild episode of Smoke Night LIVE. Industry veteran Jeff Brown joins Master Sensei, Juan, and the Dojo crew to build the ultimate cigar shop humidor—deciding which brands earn prime real estate and which get left behind. Expect bold takes, tough calls, and plenty of debate as the crew crafts their dream lineup.

The Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival has long been one of the most anticipated events in the cigar world—but this year, things are changing in a big way. From shifts in location to adjustments in timing, there’s been a lot of speculation about what’s really going on.On this episode of Smoke Night LIVE, Tom Bliss, director of the Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival, joins us in-studio to break it all down. We get into the reasons behind the changes, what it means for attendees, and what the future of RMCF looks like. If you’ve been hearing the chatter, this is the episode that sets the record straight.

What’s the protocol for acquiring Protocol? (Yeah… we went there.) In a move that surprised much of the cigar world, Smoke Inn and Abe Dababneh has acquired the Protocol brand from Juan and Kevin—and he joins us as a special guest to talk about it.On this episode of Smoke Night LIVE, we go straight to the source as Abe breaks down the deal, what it means for the future of Protocol, whether Juan remains involved, and what fans can expect next from the brand.

Juan Cancel flies solo this week on Smoke Night LIVE for a special episode inspired by his article Top 5 Boutique Cigar Brands to Watch in 2026. Live guests include Fermin Perez, Nick Fusco, Brandon Oveson, and Daniel Lance, plus a bonus appearance from Dave West of Avowed Cigar Co. We’ll talk boutique cigar branding, media, storytelling, survival, and the future of the category.

Rafael Nodal joins the show to talk about what’s happening across the Altadis USA portfolio, including Aging Room, Romeo y Julieta, H. Upmann, Montecristo, and more. Along the way, Rafael will help us build the ultimate cigar menu—pairing the perfect cigar for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and even a late-night snack. Grab a cigar and tune in for this special episode.

One of the most talked-about collaborations in Cigar Dojo history returns in a bold new form. The original ReviveR made waves in 2018, followed by a re-release in 2021—and now the story continues. Terence Reilly of Aganorsa Leaf joins Smoke Night LIVE to break down the brand-new ReviveR Maduro, which debuts earlier that same day. We’ll cover the blend, the backstory, the differences from past releases, and what makes this limited edition release unique. If you were part of the ReviveR journey before, or you’re looking to get in on this next chapter, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

It’s hard to believe it’s been more than a decade since Nick Melillo launched Foundation Cigars with El Güegüense (“The Wise Man”), a cigar that helped establish the brand’s identity from day one. Since then, Nick—also known as the “Chief of the Broadleaf” and “Nick R. Agua”—has continued building a portfolio that includes standout releases like Olmec and the 10 Year Anniversario, both earning strong placements on our year-end lists.While Nick has appeared on Smoke Night LIVE in the past, it’s been a few years since his last visit. This episode gives the Dojo crew a chance to reconnect, talk about the evolution of Foundation Cigars, and find out what’s next for one of the most respected voices in the industry.

What started as a simple question from Master Sensei—“What should we call this show?”—has grown into one of the cigar world’s longest-running and most beloved live broadcasts. Now, Smoke Night LIVE reaches an incredible milestone: Episode 500.Over the years, the show has welcomed a true who’s who of the premium cigar industry, and for this special celebration many of those familiar faces return with surprise cameo appearances, stories, and memories to honor the journey. Join the Dojo crew as they look back at the moments, laughs, and cigars that helped shape five hundred unforgettable episodes of Smoke Night LIVE.This is more than just another episode—it’s a celebration of the community that made it all possible.X:https://x.com/cigardojoInstagram:https://instagram.com/cigardojoJoin the Dojoverse:https://dojoverse.comShop the merch:https://cigardojo.com/shopSmoke Night Live is part of the Cigar Dojo network.

When Steve Saka shows up, something big is usually about to be said. On this episode of Smoke Night LIVE, the Dojo crew is joined by Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust for a wide-ranging and candid conversation. Steve stops by to share major updates on the upcoming 10th Jubilee, developments within the Archive Series Todos Las Días, and what listeners can expect from a full-scale revamp of the StillWell Star line. As always, the discussion goes beyond announcements, diving into the thinking, challenges, and philosophy behind the decisions—making this one of those episodes cigar fans won’t want to miss.X:https://x.com/cigardojoInstagram:https://instagram.com/cigardojoJoin the Dojoverse:https://dojoverse.comShop the merch:https://cigardojo.com/shopSmoke Night Live is part of the Cigar Dojo network.

Get ready for a special side-project episode as Patina y Viso steps into the spotlight—the cigar world’s equivalent of Audioslave to Soundgarden & Rage Against the Machine, bringing together the forces of Patina Cigars and Viso Horny in one unexpected supergroup. This week, Mo Maali and Tyler Jeffery join the Dojo crew for a jam-packed (and slightly unhinged) show. We’ll get the full scoop on their latest project, Leprechaun Dust, take a victory lap through Patina’s huge year on the year-end lists, and dive into what’s next for the brand.X:https://x.com/cigardojoInstagram:https://instagram.com/cigardojoJoin the Dojoverse:https://dojoverse.comShop the merch:https://cigardojo.com/shopSmoke Night Live is part of the Cigar Dojo network.

“Ladies and gentlemen… welcome to ROYAL RUMBLE III!”The bell rings, the lists are locked in, and only ONE Cigar of the Year list can stand tall. In our annual year-end showdown, some of the biggest voices in cigar media collide in a no-holds-barred battle for supremacy. This year’s combatants enter the ring: Cigar Coop, Halfwheel, Developing Palates, and Bob the Cigar Guy. Each list throws its best punches, each pick faces the crowd’s judgment, and only one will emerge victorious. The audience decides the winner in this 10 round heavy weight match. The trash talk will be loud. The takes will be hot. And the chaos will be glorious. Don’t miss the most unhinged, high-energy show of the year—ROYAL RUMBLE III is about to go off the top rope.

On this episode of Smoke Night Live, it’s awards night. Throw on the tuxedo and join us as we roll out the red carpet for our annual Cigar of the Year Awards Show. After a full year of smoking, reviewing, blind testing, and heated debate, the Top 20 Cigars of 2025 have officially been announced—and we’re breaking it all down.

What makes a great fast-food burger? Is it the beef, the bun, the nostalgia—or just how it hits at the drive-thru?This week, the Dojo crew is joined by Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego, Nick Libretti from JR Cigars, and William “Cigar Coop” Cooper for a no-holds-barred burger debate. Together, the panel builds an S-Tier ranking of fast-food burger chains, breaking down which joints deliver consistently—and which ones belong at the bottom of the list.Expect strong opinions, heated arguments, and plenty of hot takes as we crown the best (and worst) burgers in the fast-food universe.Hungry yet?

On this episode of Smoke Night LIVE, Master Sensei, Kid Producer Jordan, and Scotty Braband each reveal five cigars that every cigar hobbyist should always have in their humidor. That’s 15 total smokes the Cigar Dojo crew considers true Humidor Essentials. Tune in, join the conversation, and share your own must-have cigars as we kick off the first show of the new year.

It’s the day after Christmas, and Terence Reilly of Aganorsa Leaf joins Master Sensei and the Dojo crew as we recover from the holiday chaos by building the ultimate S-Tier holiday rankings, stacking every holiday from best to worst. We’ll also announce the winner of this week’s Flex for Christmas giveaway, featuring a 10-cigar Aganorsa Leaf sampler and an Aganorsa Axe.

On this episode of Smoke Night LIVE,Reinier Lorenzo drops by to visit and vibe.Master Sensei and the Dojo crewWill catch up on all things HVC, old and new.We’ll share Christmas traditions, stories, and cheer,As the holiday season comes rolling near.And for a touch of merry movie delight,Reinier and Juan will face a quiz on Christmas classics—to see who knows them right.

It’s been nearly two years since Laudisi Enterprises acquired Caldwell Cigars and Lost & Found, and plenty has happened behind the scenes since that announcement. On this week’s episode, Robert Caldwell joins the show as our special guest. We’ll get the latest straight from the source—what’s new, what’s changing, and how things are progressing for both Caldwell Cigars and the Lost & Found brand. Tune in as we dig into the details, revisit the transition, and hear what fans can expect moving forward.

This week on Smoke Night LIVE, Fred Rewey of Cigar Press Magazine and William “Cigar Coop” Cooper join the Dojo crew as we send our wish lists straight to the North Pole. We’ll share what cigars and goodies we’re hoping to unwrap on Christmas morning—and reveal who made the naughty list and who managed to stay on the nice list. So pour some eggnog, spark up a cigar, toss another log on the fire, and settle in for this festive holiday episode.

On this special Saturday night edition of Smoke Night LIVE, we attempt to recover from our massive Thanksgiving feasts. And while your turkey might have been dry, your cigars are staying perfectly humidified thanks to Cigar Oasis. Our guest this week is Dan Barranco, here to help us dial in the relative humidity of our cigars—and maybe help us digest Aunt Thelma’s infamous green bean casserole. So loosen the belt, drop an Alka-Seltzer, light up a cigar, and join the fun for this rare Saturday night episode of Smoke Night LIVE.

One of our favorite recurring segments is back on the menu. Klaas Kelner of Kelner Cigars joins Sensei, Juan, and the crew for another edition of “Klaas is in Session.” We’ll be taking notes as we get schooled by this young industry talent on technical “cigar nerd” topics. We also discuss the new Kelner LE 80, a cigar honoring his father Hendrik “Henke” Kelner’s 80th birthday that is coming straight out of Klaas’s own Kelner Cigars factory in the DR. Grab a pen and paper because class is officially in session!

On this episode, we challenge our panel to decide whether they’d buy or not buy a lineup of interesting cigar-related accessories and products. Tim Swanson from Cigars Daily joins Sensei, Juan, Jordan, and the crew for a fun journey through the wild world of cigar gear as we determine which items deserve our hard-earned dollars.

One of the most popular episodes of Smoke Night LIVE is back! Every cigar only gets one chance to make a first impression, and on this episode, we’ll be “speed-dating” a lineup of new—or new-ish—cigars that we haven’t tried yet, rating them live on the show. John “Cigar Surgeon” McTavish and William “Cigar-Coop” Cooper join Sensei, Juan, and the crew as we give our unfiltered first impressions and decide which sticks are worth your attention.

It took 485 episodes, but it finally happened—Master Sensei and Juan Cancel have landed their ultimate dream guest: Tyler Jeffery of Viso Horny Cigars. Tyler is a true giant in the tobacco world, crafting his renowned brand out of RoMa Craft’s Nica Sueño factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. Have we built him up too much? Tune in to this historic episode and decide for yourself.

What makes a cigar lounge truly great? Is it the plush seating, a well-stocked humidor, a full bar with a skilled mixologist, or maybe the perfect location with a breathtaking view? On this episode, Sensei and Juan are joined by Fred Rewey of Cigar Press Magazine and William “Cigar Coop” Cooper to break it all down. The panel will share their likes and dislikes, and reveal their five favorite cigar lounges from around the world.

Panic has struck Dojo Studios—Jordan “The Kid Producer” has taken off to gallivant across the UK and Italy. So what happens to Smoke Night LIVE while he’s busy sipping cappuccinos on the Amalfi Coast? Master Sensei and Juan will do their best to stumble through the show with a little help from our amazing audience. Bring your best topics and questions, and join the fun.

It’s been a while since we’ve had an update from the Premium Cigar Association on the health and outlook of the cigar industry. On this episode, PCA CEO Josh Habursky joins the broadcast to share insights on the state of the industry and its ongoing efforts to remain free from government overreach.

Not every cigar brand operates its own factory—many rely on contracting with other producers. This week on Smoke Night LIVE, our special guest is Daniel Lance of Domain Cigars, a company that does things differently by running its own factory-Tabacalera Familia Disla S.A.. We’ll explore the pros and cons of owning a cigar factory, learn how Domain got its start, and hear what the future holds for the brand.

Smoke Night LIVE is back and we are on the road! The Dojo crew will be broadcasting live from a secret location in South Florida. Since we’re on the road, we’ll be diving into all the ins and outs of traveling with cigars. How do you get your cutters, lighters, and even butane through TSA? What cigars—and how many—should you pack for a trip? What are the best cigar destinations? We’ll tackle these questions and more on this episode!

On this episode of Smoke Night LIVE, we tackle the question: how would you build the perfect cigar company? Our panel will step into the role of CEO, making key decisions such as choosing tobacco farms, selecting a factory and blender, appointing a brand manager, and filling other essential roles to create their ultimate cigar brand. Joining Sensei, Juan, and the Dojo crew are William “Cigar Coop” Cooper and Johnny Remer for this unique and engaging discussion.

It’s time for the annual Dochella festival at Dojo Studios, where we celebrate the kickoff of the Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival. As always, we’ll have a cavalcade of stars on Smoke Night LIVE, appearing in rapid-fire succession. Tune in to catch your favorite cigar personalities on this special, once-a-year episode.

It’s the first episode of Smoke Night LIVE from the newly renovated Dojo studio! William “Cigar Coop” Cooper joins Sensei, Juan Cancel, Jordan, and the rest of the crew to discuss new and upcoming cigar releases and tackle the pivotal question: does it move the needle? In other words, how excited should we really be about each new cigar drop?

Few pairings rival a fine glass of whiskey and a premium cigar. On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Jon Carney and Mike Wilson of Hooten & Young—the company that brings both to the table. From its unique origin story to its growing presence in the cigar and spirits world, Hooten & Young’s journey is one you won’t want to miss. Tune in for the conversation and your chance to win one of TWO impressive prize packages.

La Flor Dominicana (LFD) has long been recognized as one of the premier cigar factories in the Dominican Republic, earning numerous accolades over the years, including Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar of the Year for the Andalusian Bull in 2016. Now, as a new chapter begins, the next generation is stepping into leadership. Litto Gomez Jr., Tony Gomez, and Eddy Guerra join the show to discuss guiding their father’s company into the future and the ongoing challenge of remaining relevant in the humidors of today’s cigar hobbyists.

Getting your cigar brand noticed in the industry is no easy feat, and over the years, we’ve seen some colorful characters rise to the challenge. Jeremy McDonald launched Wildfire Cigars in 2021 and has quickly established himself as one of the more unique personalities in the business. But how weird is too weird? Jeremy joins Smoke Night Live for a lively discussion about the cult of personality behind Wildfire Cigars.

Every cigar smoker has a mental list of cigars that reshaped their understanding of what makes a cigar truly exceptional. Was it a maduro that revealed the perfect chocolate note? Or perhaps a flawlessly aged Connecticut shade-wrapped cigar that demonstrated the delicate balance of sweetness and bitterness? On this episode, the Dojo crew discusses the five cigars that transformed their appreciation for premium cigars.

Tell us what you REALLY think! Fred Rewey from Cigar Press Magazine joins Master Sensei, Juan Cancel, and Kid-Producer Jordan to discuss, debate, and settle some of the most intriguing topics in the cigar industry and beyond.

What is the most exciting cigar brand represented by a celebrity? In this episode, the Dojo crew, joined by co-host Juan Cancel and special guest William ‘Cigar Coop’ Cooper, will crown the King of the Ring—the ultimate celebrity cigar brand. In this bracket challenge, it’s not just about the quality of the cigars but also the celebrity’s influence and the overall positive vibe of the brand.

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Andrews, Director of New Business Development at Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG). Justin will be joining us live in-studio from Dojo headquarters and will update us on all STG brands, including Diesel, Partagas, Room101, Alec Bradley, and more.

The term ’boutique cigar company’ is often used in the cigar industry, but what does it truly mean? Does it describe the company’s size, its focus on artistry, or a blend of multiple factors? Terence Reilly from Aganorsa Leaf and Nick Fusco from El Mago Cigars join the show to explore what defines a boutique cigar company.

Nobody loves and celebrates great food more than Rafael Nodal from Altadis USA. In this show, he joins Sensei, Jordan, and Juan to rate and rank the best regional cuisines. What’s better: a Philly Cheesesteak, Italian Beef, Lobster Roll, or Cuban Sandwich? And what about other regional favorites? Let the debate begin! We invite you, the viewing audience, to join the discussion.

Bill Ives and Juan Cancel reunite on this episode of Smoke Night LIVE. Ten years ago, Bill and Juan were Cigar Dojo members and cigar enthusiasts who decided to start a cigar brand named Cubariqueño, also known as Protocol. They quickly became one of the most popular brands on the market, paying homage to police officers worldwide. Since then, the company has undergone many changes, including Bill leaving to focus on his career in law enforcement. On this show, Juan and Bill reunite for the first time to reminisce and discuss Protocol’s wild history over the past decade.

Get ready for our 3rd epic AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Smoke Night LIVE! The audience takes the wheel, firing tough, fascinating questions at the Dojo crew: Master Sensei, Juan Cancel, Kid-Producer Jordan, Scotty Braband, and Matty Hall. Best of all, submit your question(s) for a chance to win a 10-count bundle of Protocol Jane Doe cigars! Drop your most compelling questions and join the fun!

Buy, Hold, or Sell? With the annual cigar trade show behind us, it’s time to evaluate how the top brands performed and whether their yearly pitches hit or missed the mark. To guide us through these assessments, we’ve assembled an expert panel for one of our most popular episodes: the Cigar Brand Stock Market. Join Juan Cancel, William ‘Cigar Coop’ Cooper, and John ‘Cigar Surgeon’ McTavish as they advise ‘investors’ on which cigar brands are worthy of your investment.

Survey Says! Terence Reilly from Aganorsa Leaf joins the show to predict the results of our cigar consumer survey before we dive into the answers. How well does Terence understand the habits of premium cigar smokers? Tune in to find out! Plus, complete the survey for a chance to win a FLEX Sampler featuring 10 incredible Aganorsa Leaf cigars.

The 2025 Premium Cigar Association Trade Show has concluded, and the burning question on everyone’s mind is, “What are the best cigars from this year’s show?” The Cigar Dojo team answers this question in our annual First Impressions Show. Our crew—Sensei, Jordan, Robby Ras, and Matty Hall—will each smoke three new releases, rating them live on air to guide cigar enthusiasts on which premium cigars to seek out in 2025.

Nashville’s Crowned Heads have been making waves with a flurry of announcements ahead of this year’s PCA trade show, unveiling new cigars and even a refreshed logo. Miguel Schoedel, the VP of Sales, joins the show to break down all the latest updates and provide an inside look at what’s happening within the Crowned Heads and OZ Family Cigars brands.

What makes Juan, “Juan?” Have you ever wondered about that? Juan Cancel is one of the most intriguing figures in the cigar industry. Before founding Protocol Cigars (also known as Cubariqueño), his life was shaped by a series of events that molded him into the man he is today. In this episode, we’ll uncover the journey that crafted the one and only Juan Cancel.