#ELOsoFumarTakes

 

We’re bringing back special guest Tripp Waldrop from Let’s Get Pairing for the SECOND YEAR IN A ROW to talk all things FOOD from PCA 2026 in New Orleans!

 

Because honestly…

 

“We came, we saw, we smoked… but somewhere between the cigars and cocktails, we accidentally ate our way through New Orleans.”

From late-night bites to unforgettable meals, insane pairings, PCA food finds, and stories that probably should’ve stayed on Bourbon Street… we’re covering it all tonight.

 

Cigars

Food

Pairings

PCA 2026 stories

Absolute chaos

 

Grab a cigar, pour a drink, and come hungry.

#ELOsoFumarTakes #Take362

The NEW era of Drew Estate is officially here — and we’re breaking it all down with Javier Largaespada.

From the opening of the legendary J. Sann & Son Cigar Experience in Wynwood… to a brand-new factory in the Dominican Republic… to Drew Estate growing its OWN tobacco for the very first time in company history — the game is changing.

And yes… we’re diving deep into the creation of the latest Undercrown El Tigre release. While it’s been a full team effort, Javier played a major role in bringing this powerhouse project to life.

This is more than just cigars — this is the evolution of one of the most influential brands in the industry.

Javier’s story.

The future of Drew Estate.

Behind-the-scenes insight you won’t hear anywhere else.

Tap in for one hell of a conversation.

#DrewEstate #Undercrown #ElTigre #CigarCulture #PremiumCigars #Wynwood #DominicanRepublic #JavierLargaespada #CigarPodcast #CigarLife #LuxuryLifestyle #BOTL #SOTL #Take362

We’re back from PCA and bringing the energy straight out of New Orleans with a special episode: “One Vibe of New Orleans.”

This episode, we’re keeping it raw and real—fresh off the show floor. We’re lighting up cigars we haven’t smoked yet, breaking them down live, and running through the moments that defined the week. The hits, the misses, the unexpected standouts… and the one moments that stuck with us long after the smoke cleared. Here’s the Catch - we can only give ONE answer to EVERYTHING.

From unforgettable stops to the experiences that shaped the trip, this one’s all about capturing that one vibe that only New Orleans delivers. Tap in live, drop your takes, and let’s talk about what really mattered. One Vibe at a Time!

#Cigars #PCA2026 #CigarCulture #LiveShow #NewOrleans 

#ELOsoFumarTakes #360thTake  

 

We’re back with another deep-dive, no-filter conversation—this one’s for the true cigar culture heads.

 

Special Guest: William Cooper of Cigar Coop

From 15 years of trade show experience, we’re diving into what hasn’t changed, the relationships that have evolved, the companies we miss, and the ones still just out of reach—plus pre-show predictions, hits, misses, and moments that didn’t age quite as planned. We’ll also step beyond cigars into the stories of New Orleans and Las Vegas, along with memorable booth smokes, shifting Vegas traditions, and a wildcard question that might flip the whole conversation. Tap in live and bring your takes.

#ELOsoFumarTakes #359thTake – LIVE TOMORROW NIGHT

 

Brandon Oveson and Kendrick Woolstenhulme didn’t just start a cigar company… they built a brand rooted in identity, conviction, and a story that challenges the norm. From Utah to the Dominican Republic, their journey—and their cigars—are anything but ordinary.

 

This episode dives into:

– The story behind Apostate

– What it really takes to build a brand that stands for something

– The mindset behind their blends and bold identity

 

If you appreciate great cigars and even better stories, this one’s for you.

 

Pour a drink. Light something special.

 

#ELOsoFumarTakes #Cigars #ApostateCigars #LiveShow #BoutiqueCigars #CigarLife

#ELOsoFumarTakes #358th Take

This one’s got some serious afterburners.

We’re celebrating the 40th anniversary of Top Gun — the film that defined cool for a generation and still hits just as hard today. From high-octane dogfights to unforgettable one-liners, it’s time to buzz the tower all over again.

Joining me for this special episode:

Returning guest Fred Rewey — Co-Publisher & Co-Owner of Cigar Press, fellow cinephile, and certified man about town

First-time contributor — my brother Shawn Flores (aka Jonas Walker Zombie), bringing fresh takes and absolute heat

We’re talking:

Cigars worthy of Maverick himself

Why Top Gun still dominates pop culture 40 years later

Favorite scenes, underrated moments, and legacy impact

And a few takes that might just go supersonic

So throw on your aviators, light something special, and join us as we break down a true classic.

“I feel the need… the need for speed.”

#TopGun #CigarCulture #MovieTalk #Cinephiles #PodcastLife #Maverick #ELOsoFumarTakes

#ELOsoFumarTakes #357thTake

 

This week we welcomes the return of special guest — Casey Haugen of Crux Cigars — for a deep dive into one of the boutique brands that has quietly built a loyal following among cigar smokers.

 

Founded in 2014 by Jeff and Casey Haugen, Crux Cigars was born from a passion for premium tobacco and the pursuit of crafting cigars that balance tradition, quality, and a unique smoking experience.  From blends like Bull & Bear and Epicure to their annual Limitada releases, the brand has earned recognition for its craftsmanship and carefully sourced tobaccos produced in Nicaragua. 

 

On this episode we’ll talk about the evolution of the Crux brand, the philosophy behind “finding your crux,” the stories behind some of their blends, and what it takes to build a boutique cigar company in today’s industry. Expect plenty of cigar talk, industry insights, and a few stories you probably haven’t heard before.

Grab a cigar, pour a drink, and join us for #357thTake.

 

#ELOsoFumarTakes #CruxCigars #FindYourCrux #PremiumCigars #CigarPodcast #BoutiqueCigars

#ELOsoFumarTakes #356thTake

This week, we’re honored to welcome a next-generation voice in premium cigars — Litto Gomez Jr., son of founder Litto Gomez and Vice President of Sales at La Flor Dominicana.

From the tobacco fields of the Dominican Republic to the boardroom — and back to the blending table — Litto Jr. is helping shape the future of one of the most respected boutique cigar houses in the world.

 

We’ll dive into:

• His journey growing up inside LFD and stepping into leadership

• The story behind blending Solis — a deeply personal project that challenged him to define his own palate

• How LFD is redefining full-flavor, medium-bodied cigars without sacrificing strength

• Why staying family-owned, hands-on, and quality-driven still matters in a world chasing scale

• What’s next for LFD as the torch is passed to the next generation

 

Founded in 1994, LFD built its name by doing things differently — growing its own tobacco, embracing bold profiles, and making decisions the old-school way… often over coffee at the family table. Now, the legacy continues with a new perspective grounded in tradition.

 

If you appreciate cigars with power, purpose, and personality — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Tap in. Light up. Let’s take it deeper.

 

#ELOsoFumarTakes #356thTake #LaFlorDominicana #LFD #BoutiqueCigars #FamilyLegacy

#ELOsoFumarTakes – #355thTake

 

You watched the climb in #353rdTake… now it’s time for the summit reveal.

Part 2 of our epic blind tasting with George Brightman is here — and this is where everything gets exposed. The bands come back on. The Limited Editions are revealed. Rankings are defended (or regretted).

Did the Sherpa get it right?

Were the shockers surprising to you?

Did hype survive the blind?

Host Bear Duplisea faces the music as the identities behind those 15 cigars finally come to light. Expect reactions, recalculations, and a few “I can’t believe that was…” moments.

Light up what you think you know… and join us for the reveal.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY SMOKE SESSION

It’s #ELOsoFumarTakes #354thTake and we’re doing it BIG for game day.

Joining me is fellow Cigar Coop Coalition member and the all-time appearances record holder himself — Tripp Waldrop of Let’s Get Pairing

The mission: pairing classic Super Bowl snacks with the right cigars.

Wings. Nachos. Sliders. Maybe something unexpected.

The question is… what are you lighting up when kickoff hits?

This one’s part cigar talk, part food debate, part absolute nonsense — exactly how Super Bowl Sunday should be.

Grab your favorite stick, stock the snacks, and lock in.

#ELOsoFumarTakes #354thTake #LetsGetPairing #CigarCoop #SuperBowlSunday #CigarPairing #GameDaySmokes #LongAshShortYard