Deep Cuts Live

deepcutslive
  • 3.7 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Semiweekly

DEEP CUTS LIVE is a series featuring candid conversations and interviews with entrepreneurs and innovators.

  1. 2d ago

    Nicholas Perdomo III on Family, Legacy & the Future of Perdomo Cigars

    Episode 171 of Deep Cuts Live features Nicholas Perdomo III for an in-depth conversation about family, craftsmanship, and carrying one of the premium cigar industry's most recognizable names into the future. Host Antoine Reid sits down with Nicholas at Perdomo's factory in Nicaragua to discuss what it's like growing up in a family business, learning directly from Nick Perdomo Jr., and preparing to lead a company built on three decades of relationships, quality, and consistency. In this episode, Nicholas discusses: * Growing up inside Perdomo Cigars * Why relationships remain the foundation of the cigar business * The upcoming Perdomo Challenge sampler and consumer tasting initiative * The story behind Perdomo Legacy: Father & Son * Developing new cigar blends and packaging * Why Perdomo releases fewer cigars than many competitors * Launching the Perdomo Podcast and educating consumers * The importance of family in shaping the Perdomo brand * What today's younger cigar smokers are looking for * His vision for the future of Perdomo Cigars The conversation also explores factory expansion in Nicaragua, consumer engagement, social media, cigar education, and why Nicholas believes the next generation of cigar smokers wants more than just a great cigar—they want to know the people behind the brand. Whether you're a longtime Perdomo fan, a retailer, or someone interested in the business of premium cigars, Episode 171 offers a thoughtful look at what it means to protect a family legacy while continuing to innovate. Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. ============================================= Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates. ============================================= Website: deepcutslive.com YouTube: youtube.com/deepcutslive Instagram: instagram.com/deep_cuts_live

  2. Jul 17

    Inside AVO Cigars: Garrison Davis on the Brand's Biggest Evolution in Years

    Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with episode 170, featuring special guest Garrison Davis, Brand Ambassador for AVO Cigars. This is a conversation about legacy, innovation, and one of the most significant moments in the brand's nearly 40-year history. Host Antoine Reid sits down with Garrison to discuss his unlikely path from banking and finance into the premium cigar industry, what it means to represent one of the world's most respected cigar companies, and how AVO is introducing a new generation of smokers to its music-inspired heritage. In this episode, Garrison discusses: * His journey from finance to becoming an AVO Brand Ambassador * The remarkable story of Avo Uvezian and the origins of AVO Cigars * Why music has always been at the heart of the AVO brand * How Davidoff has evolved AVO while honoring its founder's legacy * The launch of the new AVO Expresivo * Why AVO produced its first-ever Honduran-made core line cigar * Pairing premium cigars with cocktails and creating memorable experiences * What younger cigar smokers are looking for today * Retail merchandising strategies that help premium cigars stand out * The future direction of AVO Cigars The conversation also explores how premium cigar brands must balance tradition with innovation, why storytelling matters more than ever, and what it takes to introduce a legacy brand to a new generation of consumers. Whether you're an AVO fan, a Davidoff enthusiast, retailer, or simply interested in the business behind premium cigars, Episode 170 offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the industry's most respected brands—and where it's headed next. ============================================= Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates. ============================================= Website: deepcutslive.com YouTube: youtube.com/deepcutslive Instagram: instagram.com/deep_cuts_live

  3. Jul 17

    Inside Villiger Cigars: René Castañeda on Trends, Tobacco & Building a 130-Year Legacy

    Episode 169 of Deep Cuts Live features a conversation with René Castañeda, President of Villiger Cigars North America, for an in-depth look at one of the oldest names in premium tobacco—and the strategy behind its growing presence in the U.S. market. Host Antoine Reid sits down with René to discuss Villiger's 130-plus-year history, the company's transition from a machine-made cigar powerhouse to a respected premium cigar manufacturer, and how opening its own factory in Nicaragua has helped shape a new identity for the brand. In this episode, René discusses: • The history and evolution of Villiger Cigars • Why the company invested in its own Nicaragua factory • Current premium cigar trends and changing consumer preferences • The growing importance of packaging and shelf appeal • The stories behind the Villiger 1888 San Andrés and La Capitana • Why flavor and balance are replacing nicotine strength as a priority • How tariffs affected Villiger's business and the decision to skip the 2026 PCA Trade Show • The future of Villiger under new CEO Christoph Schoup • Building a premium cigar brand designed for the long term—not just the next trend The conversation also explores René's philosophy on leadership, product development, and why the goal isn't to create the "cigar of the month," but to earn a permanent place in every smoker's regular rotation. Whether you're a retailer, cigar enthusiast, or simply interested in the business behind premium cigars, this episode offers a thoughtful look at craftsmanship, strategy, and one of the industry's most enduring family-owned companies. ============================================= Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates. ============================================= Website: deepcutslive.com YouTube: youtube.com/deepcutslive Instagram: instagram.com/deep_cuts_live

  4. Jul 2

    Laurel Tilley on AJ Fernandez, Amar & What Makes a Great Cigar Brand | Deep Cuts Live, Episode 168

    Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with episode 168, featuring special guest Laurel Tilley of AJ Fernandez Cigars for a wide-ranging conversation on branding, retail, events, tobacco, and the evolution of one of the premium cigar industry's most influential companies. Host Antoine Reid sits down with Laurel to discuss her journey from retail tobacconist to brand ambassador and brand development specialist, as well as the lessons she's learned from more than 15 years in the premium cigar industry. In this episode, Laurel shares: * How she got her start in the cigar industry * The transition from General Cigar to AJ Fernandez Cigars * Why cigar events have changed dramatically over the past decade * The challenges of marketing premium cigars in today's digital landscape * What makes AJ Fernandez different from other cigar manufacturers * The importance of Nicaraguan tobacco and AJ's blending philosophy * How contract manufacturing influences the cigar industry * The story behind Amar, AJ Fernandez's newest release * The impact of the 2025 factory fire and the industry's response * What retailers should know about the AJ Fernandez portfolio The conversation also explores company culture, career development, storytelling in cigar marketing, and why AJ Fernandez remains one of the most hands-on figures in premium tobacco today. Whether you're a retailer, cigar enthusiast, or someone interested in the business side of premium cigars, this episode provides an inside look at the people, products, and philosophies driving one of the industry's most respected manufacturers. Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping premium cigars. ============================================= Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates. ============================================= Website: deepcutslive.com YouTube: youtube.com/deepcutslive Instagram: instagram.com/deep_cuts_live Facebook: facebook.com/deepcutslive

  5. Jun 4

    Inside Drew Estate: Javier Largaespada on Deadwood Dominicana, El Tigre & J.Sann and Son

    Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with episode 166, an inside look at one of the premium cigar industry’s most recognizable companies. Host Antoine Reid sits down with Javier Largaespada of Drew Estate for a conversation about digital marketing, cigar culture, brand storytelling, and what’s next for Drew Estate following a major year of new projects and releases. In this episode, Javier shares his journey from answering phones and handling lunch orders at Drew Estate to becoming part of the company’s digital marketing team. The discussion explores how Drew Estate approaches branding, consumer engagement, event culture, and social media within the heavily restricted world of premium tobacco marketing. The conversation also dives deep into several major Drew Estate projects and announcements, including: * Deadwood Dominicana Buenos Noches * Undercrown El Tigre * Drew Dominicana * J.Sann & Son * Metallica collaboration merchandise * Barn Smoker and Down With the Crown events Javier also reflects on Drew Estate’s visual identity, the influence of art and graffiti on the company’s culture, and how Jonathan Drew continues to shape the brand’s evolution more than 30 years after the company’s founding. Whether you’re interested in cigar marketing, premium cigar culture, event experiences, or the future direction of Drew Estate, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes perspective from someone helping shape the company’s digital voice. Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. ============================================= Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates. ============================================= Website: deepcutslive.com YouTube: youtube.com/deepcutslive Instagram: instagram.com/deep_cuts_live Facebook: facebook.com/deepcutslive

  6. Jun 4

    From Influencer to Brand Owner: Ibis Luis on Pangea Cigars & Building Trust in Cigars

    Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with a conversation featuring one of the most recognizable voices in premium cigar social media. Host Antoine Reid sits down with Ibis Luis, better known to many as @CigarLover12, to discuss her journey from retail tobacconist and cigar educator to co-founder of Pangea Cigars. What began as a passion for cigars evolved into a career built on education, trust, and authentic engagement with cigar enthusiasts around the world. In this episode, Ibis shares: * How she first discovered premium cigars * The books, experiences, and mentors that shaped her cigar knowledge * Why she believes trust is more important than followers * Her thoughts on cigar ratings and reviews * The growth of Cigar Lover 12 on social media * Launching Pangea Cigars with her business partner * Working with master blender Indiana Ortez * Why education remains critical for retailers and consumers * How social media is changing the premium cigar industry The conversation also explores the importance of consistency, authenticity, and staying connected to the people who grow, blend, and manufacture premium cigars. Whether you're a retailer, cigar enthusiast, content creator, or aspiring brand owner, this episode offers valuable insights into building credibility and creating meaningful connections in the cigar industry. Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping premium cigars. ============================================= Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates. ============================================= Website: deepcutslive.com YouTube: youtube.com/deepcutslive Instagram: instagram.com/deep_cuts_live Facebook: facebook.com/deepcutslive

  7. May 14

    Justin Andrews on Diesel Cigars, STG & the Evolution of Cigar Collaborations | Deep Cuts Live, Episode #165

    Deep Curts Live host Antoine Reid sits down with Scandinavian Tobacco Group's Justin Andrews to explore his journey from eastern North Carolina tobacco country to helping shape some of the cigar industry’s biggest brands and collaborations. From contract manufacturing and blending to Diesel Cigars and industry partnerships, this episode offers an inside look at how modern premium cigar brands are built behind the scenes. In this episode, Justin discusses: Growing up in a tobacco farming family in North Carolina Learning cigar production firsthand in Nicaragua The evolution of cigar marketing and social media restrictions How collaborations changed the premium cigar landscape Building and evolving the Diesel Cigars brand Why construction, consistency, and balance matter in blending The realities of working across factories in Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic Justin also reflects on some of STG’s most impactful projects, including collaborations with brands like Espinosa, Room101, Caldwell, and Illusione, while sharing how Diesel evolved from an online catalog brand into one of the industry’s most respected Nicaraguan-focused portfolios. Whether you’re interested in cigar blending, brand development, factory operations, or the business side of premium cigars, this episode delivers an honest look at the work happening behind the curtain of the modern cigar industry.

  8. May 6

    Robin Blue, Blue Smoke ATL | Deep Cuts Live, Episode #164

    Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with the return of Robin James, founder of Blue Smoke ATL, for a conversation on creativity, entrepreneurship, and carving out a unique lane within the premium cigar industry. Robin’s work sits at the intersection of function and design—handcrafting cigar pokers that double as statement pieces. In this episode, she shares how a simple idea turned into a growing business, evolving from direct-to-consumer sales to retail, wholesale, and distribution channels. The conversation explores: * The creative process behind designing custom cigar accessories * How COVID-era demand accelerated early business growth * The shift from individual sales to retail and wholesale expansion * Challenges marketing cigar-related products in a restricted social media environment * Why in-person experiences still outperform digital when it comes to product discovery * Building a brand through relationships, consistency, and word-of-mouth Robin also discusses her plans to expand Blue Smoke ATL into a broader accessory line, while reflecting on what it means to stay adaptable in an industry that continues to evolve. This episode offers a different perspective on the cigar business—one rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and solving overlooked problems in the smoking experience. ============================================= Subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more conversations with the people shaping the premium cigar industry. Visit deepcutslive.com for more episodes and updates. ============================================= Website: deepcutslive.com YouTube: youtube.com/deepcutslive Instagram: instagram.com/deep_cuts_live Facebook: facebook.com/deepcutslive

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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

DEEP CUTS LIVE is a series featuring candid conversations and interviews with entrepreneurs and innovators.

Information

  • Creator
    deepcutslive
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Deep Cuts Live