Not A Cigar Show*

Fred Rewey
  • 5.0 (1)
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  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Not A Cigar Show is exactly what it sounds like—except when it isn’t. 🎙️ Sure, we talk cigars, but this isn’t your typical lounge chat. It’s part interview, part storytelling, part chaos—with industry legends, brand builders, and the characters who make the cigar world what it is. From behind-the-scenes stories and bold opinions to offbeat humor and unexpected detours, every episode brings you closer to the culture, creativity, and community that light up the premium cigar world. Whether you’re here for the tobacco talk or just the banter, you’ll find a seat at the table. Because this isn’t just about cigars—it’s about the people who smoke them. Visit more on CigarPress.com *Ok, maybe it is a little bit about cigars.

  1. 8H AGO

    Black Label’s James Brown on Cigars and Creativity | Not A Cigar Show

    James Brown of Black Label Trading Company and Black Works Studio joins Fred Rewey on Not A Cigar Show for a deep conversation about blending, branding, artwork, factories, tobacco, and why some cigar smokers still refuse to try a petite corona. This episode goes far beyond “tell us about the new release.” James talks about his path from the wine industry and hospitality to running cigar expeditions through Central America before eventually building Oveja Negra Factory in Nicaragua. He explains how Black Label grew organically from cigars he originally made for expedition guests, and why controlling every step of production completely changed the company. Fred and James also get into: • The difference between Black Label Trading Company and Black Works Studio • Why owning a factory matters • The challenge of consistency across vitolas • Why strength and complexity are not the same thing • How cigar branding became part lifestyle brand and part underground art project • Candela wrappers, broadleaf experiments, and blending philosophy • Food, travel, New York restaurants, and life in Nicaragua One of the most interesting parts of the conversation is hearing James explain how a cigar blend and artwork evolve together. For him, the cigar has to tell a story before the artwork even begins. If you enjoy cigars, art, branding, or the creative side of boutique cigar making, this is one of the most insightful episodes we’ve done.

    1h 1m

  2. MAY 13

    David Lafferty on Not A Cigar Show | The Real Cigar Industry Grind

    David Lafferty from Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust joins Fred Rewey for one of the most honest episodes of Not A Cigar Show yet. This episode pulls back the curtain on what the cigar industry really looks like beyond the social media photos, cigar dinners, trade shows, and lounge culture. David talks openly about life on the road, sales pressure, retailers, brokers, burnout, consumer expectations, brand building, and why most people who think they want to work in cigars probably should not. Topics include: • The reality of working in cigar sales • Drew Estate in the early Liga Privada days • Nat Sherman and luxury retail culture • Building Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust • Why some cigar shops fail with premium brands • Social media, influencers, and cigar culture • What separates good reps from bad reps • The grind of trade shows and constant travel • Steve Saka then vs now • The weirdest cigar event stories David can publicly tell If you’ve ever wondered what the cigar industry is really like behind the scenes, this is the episode.

    1h 7m

  3. MAR 18

    Tim Ozgener on Legacy, Leaving, and Coming Back - Not A Cigar Show

    Tim Ozgener grew up in the cigar industry, helped build CAO, walked away, then came back to start Oz Family Cigars. In this episode we talk about legacy, starting over, blending philosophy, and what cigar smokers never see behind the scenes. We also get into how the industry has changed, why today’s consumers are more educated, and what Tim focuses on when building a modern cigar brand. If you want insight from someone who has seen the cigar business from the inside for decades, this is a conversation worth watching. Topics include: • Growing up in the CAO family business • What brought him back • Building Oz Family Cigars • The story behind Karatoba Subscribe for more episodes of Not A Cigar Show. #Cigars #CigarPodcast #TimOzgener #CigarIndustry #NotACigarShow

    54 min

  4. MAR 4

    Litto Gomez Jr. Talks LFD Legacy and What Comes Next on Not A Cigar Show.

    More Than Litto’s Son: Litto Gomez Jr. on Pressure, Growth, and the Future of LFD. Legacy gets thrown around a lot in this business. Usually, it comes with soft lighting and a rehearsed answer. This one does not. Litto Gomez Jr. jumps in and talks about pressure, proving yourself when your last name is already on the wall, and why protecting quality at La Flor Dominicana matters more than chasing growth. We cover farm dirt, factory chaos, retail reality, and a few cigars you probably forgot you love.

    1 hr

  5. FEB 25

    Jason Wood, Outcast, and Breaking the Family Playbook : Not A Cigar Show

    Jason Wood from Miami Cigar and Outcast Cigars joins Fred Rewey for a conversation that goes well beyond a product pitch. They dig into the real origin of Tatiana, what it was like coming into a legacy cigar family without even being a smoker, and the lesson Jason learned the hard way about staying out of a master blender’s kitchen. They also break down Outcast Cigars, a pipe-tobacco-forward blend that confuses some smokers and wins over others, and why education matters when you put something different on the shelf. Add in legislation worries, industry shifts, family travel stories, and a few honest mistakes, and you get an episode that feels less like an interview and more like a behind-the-scenes look at how a modern cigar company survives and evolves.

    55 min

  6. FEB 11

    Not A Cigar Show: Daniel Lance on Farms, Factory, and Domain Cigars

    Daniel Lance co-founded Domain Cigars, and he did it the hard way. No family legacy. No shortcut factory tour that turns into a brand launch. He put in nearly two decades of retail work, then moved to Nicaragua, then went all-in on building a vertically integrated operation from farms to factory to finished cigars. We get into what retail teaches you, why Domain tracks the details most brands ignore, and how “consistency” stops being a buzzword when you own the entire process. We also talk about the science-heavy cigar names, the philosophy behind them, and why Daniel would rather give you an English word you still can’t pronounce. If you like behind-the-scenes cigar talk, factory reality, and a guest who can explain ammonia metering without putting you to sleep, you’re in the right place.

    1h 8m

  7. FEB 4

    Law Ream Says the Quiet Parts Out Loud on Not A Cigar Show

    Law Ream of Camacho joins Not A Cigar Show for a conversation that moves fast and pulls no punches. We talk cigars, the industry, and the stuff most people only complain about after the cameras are off. Expect strong opinions, honest answers, and more than a few moments that drift into dangerous territory. This episode does not chase headlines or talking points. It chases reality. Some of it is uncomfortable. Most of it is accurate. You will learn something. You might disagree with something. That is kind of the point. If you like cigars, blunt conversations, and watching a show flirt with chaos, light one up and hit play.

    1 hr

  8. 12/03/2025

    Steve Saka Drops Truth Bombs on Not A Cigar Show

    Steve Saka joins Not A Cigar Show for an episode that refuses to stay on the rails. You get real talk, sharp opinions, and the kind of cigar knowledge only Saka can drop. We cover blending, bad ideas, and a few things we probably wish we had not said out loud. You will walk away smarter and maybe a little tired. If you enjoy cigars, sarcasm, or watching grown adults lose control of their own show, you are in the right place. Grab a cigar and jump in.

    1h 31m
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About

Not A Cigar Show is exactly what it sounds like—except when it isn’t. 🎙️ Sure, we talk cigars, but this isn’t your typical lounge chat. It’s part interview, part storytelling, part chaos—with industry legends, brand builders, and the characters who make the cigar world what it is. From behind-the-scenes stories and bold opinions to offbeat humor and unexpected detours, every episode brings you closer to the culture, creativity, and community that light up the premium cigar world. Whether you’re here for the tobacco talk or just the banter, you’ll find a seat at the table. Because this isn’t just about cigars—it’s about the people who smoke them. Visit more on CigarPress.com *Ok, maybe it is a little bit about cigars.

Information

  • Creator
    Fred Rewey
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Not A Cigar Show*

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