The Cigar Pulpit
The Cigar Pulpit is a podcast for cigar enthusiasts, hosted by the Bishop of the Burn and Gator. Each episode covers cigar news, reviews, interviews, and more, presented in a relaxed lounge-style atmosphere. The show invites guests to join the conversation and share their passion for cigars.
Episodes
Ask the Pulpit: What's Wrong with Crinkle Fries?
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick takes to the phone line and listens to your calls in another Ask the Pulpit episode.
After lighting up an LFD Oro Churchill, Nick addresses such topics as PulpitFest, drinks that he pairs with cigars, and more. He also gets into a debate with Boots about crinkle cut fries and why they are a legitimate type of french fry.
Find out what Nick
The Impact of PulpitFest
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick fires up an Aladino Gorbusto Chimp and discusses the final day of PulpitFest and the impact the event had.
We hear from Erica Flores, founder and executive director of Vincent's Clubhouse, to find out how the organization did overall. Did we beat last year's fundraising total of $5,000???
From there we talk with Ash & Ale Lounge Owner Ke
Live from PulpitFest 2026!!!
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, it's PulpitFest 2026!!!
Nick sits down in the comfort of the air conditioning of Vincent's Clubhouse and talks about the event and all of the festivities with a rotating group of attendees and guests. We also hear from Ash & Ale Cigar Lounge Owner Kenn Klarich, Aladino Sales Director Trey Mac Shipley, and Nick's Dad Jim.
This episode was reco
Curmudgeon's Corner with Ed and Jim
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by professional curmudgeons Ed Sullivan and his dad, Jim. The three light up and smoked Ed's personal cigar crafted as part of the JC Newman Personal Reserve blending program for his 65th birthday. They talk all about the program and what is involved. They also touch on the recent New England Cigar Expo, competitive eating challeng
Ask the Pulpit: Habits, Cell Phones, and Ranch Dressing
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is gearing up for PulpitFest this week and takes to the phone line to listen to your calls in an Ask the Pulpit show.
You guys had lots to say about a variety of subjects ranging from how you pick out what cigar you're going to smoke, cellphones in cigar lounges and how they impact the environment, ranch dressing, and lots more. We also get
Are Cell Phones Ruining Cigar Lounges?
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick discusses a recent column he read in Cigar Press magazine about whether or not cell phones are ruining cigar lounges. Nick details the column and its perspective and then gives his thoughts on the matter.
What do you think? Should cell phones be kept out of lounges or is this just a tempest in a teapot?
Find out what Nick has been watching
PulpitFest and Ranch Dressing with Mike Brinker
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Mike Brinker to catch up and smoke a cigar. The guys fire up the West Tampa Tobacco Devil Crab and discuss a variety of topics.
Mike is coming to his first PulpitFest and has some questions for Nick about what will be taking place. We did the PulpitFest preview last episode but you'll get some more details in this one!
And we al
Your PulpitFest '26 Preview!
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Jim and Kenn to preview this year's PulpitFest, taking place October 1-4 in Palm Coast, Florida. The guys give a full rundown of the schedule, discuss some of the changes taking place, and answer a variety of questions they've been asked about this year's event. If you're attending PulpitFest, you won't want to miss this episode
Mail calls and phone calls
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick goes over some fun items he received in the mail lately as well as takes some of your calls!
First up, its that time of year again... Bricktoberfest! The folks at JC Newman were kind enough to send over some of their Bricktoberfest cigars as well as one of the painted steins they're giving away with the purchase of ten or more Brick House ci
How do you figure out what to smoke?
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick lights up the Perdomo Legacy Father & Son Connecticut and asks you how you decide what to smoke.
Nick gives a bit of insight into how he picks out a cigar these days, including what types of tobacco he may or may not be into right now. He details some of his recent "go-to" cigars and what factors influence what cigar he wants to smoke a
Giving your palate a rest
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is back at maybe 90-95% and is enjoying a Powstanie Connecticut Corona gifted to him by Ed Sullivan.
We discuss the importance of taking time every once in a while to give your palate a few days off from cigars. We talk about what happens during those days and why it may result in a much more enjoyable smoking experience for you.
From there
Remembering Lars Tetens
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is still under the weather and isn't smoking, but he's here for a bit today.
We take a moment to remember the guy who really revolutionized flavored and infused cigars, Lars Tetens, who passed away on Wednesday. Nick details a bit about Lars's life and tells the story of how he almost interviewed Lars for the podcast back in 2020.
Find out N
A Brief Show Update
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is under the weather and gives a brief show update letting you all know he'll be back with a full episode on Friday.
In the meantime, check out some of the recent episodes you may have missed.
Take care!
Get your calls in for Ask the Pulpit at (863)874-0000. Or email your comments to Nick@CigarPulpit.com!
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For all you
Does Terminology Matter in Cigars?
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is back home and smoking a West Tampa Tobacco Black and doing a bit of random housekeeping.
He details a bit about his trip and some of the work related headaches he came home to. Then relays a bit of what he heard from some cigar related folks while in Florida.
From there, we head to the phone lines for what is turning into a regular Frida
Creating an Exclusive Blend with Kenn Klarich
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino (mobile) studios, Nick is joined by Kenn Klarich, owner of the Ash & Ale Cigar Lounge, to discuss the process of making his exclusive blend cigars. Kenn discusses how the project came to be, some of the different steps of the process, how the various vitolas were chosen, and more.
We also touch on the upcoming PulpitFest a bit too!
Find out what we'v
Ask the Pulpit: Nick had cats???
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick fires up a Schöelen Dunkel and takes your calls on another Ask the Pulpit.
This time you guys have some thoughts about the million dollars a day question posed last week by Braden, a few more seventh anniversary shout outs, and more. And Shawn apparently was taken aback realizing that Nick had previously had cats?
Find out what Nick has been
Catching up with Trey Mac
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Aladino Sales Director Trey Mac Shipley to have a nice chat. Nick fires up a few different cigars, starting with the Aladino Lounge Exclusive, while Trey Mac catches us up on a few items related to the company.
But from there the guys dive into sports and some different thoughts surrounding the importance of and the need for spo
Seventh Anniversary Celebration part 2
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick continues to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the podcast with a special Ask the Pulpit episode. He takes to the phone lines to hear your favorite moments from the show and to learn how you came to listen to the Pulpit.
Nick smokes two cigars this episode, the Aladino Corojo and the Villiger 1888 San Andres, and reminisces about past mo
Seventh Anniversary Celebration part one
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick begins celebrating the shows seventh anniversary. He fires up a Plasencia Alma Del Cielo and reminisces a bit about the start of the show, what it was in concept at the beginning, and what it has evolved into.
From there Nick covers seven lessons he's learned about podcasting since starting the show in August 2019. For those of you intereste
Recapping the Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival with Shawn
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Shawn Beaudry who discusses his recent trip to the Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival.
The guys light up the Chef Rick from West Tampa Tobacco and talk about the previously-Colorado- now-Wyoming based cigar event. Shawn compares the one this year to previous ones he's been to and details what attendees can expect.
The conversation
Catching up on your Ask the Pulpit calls!
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is catching up on your Ask the Pulpit calls!
You all called in regarding a variety of topics again, ranging from the Great Rocky debate, to a four pack of cigars for grizzled veteran smokers, to the purpose of mosquitos, and the warping of space time and the creation of inter-dimensional portals. Needless to say you had a lot to talk about!
Touring the Louisville Cigar Company
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick travels to Louisville Kentucky and visits with Josh Pickett, owner of the Louisville Cigar Company. The guys sit down and light up the Aladino 250th and discuss Josh's shop, his efforts to change the laws to allow for indoor cigar smoking, and so much more. The guys also discuss the various aspects that go into creating a nice lounge and the
Cigars, Whiskey, and Community with Jeff Endrizzi
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Parishioner Jeff Endrizzi joins Nick live and in person in the studio to have a chat and smoke a cigar. They guys dug through Nick's humidor and found some old Nat Sherman Joel Sherman 75th Anniversary lanceros to enjoy.
They discuss the cigar community, whiskey, doing cigar reviews, cigar events, and much more.
And make sure you listen during
Set Sail for Cigars with Puff at Sea
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Art Brooks who owns Puff at Sea, a cigar cruise experience. Art details his business and how he partners with well known cruise lines to provide a cigar-based cruise vacation experience for cigar lovers. Learn how he got into this, some of the options available, and much more.
Find out a podcast Nick has been listening to latel
New Cigars, the World Cup, and more with René Castañeda of Villiger
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by President of Villiger North America René Castañeda to light up the new 1888 San Andres.
The guys discuss the new cigar, get into some of the challenges the company has faced since last year, PCA, the Parishioner Zoom Herfs, and some things Villiger smokers can look forward to coming up. They also discuss PulpitFest and Villiger'
Couldn't Rocky just punch the mosquitoes away?
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick takes to the phone lines yet again for another Ask the Pulpit! This time we touch on variety of topics including the quality of Rocky 5 and where it ranks amongst the Rocky movies, a cigar lounge rising from the dead and getting new life in a new location, the struggles of craft beer and how it mirrors the struggles the cigar industry is fac
Mid-Year State of the Industry Update
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick brings you a mid-year state of the cigar industry update. He's been hearing from his network of rep and retailer friends over the past few weeks as the close of the second quarter of the year approached and passed by, and he's compiled anecdotal stories along with import data to paint a picture of the current state of the cigar industry as h
The GIANT SIZE Ask the Pulpit Show!
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick takes to the phone lines to listen to your calls in a GIANT SIZE Ask the Pulpit episode! He's been asking for your calls to help keep the two shows a week schedule through the summer and you all keep coming through!
We address more nicknames and sampler packs, Seinfeld, World Cup, the Parishioner Zoom Herfs, PulpitFest, and so much more! We
Overlooked Cigar Brands with Mike Brinker
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Mike Brinker to discuss some cigar brands that maybe don't get love often enough but are quietly out there putting out good cigars. The guys discuss some of them and also go down a rabbit hole wondering what may be happening with a few other brands we don't hear from much.
During the Villiger Cigars Entertainment Report, hear w
Mid-Year 2026 Death Prediction Check-In
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Noah Zeleznik to do a mid-year celebrity death check in. We recap those we lost in the first six months of 2026 and review our predictions made at the end of 2025. Did we predict any correctly? Do we stand by our predictions for the back half of the year?
All this while smoking some Aging Room cigars!
Find out what we've been wa
Retailers: Stock more than just singles
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick details some issues he had this week trying to get some budget friendly cigars in a bundle and how some retailers need to learn to stock more than just singles. Going through the story, Nick details the importance of having a variety of purchase options available for consumers, because you never know who might be walking in looking to drop m
Ask the Pulpit: More Sidepieces and Samplers
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick goes back to the phone lines for another Ask the Pulpit. While smoking a Diamond Crown Tampa, Nick thanks everyone for calling as it has been a huge help during the busy summertime. Truthfully, your calls are what is allowing him to keep going twice a week, so keep the calls coming!
We discuss such topics as the mystery of the origin of the
A PulpitFest Ticket Announcement!
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by his dad Jim and Kenn Klarich of the Ash & Ale Lounge to announce that PulpitFest 2026 tickets are on sale. The guys discuss the event and some of the planning going into it, designed to make this year's event fun and a little different than last year's.
And we announce a special guest that will be at the VIP dinner and Frid
Ask the Pulpit: Nicknames, World Cup, and Constructive Criticism
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick takes more of your calls in another Ask the Pulpit episode. He lights up a Herrera Esteli Habano and covers such topics as dad jokes, nicknames, some constructive criticism of the show, and more. We also hear some of your pack ideas for beginners looking to get into cigars and there were some fantastic suggestions!
During the Villiger Cigars
Four cigars I'd give to a beginner
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, are you thinking about getting into cigars but not sure where to start? Or maybe you have a friend who's curious about the hobby and you're wondering what cigars to hand them first?
Nick builds the ultimate beginner cigar sampler and breaks down the four cigars he'd recommend to help a new smoker learn about the world of premium cigars. Along the
The Sliding Scale of the Age of Legality
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, after an extended weekend with his son, Nick is thankful you guys called in and gave him something to talk about on another Ask the Pulpit episode!
Nick takes your calls and hears from you about a variety of subjects including how long would it take for a cigar butt to decompose and more. Nick also gets a call from listener James that sets him of
What is Track & Trace?
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick discusses a topic that has been popping up more and more this year, Track and Trace. It's a system of tracking tobacco products from the manufacturer to the retailer being used in the European Union. Nick discusses what it is, why it's in place, some of the pros and cons for it, and whether or not we're likely to see it in the United States
Understanding Cigar Wrappers: Not all brown cigars are the same
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, we're doing a Cigar 101 course on wrapper tobacco. Nick goes over a variety of commonly used wrapper tobacco, detailing some of their differences. He also goes over some of the various fermentation techniques like Maduro and Candela. The goal is for listeners to understand what some of the various words mean, and how type of tobacco and how it is
Ask the Pulpit: Taking Lemonade Reviews to the Next Level
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick takes your calls on another Ask the Pulpit show. Nick lights up the Aladino Fuma Noche and listens to your voicemails. We cover topics like how to get the best value from the Cigar Authority Draft Packs, whether Nick would agree to a daily beat down everyday for a year for $50 million, and if Nick is calling someone requesting nude pics.
Als
The Art of Artista with Ram Rodriguez
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Ram Rodriguez, owner of Artista Cigars, to discuss the company, their products, and much more. Nick lights up the Artista Falu while Ram smokes the new Broadleaf version of the Buffalo Ten.
Learn about Ram's family history in cigars and cigar making, lessons he learned while working for his father. the importance of teamwork, w
Getting to know Black Stogies Cigars
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Eaton, owner of Black Stogies Cigars, to learn about his brand and discuss the trials, tribulations, and successes of starting a cigar company. Black Stogies has been in business for six years and has been working hard to cement their place in the industry.
And find out what Nick has coming up that he's looking forward to in th
Prepping your humidor for Spring
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Mike Brinker to discuss how preparing your humidor for Spring and Summer when the temperatures and humidity rise. The guys fire up the Crux Marblehead and go over the importance of tracking humidity and making adjustments for the weather.
Find out what they've been watching lately in the Villiger Cigars Entertainment Report.
A
Cigar accessories you should own (For real this time!)
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick settles in with an Angel Cuesta from JC Newman and discusses the cigar accessories you should own.
Nick gives his personal recommendations on lighters, cutters, ashtrays, and a lot more. He also covers a product he recently found that he believes is a must-have for cigar smokers. Find out what it is and how you can get it yourself.
*No pay
The Cigar Industry of the Future with LFD's Litto Gomez Jr. Part Two
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Litto Gomez Jr, vice president of retail partnerships and sales at La Flor Dominicana, to discuss the future of the cigar industry. Litto is part of the new generation of cigar manufacturers coming up in their family companies and taking more and more control, and he brings a unique perspective to the way these traditionally run
The Cigar Industry of the Future with LFD's Litto Gomez Jr. Part One
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Litto Gomez Jr, vice president of retail partnerships and sales at La Flor Dominicana, to discuss the future of the cigar industry. Litto is part of the new generation of cigar manufacturers coming up in their family companies and taking more and more control, and he brings a unique perspective to the way these traditionally run
Flavor notes of barbecue beef???
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick takes your calls in another Ask the Pulpit episode! He lights up the My Father Blue, which tries to kill him at one point, and answers your comments, questions, concerns, and complaints on the Hotline.
We cover such topics as favorite albums, a nickname for a Parishioner, a fantastic budget cigar, and more.
Find out what Nick has been watchi
Sticks out for Harambe
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick recaps his recent road trip to Bellevue, Kentucky, just outside of Cincinnati for a Gorbusto launch party at Party Source. Nick met up with Trey Mac Shipley and spent the trip visiting the Cincinnati Zoo to honor Harambe, the gorilla shot and killed ten years ago. From there, Trey Mac hosted an event at Party Source that was well attended an
PCA Recap Part 2: The Revengining with Shawn and Danny
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by the rest of Team Pulpit PCA 2026, Shawn and Danny, to discuss the recent industry trade show and get their thoughts on it.
The guys fire up a selection of different new cigars and give their thoughts on the show itself, the educational seminars, the various booths, what they found interesting and what they didn't, things that su
Nick's 2026 PCA Recap
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is talking all things PCA today. He lights up the new Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Nicaragua Profundo and gives his thoughts on the industry trade show that took place last weekend in New Orleans.
Nick details his day to day and gives thoughts on the show dates, what he saw that interested him, his perception of how the industry is doing bas
PCA in St Louis isn't a horrible idea
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studio, Nick is joined by Mike Brinker to discuss the news that the PCA Trade Show is considering coming to St. Louis in 2030. However, there has been some resistance to the idea from a few manufacturers and possible attendees. Both being from the STL area, the guys figure they need to stick up a bit for their region and discuss some of the reasons why br
Ask the Pulpit: The truth behind the Midgees and more
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick takes your calls on another installment of Ask the Pulpit. Nick lights up the West Tampa Tobacco Red lancero and listens to your comments, questions, and more.
We hear calls about the most popular vehicle used by terrorists, a crazed Easter Bunny, a threat against the alphabet, why box pressed cigars may be more flavorful, some North Caroli
Previewing PCA 2026 with Team Pulpit
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Team Pulpit - Shawn Beaudry and Danny Hicks - who will be helping out with coverage at PCA 2026 this week in New Orleans. The guys fire up some cigars and discuss all of the various cigars and announcements revealed prior to the show and what they're looking forward to scoping out. We give you all you need to know heading into t
Recapping the Pulpit Zoom Herfs and more
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick takes a moment to relax and chat with you all about some recent happenings. We fire up a Yagua from JC Newman and discuss the recent release of the 2026 batch, which should be hitting stores any day now.
Nick also discusses the recent Zoom herfs he hosted this past weekend and how they were very touching. They went so well, in fact, that Ni
The top ten cigar accessories you must own!
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick gets fancy and fires up an Atabey and settles in to discuss cigar accessories. There are lots out there, but what do you absolutely NEED? Nick gives the Top Ten Cigar Accessories you must own and why. Do you own any of them already? Listen in and find out!
From there learn what Nick has been watching this weekend in the Villiger Cigars Enter
Listeners call in and Ask the Pulpit
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick takes your calls on another edition of Ask the Pulpit!
While smoking a West Tampa Tabacco White lancero, Nick answers questions about the difficulties of doing solo shows, hears about snow drifts in Canada, and discusses sauce preferences. We also get into the importance of physical media and preserving shows living only on YouTube right now
On the Aladino Farm with Teddy and Trey Mac
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Aladino Sales Director Trey Mac Shipley and listener Teddy Caldwell to discuss their recent trip to the Aladino Farm in Honduras. Teddy won the trip at PulpitFest 2025 and he is here to recount his adventures. We hear about his complications prior to the trip before diving deep into the visit to hear all that he learned and took
Breaking down Blend & Barrel with Shiah Goldberg
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick visits Blend & Barrel in Sanford, Florida, and sits down with co-owner Shiah Goldberg. The two guys fire up the Chairman, the house cigar for Blend & Barrel, and discuss all of the aspects of the lounge, the philosophy behind creating a welcoming space, what goes into picking out both liquor and cigars for patrons to try, and more.
W
Ask the Pulpit: Hot Dogs, Newsletters, and more
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick lights up a Perdomo Habano Sungrown Churchill and answers your calls on another Ask the Pulpit episode!
You called in and discussed various movies and tv shows you were into, hot dogs and their impact on life expectancy, the Cigar Chronicle newsletter, and more.
From there learn what Nick has been watching lately in the Villiger Cigars Enter
Blackbird previews blends for PCA
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Jonas Santana of Blackbird Cigars to preview what they're bringing to PCA in April.
Nick lights up a sample of a Connecticut box pressed cigar that Jonas says they will be premiering at the show, aiming it towards an ultra-premium cigar smoker. He also details plans for their tenth anniversary cigar as well as a tenth anniversar
Irish Wisdom for the Cigar Lounge
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is celebrating St. Patrick's Day with the Aladino Candela robusto.
Nick then discusses how cigars and Irish wisdom are incredibly similar and go hand in hand. He also discusses the many similarities between cigar lounges and Irish pubs.
Find out what Nick has been watching lately in the Villiger Cigars Entertainment Report.
Learn what thre
Cigar Superstitions on Friday the 13th
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick fires up an Artista Harvest Sumatra and discusses superstitions for Friday the 13th. We go over some commonly known superstitions and their possible origins. From there we dive into some cigar related superstitions and whether there is any truth to any of them.
Find out what Nick has been watching lately in the Villiger Cigars Entertainment
My Two Cents, with Nick's Dad
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by his dad, Jim, as he rants about the supposed penny shortage and how he feels cheated by not getting his full change. They go through the situation and discuss the benefits and drawbacks to businesses and the impact to consumers. They also discuss an unexpected impact on Disney as a result of the penny being phased out.
Also, Nic
Cigars celebrate the country's 250th birthday
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, in this episode Nick discusses the various cigars that have been announced to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday this year. Find out about the three cigars announced so far that commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and hear his predictions about what brands may follow suit with cigars of their own.
Nick also gives
Cooking with Ask the Pulpit
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick lights up a Punch Golden Era toro and takes your calls on another Ask the Pulpit.
We discuss such topics as the polar vortex, ketchup and various other sauces, blouses, UPS and shipping cigars, and more. We also get into a discussion about food, the importance of good food for a happy life, and some cooking ideas and suggestions.
From there,
Travel Adventures with Trey Mac
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Trey Mac Shipley of Aladino Cigars. We smoke the Aladino 85th Anniversary, which was selected as the Parishioners Cigar of the Year for 2025, while we discuss a recent trip to Florida where Nick tagged along with Trey Mac to do some sales calls to shops. Nick was trying out some new equipment with the idea of doing some vlogging
Direct to Consumer, Marketing Budgets, and more
Coming your way from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick fires up an Aladino Corojo Reserva and answers your calls in another Ask the Pulpit episode.
Nick takes your calls about a variety of topics including a cigar lounge that's closing, ghosts speaking English, what is smoking well lately, and more.
Nick also takes a call that sets him off on a tangent about brands going to a direct to consume
Special Villiger Report: What's cool coming out in 2026
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick takes a look at what movies are coming out in 2026 as part of a special Villiger Cigars Entertainment Report.
He fires up a Villiger La Capitana and reviews all of the movies he's excited about coming out this year. Now, this isn't a comprehensive list of everything coming, but just what he's excited about. In the process, he found a few mov
Catching up on Cigar News
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick catches you up on some recent cigar news.
We're smoking a Plasencia Reserva Original and discussing the recent barn fire at Plasencia's Nicaragua facility, as well as the postponement of the Festival Del Habanos Cuban cigar event, and the news that Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate will be opening a new factory and event space in Miami. Find out
Current Affairs with Curmudgejim
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by his dad, Jim, for a chat. Nick fires up a cigar he bought from Island Jim's store Leaf & Bean ironically called the Nick & Jim PBE.
From there, the two discuss the news of the day, getting Jim's perspective on a few topics on his mind such as the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the revelations in the Epstein Files, and more
Ask the Pulpit! Call TOFUPIE0000
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick fires up a Villiger 1888 Nicaragua Churchill and settles in to take your calls in another Ask the Pulpit episode!
We discuss a humidor upgrade Nick recently did on his cabinet, the recent winter storm that impacted the country, a tip for heating your garage to smoke in during cold weather, and much more. We even get a handy way to remember t
The Puro Sabor Cigar Festival with Shawn
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Parishioner Shawn Beaudry who tells us about his recent trip to the Puro Sabor Nicaraguan Cigar Festival. Shawn won this trip at PulpitFest last year. It was generously donated by Villiger Cigars and we both thank them for this opportunity. Shawn details all of the events of the various days, discusses all of the cigars he smoke
The 2025 Parishioners Cigar of the Year!
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is thrilled to announce the 2025 Parishioners Cigar of the Year! Nick welcomes the winning manufacturer to the show to discuss the cigar and what all went into it. He also covers the rest of the top five, which was very tight in terms of votes. Did your favorite cigar take the top prize?
Find out what Nick and his mystery guest have been wa
Pairing Cigars with Pies for National Pie Day
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is celebrating National Pie Day!
We're pairing cigars with all of your favorite pies, discussing flavor notes in them and what cigars have flavor notes that complement or contrast well with the pies. Nick even samples some pie... at least until he chokes briefly...
We also learn some historical facts about pie that you can use to impress you
Making Time to Take Time with Ask the Pulpit
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick fires up a Padron Ruby Red and takes your calls on another Ask the Pulpit episode.
After discussing his frantic dash for propane so he can be warm while recording this show, Nick dives into the calls. You discuss his thoughts on making the time to enjoy cigars and not just smoking to smoke, the goat and monkeys running around St Louis, Disco
Is now the time for a Social Media cigar?
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick fires up an EPC Allegiance and discusses the company's new Social Media cigars. But is now the time for a company to be embracing a social media based cigar? Nick goes over some reports detailing reducing screen usage in adults and enforcement measures by Meta limiting cigar content on their platforms. Will this negatively impact Casa Carril
Monkeys, Goats, and Meta
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick fires up the Sarzedas, a new cigar from JC Newman, and discusses a few random happenings taking place recently.
First up we discuss the random appearance of some monkeys and a goat in downtown St Louis. While there is definitely cause for concern, it has been amusing to see the internet do its thing and make it something fun.
From there, Ni
The Danger of a Forgettable Cigar
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios... Not all bad cigars are dangerous — but forgettable ones might be. In this episode, Nick breaks down why “fine” is the most damaging word in the hobby, and how forgettable cigars quietly steal time, ritual, and enjoyment. If you’ve ever smoked something just to avoid wasting the good stuff, this one’s for you.
Find out what Nick has been watchin
2025: Just did the balls
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is joined by Aladino National Sales Director Trey Mac Shipley to discuss the year that was, 2025. The guys review some of their thoughts about the cigar industry and the state of the world. They also review the resolutions they made for 2025 and how they did through the year.
And listen in to find out what resolutions they make for 2026.
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2025 by the Numbers
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick rings in the new year by going over 2025 with a fine toothed comb and diving into the data of what he smoked last year.
Nick tracks every cigar he smokes so that he can review the data and analyze his smoking. We cover his most smoked cigar of the year, his top brands, his top vitolas, and much more. We also compare the 2025 data to 2024 to
An end of year Ask the Pulpit
Coming to you from the JRE Tobacco Aladino Studios, Nick is hunkering down inside and not smoking a cigar this episode because of the cold weather that has hit. However, he's taking you calls and answering your questions on another Ask the Pulpit episode.
This time we dive back and discuss a variety of topics ranging from bets for cigars, to Nicaragua, to cigar memories, to cigar dating profiles,
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