Between 2 Burns

Episode 27: We Opened a Cigar Bar! NOW WHAT!

🔥 Episode 27 – Season 2 Premiere: We Opened a Cigar Bar… Now What? 🔥 Season 2 starts the only way we know how—by pulling back the curtain. After months (and what felt like years) of planning, meetings, setbacks, approvals, construction, second-guessing, ordering, rearranging, waiting, stressing, opening… and then realizing opening day was actually the easy part… we finally did it. We opened a cigar bar. Now what? In this episode of Between 2 Burns, Jason and Ethan sit down for an honest, funny, and behind-the-scenes conversation about everything it took to get to this point and what nobody tells you happens after the ribbon gets cut. We talk about:  💨 The moments where it felt impossible—and the moments that made it worth it  🥃 Building more than a cigar shop and creating a true cigar bar and lounge experience  📦 Ordering wins, ordering mistakes, and the things customers immediately proved us wrong on  🍺 What people are actually buying vs. what we thought they’d buy  🛠️ Things we’d do differently tomorrow  🏆 Favorite moments so far and the surprises we never saw coming  🔥 What happens next for the new location This episode is less of a recap and more of a journal entry from the middle of the adventure. If you’ve ever wanted to open a business, wondered what goes into creating a cigar destination, or just want to hear two guys trying to figure it out one cigar at a time—this one’s for you. Season 2 starts here. Light one up, pour something good, and welcome to the next chapter of Between 2 Burns.

Whats New in Cigars In 2026

💼🔥 Episode 26 – PCA 2026 Recap: What’s New in Cigars 🔥💼 In this episode of Between 2 Burns, Jason and Ethan break down the business of cigars in 2026 following Ethan’s return from the PCA Trade Show in New Orleans—the industry’s premier marketplace where manufacturers, retailers, and brands set the tone for the year ahead. We dive into:  📈 The latest product releases and what brands are pushing this year 📈 Emerging trends in blends, pricing, and packaging 📈 What retailers should be paying attention to heading into the next buying cycle 📈 Behind-the-scenes insights from meetings with manufacturers and reps 📈 The overall health and direction of the premium cigar market This episode isn’t just about what’s new—it’s about what matters. From inventory decisions to shifting consumer preferences, we’re giving you a real look at how the industry is evolving and what it means for both retailers and consumers. One of our favorite episodes every year, this is your inside access to the PCA floor—no badge required. 💨 Sit back, light one up, and get caught up on everything happening in cigars right now—Between 2 Burns.

Episode 25 Connecticut Cigars Deep Dive

🔥 Episode – Connecticut Deep Dive (Between 2 Burns) 🔥 This week on Between 2 Burns, Jason and Ethan slow it down and light it up with a full deep dive into Connecticut cigars—one of the most misunderstood (and underrated) wrappers in the game. We’re breaking down everything we’ve been talking about lately—from our newsletter to the pod—covering:  💨 The history of Connecticut Shade and how it became the gold standard for smooth cigars 💨 The difference between Shade vs Broadleaf vs Ecuadorian Connecticut 💨 Why Connecticut cigars aren’t just “mild” anymore (and haven’t been for a while) 💨 How modern blenders are pushing Connecticut into flavor-forward, complex territory 💨 Our personal picks and go-to Connecticut smokes right now This episode isn’t just for beginners—it’s for anyone who thinks they already know Connecticut cigars… and might be wrong. Expect some myth-busting, some strong opinions, and a few cigars you’ll probably want to try immediately after listening. 💨 Smooth doesn’t mean boring.  💨 Light doesn’t mean simple. Light one up and come learn something—Between 2 Burns.

Episode 24: Super Bowl Preview

🏈🔥 Episode 23 – Super Bowl LX Preview ft. Special Guest! 🔥🏈 This week on Between 2 Burns, we’re bringing the heat early — not just from cigars — but from the gridiron! Jason and Ethan welcome a special guest to break down all things Super Bowl: spread picks, prop picks, novelty bets, and the stories behind them. We’ll talk:  💥 Who we think wins the game 💥 Our favorite and wildest prop bets (yes — the fun ones) 💥 The picks we’d actually make if we were betting for real 💥 How cigars pair with kickoff, halftime, and that final whistle 💥 What sticks to light depending on how the game unfolds Whether you’re here for the smoke talk, the football talk, or just want good banter and bold predictions, this episode is your one-stop résumé for Super Bowl Sunday. And of course… we may have a few surprises in store. So grab your favorite cigar, pour something good, and join us as we preview the biggest football night of the year — B2B style.

Episode 23 Cigar of the Year Draft

🔥 Episode 23 – The Cigar of the Year Draft (Between 2 Burns) 🔥 It’s draft day… cigar style. 🏈💨 In this episode, Jason and Ethan step into the war room for the Between 2 Burns Cigar of the Year Draft. We’re staring down a field of 40+ cigars, and each of us is drafting our top 10—no trades, no mercy, and plenty of trash talk. Once the picks are locked in, the power shifts to YOU. Our customers and listeners will vote to narrow the field down to the final five nominees, which will ultimately battle it out for Cigar of the Year, announced next month at the Live Stogie Awards. Expect hot takes, surprise picks, a few “HOW did you pass on that?!” moments, and a whole lot of cigar nerd debate. 🔥 Don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard in the Cigar of the Year voting  🔥 Don’t miss the Live Stogie Awards 🔥 And don’t miss this episode—it’s competitive, chaotic, and everything we love about cigars Light one up and let the draft begin.