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

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

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

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.

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

Alex Weghorn, Davidoff Cigars | Deep Cuts Live, Episode #163

Season 6 of Deep Cuts Live continues with a conversation centered on one of the most recognizable names in premium cigars. Host Antoine Reid sits down with Alex Weghorn, Brand Ambassador for Davidoff Cigars, to explore the evolving role of brand storytelling, consumer experience, and innovation in today’s cigar industry. In this episode, Alex shares his journey from retail tobacconist to representing one of the industry’s most established brands, offering insight into what it means to educate, engage, and connect with consumers in a more experience-driven marketplace. This interview covers: • The role of social media in shaping the modern cigar industry • Why “time beautifully filled” still defines the Davidoff philosophy • The importance of consistency, balance, and intentional smoking • How experiences—not promotions—build lasting brand loyalty • What it means to represent Davidoff as a brand ambassador The episode also takes a closer look at Davidoff’s newest release, Puro Dominicana, a Dominican puro that highlights the brand’s continued focus on innovation while staying rooted in its core identity. Whether you’re a seasoned cigar enthusiast or new to the category, this conversation offers a deeper understanding of how premium cigar brands are adapting to a new generation of consumers—while preserving the craftsmanship that defines the 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