Part 2: Talking Cigars with guest Kay of Smoke in the Desert

We Got The Connect: w/Troy and Ron of Cigars & Coffee Co.

Sticks:  * Wise Blood [https://shop.atlcigar.co/products/wise-blood]by ATL Cigar Co (formerly distributed by Luciano, but ended in 2024 ).  For the podcast table.  Facings usually follow local figures in great Atlanta.  * Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Rosado HVA * Binder: Ecuadorian Connecticut * Filler: Three Nicaraguan regions * Vartan Reserva Special [https://vartancigars.com/], Davidoff . Special blended by Vartan Seferian owner of Ambassador Fine Cigars in PV and Peoria, AZ. Troy started with this one!  * Tatauje Escasos [https://ambassadorcigars.com/shop/cigars/tatuaje-escasos-e/]. Cigar Livia had second and noted that Ambassador's has one of the largest facings in the Valley. Even so, they are a Davidoff and El Septimo lounge.  * Cigars & Coffee [https://www.instagram.com/cigar.andcoffeemeet/], Maduro Box-pressed.  Connect with Troy or Ron online for details on access to their boutique blends. Troy's second smoke.  Stories:  * Troy and Ron share when they first began, and how they became a part of the smoke community.  * Troy talks rolling cigars and also displays his practice on social [https://www.instagram.com/cigar.andcoffeemeet/].  * Ron and Troy talk top 5, Livia adds her top five picks and Tina's top 5 turn into top 5 with 5 honorable mentions.  * Uh, oh.. we talk cigar buzz shops opening and closing in the Valley and more!!!  This episode was recorded Ambassador Fine Cigars [https://ambassadorcigars.com/] in Paradise Valley - Arizona.  Other cigar lounges & events mentioned: * Royal cigar lounge, [https://www.instagram.com/royalcigarlounge?igsh=aGI0OXJqazRkMG14] San Diego CA Events * Cigar & Coffee Meet: Thursday, May 7 at Torch    lounge Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511869/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511869/support] For audiences 21 and older.

Second Time Around w/Carlos of @naked_cigars

Sticks:  * Purple Pledge [https://casacarrillocigars.com/pledgepurple/], by Casa Carillo (aged almost a decade). Tina highly recommends and argues its largely underrated, Carlos gives it an “good, not exciting” and Gary a "just ok".  * Blood Medicine [https://www.leafenthusiast.com/cigar-review-crowned-heads-blood-medicine-2025/]by Crowned Heads. Rated good-great by Gary and Carlos. Tina rated it a full-bodied bold cigar w/slight after taste and an acquired stick.  Stories:  * Carlos discusses his history with cigars, PCA and more!  * Revisited: We discuss cigar facings and the dynamics which collide to bring them to consumers. * We discuss the importance of fully utilizing the rep to bring the cigars to local markets while maintaining a virtuous relationship within the cigar ecosystem. * Uh, oh.. what if there is a problem with your cigar? We discuss that and the importance of speaking up!    This episode was recorded at the new venue, Aria Lounge at Puro [https://purocigarbar.com/] in Chandler, AZ.  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511869/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511869/support] For audiences 21 and older.

Women History Month Feature: Christine of Ambassador Fine Cigars

Special Feature celebrating Women's Day (3/8) and Women's History Month (March).  In this Feature we host Christine of Ambassador Fine Cigars in Phoenix, Arizona (PV).  The Sticks: * Classic [https://www.jretobacco.com/portfolio/aladino-classic/], Aladino (Lancero) - Tina * Undisclosed, Aladino (Lancero) - Christine The Story: Within this episode, Christine of Ambassador Fine Cigars talks about the origin of the store in the late 90's (tune in to see who named the store!). She also discusses her recent visit to the Aladino cigar operation in Honduras and highlights some unique features of the operation which stand out among others. We discuss wrapper, binder, filler and finding that sweet spot within a lancero.  There are hints toward possible future events that are inclusive to women who smoke as well as additional cigar rolling events. Stay connected via social [https://www.instagram.com/ambassadorfinecigars/]or website [https://ambassadorcigars.com/].  Also check out our latest podcast on major outlets: buzzsprout [https://sticksandstories.buzzsprout.com/], apple podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sticks-and-stories/id1840316890], or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1BXyirHvys3nlUewzRNJeC]today.  Although the story of Julio Eiroa is listed in brief on their website, a more in-depth version exists HERE [https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/fathers-and-sons-part-1-8753].  Location of Event:   This episode was recorded at Ambassador's in Phoenix, AZ in March 2026 Lounge / Cigar Shop Mentions:   Ambassador Fine Cigars [https://ambassadorcigars.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511869/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511869/support] For audiences 21 and older.

Part 2: Talking Cigars with guest Kay of Smoke in the Desert

The Sticks: * Anejo, [https://arturofuente.com/our-cigars/anejo/] Fuente - Tina * CT Reserva [https://myfathercigars.com/cigar/my-father-connecticut/], My Father - Kay *  CT, Trevors - Lonnie (from Cigar rolling event) The Story: Within this episode, Kay [https://www.instagram.com/keylolosmoke/] discusses more about her cigar experience in the Valley discussing the beginning of "Ladies Nite" at Fox [https://foxcigar.com/] in Old Town; while Tina [https://www.instagram.com/stories/sticksandstoriesaz]and Lonnie [https://www.instagram.com/london_frombeyond/] also comment on their experiences with cigar culture. Kay introduces us to Smoke in the Desert [https://smokeinthedesert.com/] . The panel discusses the basic advantage of cigar culture which helps to break down barriers, allowing folks to relate on levels unlike any other. Tune in now!  Location of Event:   This episode was recorded at Fumar in Phoenix, AZ in February 2026 Lounge / Cigar Shop Mentions:   * Fumar [https://fumarcigarsusa.com/store/]: traditional, quiet (has 1 location but hosts many events nationwide) * Churchills [https://churchillsaz.com/scottsdale/]: traditional (there are 2 other locations) * Trevor's [https://www.trevors.com/]: has food and lively (has 4 locations) * Magnum’s: Speakeasy (off 101 at 7th) * Fox's [https://foxcigar.com/]:  entertaining and lively (has 2 locations and 1 coming soon) * Ambassador's [https://ambassadorcigars.com/]: traditional-upscale (has 2 locations) Out of State Mentions (on part 1)  * La Casa [https://lacasacigars.com/](Detroit, MI and other locations) * Boozilla Cigar Lounge [https://boozillacigarlounge.com/] (Detroit, MI) * Boston Cigar Club [https://www.bostoncigarclub.com/] (Charlestown, MA) * Stanza's [https://www.stanzadeisigari.com/](the one I could not remember...lol) Boston, MA * Cuban Creations [https://cigarbarnola.com/](New Orleans, LA) * listen to the podcast for more....  Cigar Education…. * The IACS’ Cigar Sommelier Certificate [https://cigarsommelier.org/web/] * Certified Cigar Sommelier [https://tobacconistuniversity.org/certification_ccst.php] Tobacconist (CCST) Wine we had during this podcast  Caravan Collection by Darioush [https://www.darioush.com/shop/product/caravan-set/] **We have not rec'd sponsorship pay but its welcomed! Click the Support the Show Button or HERE [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511869/support]** Other Mentions:  * Haus of Health [https://hausofhealthaz.com/] w/Kody who discusses health & smoking HERE [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511869/episodes/18134778] * Wrapped in Smoke [https://www.instagram.com/wrappednsmoke/?hl=en] * Previous episode with Kyree HERE [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511869/episodes/18615818]  * Cigar & Coffee Meet [https://www.instagram.com/cigar.andcoffeemeet/?hl=en]  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511869/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511869/support] For audiences 21 and older.

Talking Cigars with guest Kay of Smoke in the Desert

The Sticks:  * Anejo, [https://arturofuente.com/our-cigars/anejo/] Fuente - Tina * CT Reserva [https://myfathercigars.com/cigar/my-father-connecticut/], My Father - Kay *  CT, Trevors - Lonnie (from Cigar rolling event) The Story: Within this episode, Kay [https://www.instagram.com/keylolosmoke/]discusses her origin story of smoking cigars (15+ years) after a solo trip to NY. Tina [https://www.instagram.com/stories/sticksandstoriesaz]and Lonnie [https://www.instagram.com/london_frombeyond/] also share their origin stories. Kay recommends next steps to Lonnie as he navigates mild to medium to full bodied cigars. Kay introduces us to Smoke in the Desert [https://smokeinthedesert.com/] (42:12) and invites Lonnie and Nick to share Ladies Nite at Fox's in Old Town (Wednesdays).  Location of Event:   This episode was recorded at Fumar in Phoenix, AZ in February 2026 Lounge / Cigar Shop Mentions:   * Fumar [https://fumarcigarsusa.com/store/]: traditional, quiet (has 1 location but hosts many events nationwide) * Churchills [https://churchillsaz.com/scottsdale/]: traditional (there are 2 other locations) * Trevor's [https://www.trevors.com/]: has food and lively (has 4 locations) * Magnum’s: Speakeasy (off 101 at 7th) * Fox's [https://foxcigar.com/]:  entertaining and lively (has 2 locations and 1 coming soon) * Ambassador's [https://ambassadorcigars.com/]: traditional-upscale (has 2 locations) * Out of State Mentions * La Casa [https://lacasacigars.com/](Detroit, MI and other locations) * Boozilla Cigar Lounge [https://boozillacigarlounge.com/] (Detroit, MI) * Boston Cigar Club [https://www.bostoncigarclub.com/] (Charlestown, MA) * Stanza's [https://www.stanzadeisigari.com/](the one I could not remember...lol) Boston, MA * Cuban Creations [https://cigarbarnola.com/](New Orleans, LA) * listen to the podcast for more....  Cigar Education…. * The IACS’ Cigar Sommelier Certificate [https://cigarsommelier.org/web/] * Certified Cigar Sommelier [https://tobacconistuniversity.org/certification_ccst.php] Tobacconist (CCST) Wine we had during this podcast  Caravan Collection by Darioush [https://www.darioush.com/shop/product/caravan-set/] **We have not rec'd sponsorship pay but its welcomed! Click the Support the Show Button or HERE [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511869/support]** Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511869/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511869/support] For audiences 21 and older.