The Leaf Cutters

Back Porch Lounge Show EP65 - Grab Bag with Music

What keeps you coming back—the flavor, the moment, or the people? This episode blends cigar talk with real-life reflection. The Leaf Cutters explore Candela cigars, compare flavor profiles, and take a surprising turn into music pairings and personal rituals. From quiet moments alone to shared experiences with friends, this conversation highlights how cigars become more than just a hobby—they become part of your rhythm. Authentic lounge-style discussion with real smokers sharing real perspectives. Follow the show and share your own pairing style—music, silence, or something else? cigar podcast, cigar relaxation, candela cigars, cigar culture, cigar community #PodcastLife #CigarCulture #LeafCutters #BackPorchLounge #RelaxAndUnwind

Back Porch Lounge Show EP64 - Aaron from La Vega Cigars

🔥 This episode is all about finding the RIGHT cigar for YOU. We’re joined by Aaron Paoletta of La Vega Cigars, who brings a unique approach to the lounge—hand-selecting cigars based on personal taste preferences like coffee, bourbon, and favorite foods. We break down each cigar live, discussing flavor notes, construction, and how different blends evolve throughout the smoke. From creamy and smooth to bold and complex, this lineup delivered across the board. Aaron also shares his journey into cigars, his philosophy on boutique blending, and why the future of cigars is shifting toward smaller, passion-driven brands. If you’ve ever wondered how to choose a cigar that actually fits your palate—this episode is a must-listen. 🎙️ Tune in, relax, and enjoy the conversation. #CigarPodcast #LeafCutters #BackPorchLounge #BoutiqueCigars #CigarTalk

Back Porch Lounge Show EP63 - GOSS MAN COMITH!!!

The Leaf Cutters welcome Goss from Goss Tobacco back to the Back Porch Lounge. In this special episode, the crew lights up the limited-edition Frightened cigar while diving into a conversation that blends cigar knowledge, industry insights, and plenty of humor. The cigar delivers a medium profile with notes of cocoa, coffee sweetness, and a subtle spice that builds into a stronger final third. Throughout the episode, the Leaf Cutters discuss construction, burn performance, and how the cigar evolves from first light to the final draw. But like any good lounge conversation, things quickly go off script — covering everything from music earworms to cigar industry stories and event experiences. Goss brings years of industry experience, working with brands including Espinosa, Warped, HVC, Crux, and Oveja Negra, while also producing cigars under his own Goss Tobacco label. Pour a drink, light a stick, and join the conversation in the Back Porch Lounge. #LeafCuttersPodcast #BackPorchLounge #CigarPodcast #CigarCommunity

Back Porch Lounge Show EP62 - Knuckle Sandwich Chef’s Special 2025 + Leaf Politics: California Fees, Tariffs, and Why Lounges Matter

Knuckle Sandwich Chef’s Special 2025 + Leaf Politics: California Fees, Tariffs, and Why Lounges Matter No guest this week—just the Leaf Cutters crew doing what we do: laughing too hard, accidentally getting educational, and enjoying a seriously memorable stick. Knuckle Sandwich Chef’s Special 2025 (box-pressed Toro) Blend: Brazilian wrapper + Nicaraguan binder & filler Experience: sweet black-coffee style sweetness early, spice/pepper on the retro that mellows, strong flavor all the way through, and a finish that had everyone wishing they had backups. We talk “leaf politics” and the real-world stuff that changes what ends up in your humidor: * California’s per-product (SKU) registration costs and how that hits boutique makers * Tariff concerns and why your everyday smoke can become twice the price * FDA/regulation chatter and why handmade premium leaf gets lumped into categories it doesn’t belong in * Brick & mortar vs online: volume pricing, discounts, and how lounges can survive * The value of lounges: friendships, education, and community you can’t replicate online ⭐ Ratings Gibs 5 | Andy 4.75 | Grimm Reluctant 5 | Zack 5 Follow the show, share the episode, and tell us: Do you buy singles local and boxes online—or are you all-in on your lounge? #BackPorchLounge #TheLeafCutters #KnuckleSandwich #CigarPodcast #LoungeCulture #BrickAndMortar #BoutiqueBlends #TobaccoTalk #CigarCommunity #LeafLife

Back Porch Lounge Show EP61 - Mark McClurkan os C.A.T.I Cigars

Back Porch Lounge: Mark from CATI (Katie’s) — PR 49 “Cannon,” Pairings, Process, and the “Demon Donkey” Story This week in the Back Porch Lounge, we’re hanging with Mark from CATI (Katie’s) Cigars while we smoke the PR 49 “Cannon” and talk through everything that makes it a standout: smooth start, creamy profile, a stronger finish, and the kind of consistency you want for an easy, any-time lounge stick. We open with a real-life question: If you cut one and can’t smoke it right away, what happens next? The crew debates timelines, storage, and the difference between cut vs lit—because of course we do. Mark breaks down the blend components, explains how ring gauge affects transitions, and shares his hands-on approach to quality control—resting inventory, weekly checks, and keeping growth intentionally controlled so shops don’t get hit with backorders. We also talk pairing favorites (espresso, coffee, añejo tequila), upcoming events, and what’s next for the brand. Then we take a hard left into Mark’s past life working with exotic animals, where you’ll learn why zebras are officially “demon donkeys.” Final scores: 4.75–5.0 across the board. CATI Cigars, PR 49 Cannon, Back Porch Lounge, espresso pairing, boutique brand interview #BackPorchLounge #TheLeafCutters #CATICigars #PR49Cannon #LoungeTalk #Pairings #Espresso #Tequila #CigarPodcast #HumidorFavorites