For our #347thTake - We’re welcoming Gus Fakih & Billy Fakih of Artesano Del Tobacco, the family behind some of the most passionately crafted cigars in the industry. From their heritage to their bold blends, you won’t want to miss this conversation.   Catch past episodes here https://www.podbean.com/pi/pbblog-6vzdf-2834cd “At Artesano Del Tobacco, craftsmanship isn’t just tradition — it’s a promise.”

This episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes Steve Saka to sit down for our #346thTake. It’s our annual visit with the man, myth, and legend. The Cigar Curmudgeon will no doubt have some self-deprecation to administer. But, fear not, for this <Snicker> Star is no match for the wits of El Oso, as I plan to get him to enjoy himself despite his fierce denials. This Liga Legend may even crack a smile. You never know. Enjoy!

Celebrating 8 Years of #ELOsoFumarTakes!   This episode is more than just another episode—it's a milestone. We're celebrating 8 incredible years of unforgettable guests, deep-dive conversations, and a shared passion for cigars. As part of our annual tradition, we're once again joined by Tim Wong, our very first guest, who returns every year to guest-host this special anniversary tribute.   And this year’s featured guest? The one and only Klaas Kelner—the man behind Kelner Cigars S.A.S. in the Dominican Republic. The Kelner name is legendary in the cigar world, and Klaas continues that legacy with every blend, leaf, and story.   We toast to the past, light up the present, and look forward to many more years of incredible conversations.   Here's to 8 years strong—and counting.

It’s an annual tradition, this week #ELOsoFumarTakes celebrates its host’s birthday! Bear is getting older and older each year and despite Steve Saka’s opinion - we love to celebrate birthdays. Now, Steve cannot join us this year for this episode, but that doesn’t mean we’re shying away from celebrating or awesome guests. My good friends Jon Carney and Ben Lee stop by to make this a birthday one we won’t forget! Enjoy!

This episode on #ELOsoFumarTakes Tripp Waldrop joins us for the Ultimate Pairing Showdown: The Top 3 Cigar Pairings We’re breaking it down in two ways: 1. Specific pairings — like “That mojito I had in Cancun was the perfect match for this cigar because…” 2. General pairings — like “Scotch overall is the best pairing because…” We want to hear from you: What’s your go-to pairing with a good cigar? Drop your top picks below and we might feature them in the episode   Enjoy!

#ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome Law Ream of Davidoff Cigars and Ambassador of all things Zino to sit down for our #342ndTake! From media member to Brand Ambassador. From PCA Director look-alike to re-igniting a brand named for one of the industry’s icons. It’s another fun journey to explore. Enjoy!

Welcome Back! This week our #341stTake is A collaboration special!   William Cooper joins us as we combine #ELOsoFumarTakes and Cigar Coop Prime Time Special Edition. There’s been some comings and goings the last couple of weeks, including the prestigious Cigar Journal Awards. We’ll hold court with cigars and commentary. Enjoy!

What’s cooler than being cool? Well, this episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Sean Williams - Global Ambassador for Cohiba & Silencio. Our #340thTake will be cool, chill and amazingly fun. Here’s a riddle for you: If you had a job supported by another job, but it was your job to support both jobs and make it look cool and easy. How would you do it?     Enjoy!

This episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome first time guest Kevin Shahan of Cigar Prop fame and glory. Kevin’s energy and enthusiasm is always at a level 10, but his zany antics are a refreshing balance of charm and sincerity. And while his July 4th attire is something I’d rather not see again, personally, his drive and love for the industry has formed a journey I can’t wait to unfold. Enjoy!!

#ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Matt Tye of How Bout That Cigar to sit down for our #338thTake. It’s going to be a rock’em, sock’em good time. We’ll look back on the last few years together as media brands that “came up together”. What’s surprised us? What hasn’t? It all starts here at 9:30pm Central. Enjoy!

#ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of John McTavish to sit down for our #337thTake. The ‘Cigar Surgeon’ operates at a different standard than most. As a member of the renowned Developing Palates team, every meticulous detail is recorded, analyzed and brought to bear against arguably the highest standard within the industry’s media. Don’t believe me? Tune in tomorrow night as we walk through a PhD level and journey that is as fascinating as it is discerning. Enjoy!

This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes back 3 of the industry’s Kings of Road Warriors, Dukes of Deals, Earls of ‘Earn It’ and Marquises de Los Hombres (yeah, I took some license in languages there)! Our #336thTake promises to deliver some hot takes and witty words. Enjoy!

This episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes returns for our #335thTake and it will be one to remember! I'm pumped for this long-time-coming episode and the story to be be told. Cayman Cigar Company founder Scott Haugh joins us alongside a returning guest from a long time back - Mr. Anthony Cantelmo will join us as well. A story of cigars, charity and giving back.  Enjoy!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksWlc4bEXXs    

This week, fresh off a record double header last Sunday, William Coop returns for our #334thTake. Our show will focus on a theme of the best of the best. We’ll discuss our Best/Favorites in a cavalcade of categories. Enjoy!

This week, it’s going to be one hell of a Father’s Day celebration! As you know, Tom Lazuka is back per tradition. This time, we’ve got a whole panel of dads and a cigar big enough for the day….literally. Jay Davis, William Cooper, Ben Lee, Tripp Waldrop & Denis Tsvang bring the Dad power, we’re going to need it! It’s a Father’s Day Sunday Double Header. Join us for pairings on Let's Get Pairing (7pm Central) and then join us at 9:30pm Central for the usual fun. Can we all take down the Asylum Megalophobia? Tune in to find out!!!

Tonight, we join forces! The Smoking Syndicate & El Oso Fumar come together for Roundtable 22 - Cohiba Riviera Lancero. Ben Lee, William Cooper, Tripp Waldrop, and host, Bear Duplisea 

This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome back Eddy Guerra for our #331stTake. After years of working for some of the industry's large and corporate giants, the new family man is bringing back his talents to the family-owned icon La Flor Dominicana. One of the Cigar Boom's most successful stories lies within the confines of La Canela and Eddy is poised to help the world remember without Litto the world doesn't get ligero. Enjoy!

This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Nick Libretti, host of the Long Ash Podcast and newly promoted Senior Brand Manager at JR Cigars to sit down for our #330thTake. We'll catch up with Nick on his PCA take, all things Long Ash and JR Cigars. Enjoy!

This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes is proud to welcome the return of Dave Garofalo of 2GuysCigars.com, Cigar Authority podcast, and United Cigar Group. Our 329thTake will be one to attend. Dave is never short on opinions, but I love chatting with him because of his indelible personality. Those opinions are backed by 40 years of retail and cigar industry wisdom. And we aim to hear straight from the man himself. It'll be one to sit down and watch. Enjoy!

This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes another first-time guest for our #328thTake. A long time ago, Tyler Jeffery was the first to ever tell me in-person that he watched this show. It was a surreal moment. Fast forward a few years, and that funny, curious, passionate 'kid' took his best qualities and chased a dream. He's worked hard, traveled on his own dime, and learned tons. With a factory and distributor now in his corner, he's poised to make a name for himself. Enjoy!