#ELOsoFumarTakes
Society & Culture
About
#ELOsoFumarTakes delivers abbreviated interviews, thoughts, and insights with cigar industry personnel and fans. Host Bear Duplisea's vision is to give the audience a peak into industry culture as well as show the human side of its inner members.
Episodes
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 360th Take - with William Cooper of Cigar Coop
William Cooper of Cigar Coop discusses 15 years of trade show experience, including company changes, evolving relationships, and predictions. The conversation also touches on New Orleans, Las Vegas, and memorable cigar experiences.
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 359th Take - with Brandon Oveson and Kendrick Woolstenhulme of Apostate Cigars
Brandon Oveson and Kendrick Woolstenhulme of Apostate Cigars share the story behind their brand, focusing on building an identity rooted in conviction and challenging norms. The episode explores what it takes to create a brand that stands…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 358th Take - with Fred Rewey & Shawn Flores - TOP GUN 40TH ANNIVERSARY
In episode 358, Fred Rewey and Shawn Flores join #ELOsoFumarTakes to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film Top Gun. They discuss cigars, the movie's enduring pop culture relevance, favorite scenes, and its legacy.
- #ELOsoFumarTakes #357thTake featuring Casey Haugen from Crux Cigars
Casey Haugen from Crux Cigars joins #ELOsoFumarTakes to discuss the brand's history, blend philosophy including Bull & Bear and Epicure, and the challenges of operating a boutique cigar company. The conversation covers sourcing tobaccos in…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 356th Take - with Litto Gomez, Jr. of La Flor Dominicana
Litto Gomez Jr. of La Flor Dominicana discusses his upbringing in the company, the creation of the Solis cigar, and La Flor Dominicana
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 355th Take - Part Two: Top 15 Limited Edition Cigars of 2025 with George Brightman
#ELOsoFumarTakes – #355thTake You watched the climb in #353rdTake … now it’s time for the summit reveal. Part 2 of our epic blind tasting with George Brightman is here — and this is where everything gets exposed. The bands come back on. Th…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 354th Take - Tripp Waldrop of Let's Get Pairing
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY SMOKE SESSION It’s #ELOsoFumarTakes #354thTake and we’re doing it BIG for game day. Joining me is fellow Cigar Coop Coalition member and the all-time appearances record holder himself — Tripp Waldrop of Let’s Get Pairing…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 353rd Take - George Brightman with the Top 15 Limited Edition Cigars of 2025#ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 353rd Take - George Brightman with the Top 15 Limited Edition Cigars of 2025
#ELOsoFumarTakes – #353rdTake We’re BACK with another Top Ten episode… except this time it’s 15 cigars The legendary George Brightman returns, but the tables have officially turned. This go-round, host Bear Duplisea is the Sherpa, trekking…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 352nd Take - Josh Habursky of the Premium Cigar Association
#ELOsoFumarTakes #352ndTake We’re back with another special episode, and this one is a must-watch for cigar enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. Joining me is Joshua Habursky, Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association https:/…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 351st Take - Top Ten Cigars of 2025 with special guest - George Brightman
#ELOsoFumarTakes – #351stTake It’s that time of year again… my Top Ten Cigars of 2025 are about to be revealed. WELCOME BACK! HAPPY NEW YEAR! The night is here! The time is right! It's time for the #ELOsoFumarTakes Top 10 Cigars of 2025! O…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 350th Take - with George Rico & Pete Johnson of Gran Habano and Tatuaje
MILESTONE ALERT — #Take350 TONIGHT! We’re celebrating Episode #Take350 of #ELOsoFumarTakes with an all-star lineup Special Guests: • George Rico — Gran Habano Cigars #1 Cigar of the Year 2023: GRAN HABANO 20th Aniversario El Sueño • Pete J…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 349th Take - with Michael Cappellini of Toscano Cigars
This week on #ELOsoFumarTakes for the #349thTake — we’re thrilled to welcome the return of our favorite Niitany Lion — Michael Cappellini as our special guest! ️Michael isn’t just a former political candidate — he’s also the official U.S.…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 348th Take - with Todd Naifeh, President of the PCA & Owner of ZT Cigars
#ELOsoFumarTakes #Take348 We welcome Todd Naifeh , President of the Premium Cigar Association and owner of ZT Cigars! Todd brings decades of passion, advocacy, and leadership to the premium cigar world — and this Take is one you won’t want…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 347th Take - with Billy & Gus Fakih of Artesano del Tobacco
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 con…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 346th Take - with Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust
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…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 345thTake - with Klaas Kelner and Tim Wong - Celebrating Eight Years of #ELOsoFumarTakes
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 o…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 344thTake - with Jon Carney & Ben Lee of Bentley Tobacco & Cigar Coop Coalition
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…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 343rd Take - with Tripp Waldrop of Let's Get Pairing
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…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 342nd Take - with Law Ream of Zino & Davidoff Cigars
#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…
- Collabview: Prime Time Special Edition 180 - El Oso Fumar Takes 341 - Collaboration Episode
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 t…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 340th Take - with Sean WIlliams of Cohiba Cigar & STG
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…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 339th Take - with Kevin Shahan of Cigar Prop
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. An…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 338th Take - with Matt Tye of How 'Bout That Cigar
#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”.…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 337th Take - with John McTavish of Developing Palates
#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…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 336th Take - with Dave Lafferty, Derek Matthews & Jack Torano of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, Black Label Trading Company, and Espinosa Cigars
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 h…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 335th Take - with Scott Haugh & Anthony Cantelmo of Cayman Cigars
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 gue…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 334th Take - with William Cooper of Cigar Coop
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!
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 333rd Take - Father's Day Special w/ Tom Lazuka & Jay Davis - with the Cigar Coop Coalition
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…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 332nd Take - Smoking Syndicate Roundtable 22 - with Cigar Coop Coalition
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
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 331st Take - with Eddy Guerra of La Flor Dominicana
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…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 330th Take - with Nick Libretti of JR Cigars & Long Ash Podcast
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…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 329th Take - with David Garofalo of 2 Guys Cigars, Cigar Authority & United Cigar Group
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 wit…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 328th Take - with Tyler Jeffery of Viso Horny Cigars
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 tha…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 327th Take - with Lou Cross of Lure Cigars
This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes first time guest - Lou Cross of Lure Cigars to sit down for #Take327 ! It’s been great to observe Lou’s journey. From long time cigar fan and supporter of this podcast to launching his own brand! In 18…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 326th Take - with Tripp Waldrop of Let's Get Pairing & Cigar Coop Coalition
This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes returns for our #326thTake ! The Premium Cigar Association put on an amazing Trade Show in New Orleans two weeks ago. The Cigar Coop Coalition will litigate most of it this coming Tuesday on Prime Time Special E…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 325th Take - with William Cooper & Erron Nielsen of Cigar Coop Coalition
This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes continues to gear up for the upcoming PCA Tradeshow in New Orleans. We've asked William Cooper and Erron Nielsen to return for our #325thTake . We'll explore the "hype" around a Tradeshow release. Why does it ma…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 324th Take - with Tripp Waldrop of Cigar Coop Coalition & Let's Get Pairing
This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes back Tripp Waldrop of the Cigar Coop Coalition and Let’s Get Pairing to sit down for our #324thTake . PCA is on the horizon and Tripp and I have had the privilege of many live interviews over the years.…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 323rd Take - with Daniel Lance of Domain Cigars
This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes Daniel Lance of Domain Cigars to sit down for our #323rdTake ! The Co-Founder of Domain has teamed up with the infamous Disla family to bring some of the hottest new cigars to market in the last couple…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 322nd Take - with Oliver Nivaud of United Cigar Group
This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of the Taco Jester himself, Oliver Nivaud of United Cigar Group . Our #322ndTake promises to explore Oliver's taking the reigns and moving United Cigar to the next level over the past 7+ year…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 321st Take - with Enrique Seijas of Matilde Cigars
This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of Enrique Seijas of Matilde Cigars to sit down for our #321stTake . Enrique is one of the industry's favorites and as a member of the First Family of the Dominican Republic is holding his fa…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 320th Take - with Chris Topper of Topper Cigar Company
This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes the return of the definition of 'An Oldie, but a goodie'. Chris Topper is a 4th Generation, culminating 130+ years of pure, passionate American Tobacco history. Topper Cigars has proudly made cigars sin…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 319th Take - with Thor Nielsen & Fred Rewey and Cigar Press
This week, we welcome in a new duo, but familiar faces to sit down for #Take319 . Thor Nielsen started Cigar Press almost a decade ago and quickly gave the cigar community a new look at print journalism. Fred Rewey has done everything in a…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 318th Take - with Rafael Nodal of Tabacalera USA & Altadis USA
This week, Rafael Nodal of Altadis USA and the steward of herald brands like Trinidad, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, and more joins us for our #318thTake . We catch up with Rafael and smoke the latest Top 25 placer - the Trinidad Espiritu…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 317th Take - with William Cooper and Tripp Waldrop of Cigar Coop Coalition
#ELOsoFumarTakes has a little fun amidst the "Top Cigar List" season. Our #317thTake welcomes back William Cooper Tripp Waldrop to a RE-DRAFT. In 2018, Tripp participated in his last "Top Cigar" list and Coop and I both had our respective…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 316th Take - 2024 Top Ten Cigars with George Brightman
WELCOME BACK! HAPPY NEW YEAR! The night is here! The time is right! It's time for the #ELOsoFumarTakes Top 10 Cigars of 2024! Once again, the legendary George Brightman joins us for the Top 10 Countdown for the ages! I've sent George my to…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 315th Take - with William Cooper & Mike Szczepankiewicz of Cigar Coop and Powstanie Cigars
This week on #ELOsoFumarTakes, we're back! William Cooper and Mike Szczepankiewicz celebrate the last show of 2024 with a unique cigar and discuss fatherhood, celebrations, and the year ahead.
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 314th Take - with Bob Peacock, Brandon Payne, Austin Borgstede, Tracy Spence & William Cooper for the memorial of Mike Peacock, Owner of Michaels Tobacco
This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes some very special guests for our #314thTake - a tribute to life of Mike Peacock, Owner of Michaels Tobacco of Euless & Michaels Tobacco of Keller . We will have a panel of wonderful guests, who knew him…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 313th Take - with Joe Gro of Casa de Montecristo
This week, We welcome the return of Joe Gro of Casa de Montecristo to sit down for our #313thTake ! Joe has been a man on the move since his last time on the show. From a key mover at Drew Estate to a Shaker at Quality Importers to now mov…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 312th Take - with Janine Perdomo of Perdomo Cigars
#ELOsoFumarTakes is pleased to welcome for the first time the incomparable Janine Perdomo of Perdomo Cigars . For 30+ years, she’s worked side by side with her husband and family to build one of the premiere companies in the industry. It a…
- #ELOSOFUMARTAKES - 311th Take - with George Brightman, William Cooper, & Guest Host Tim Wong for our 7th Anniversary!
This week, #ELOsoFumarTakes turns 7!!! Our #311thTake promises a celebration you hardly ever see. Why? Because instead of celebrating the past - we look to the future! Seven burning questions for the next 7 years in the cigar industry. We'…