The Ash Chat

Finding Your Rhythm: A Journey Through Beer, Dance, and Cigars

Welcome back to another lively episode of the Ash Chat Podcast, featuring an inspiring conversation with Elisa Bowens Mercado, the dynamic owner of Rhythm Brewing Company in New Haven, Connecticut. Join us as we dive into Elisa's world of craft beer, dance, and cigars, exploring her journey from salsa dance studio owner to pioneering brewer in a male-dominated industry.Discover the story behind Rhythm Brewing's flagship Unfiltered Lager and its unique three-sip rule, as Elisa shares her passion for creating a lager that pays homage to her grandmothers while breaking barriers in the craft beer world. With a unique pairing of cigars, Elisa's enthusiasm for all things flavorful shines through.Elisa also takes us behind the scenes of her flourishing salsa dance studio, where she has been a transformative force in the community for 25 years. From choreographing weddings to teaching countless students, her dedication to dance is as infectious as her love for brewing.Tune in for an engaging discussion on entrepreneurship, perseverance, and the power of saying "yes" to opportunities. Whether you're a beer enthusiast, dance lover, or cigar aficionado, this episode offers a captivating look into the life of a true trailblazer.

Cigar Chronicles: An Inside Look at the Smoke-Filled World

Welcome to another episode of Ash Chat, where hosts Dave, Cappy, and Fulch are joined by Bill and special guest, John Cigar, a prominent cigar broker in the Northeast. Despite John's modesty about his status, he offers a wealth of knowledge on cigars, especially the Illusione brand, which he proudly represents.
Recorded at Mickey Blake's, the conversation dives into the world of cigars.  John shares his journey from smoking cigars in college to becoming a broker, detailing his experiences with various brands, including Drew Estate and EPC.
The episode also features insights from Ryan Shepard, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Illusione, who discusses his transition from STG to Illusione and his first experiences in Nicaragua. Together, they explore the intricacies of cigar blending, the importance of choosing quality brands, and the unique culture of the cigar industry.
Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the cigar lifestyle, complete with stories, humor, and expert advice on enjoying the perfect smoke.

From Beats to Leaves: The Ash Chat Podcast with Special Guest Ricky Rodz

Welcome back to the Ash Chat Podcast! In this episode, our hosts Dave, Richie "Blaze One", Cappy, and Dave sit down with a longtime friend and esteemed guest, Ricky Rodz. Ricky shares his journey from his early days on the beat as a police officer to becoming a passionate advocate for Cigars for Warriors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing cigars to deployed troops.
We dive into the origins and mission of Cigars for Warriors, the challenges faced due to FDA regulations, and the incredible support from the cigar community, including major contributions from Drew Estate and other cigar companies. Ricky also gives insights into his favorite cigars, including the Liga T52 and the H99, and shares his experiences blending cigars with renowned figures in the industry.
As always, the episode is filled with camaraderie, laughter, and a deep appreciation for cigars and the community that surrounds them. Tune in for an engaging conversation about giving back, the art of cigar blending, and the joy of a good smoke paired with a fine bourbon. Don't miss this heartwarming and informative episode!

Behind the Smoke: The Journey of Artesano del Tobacco

Welcome to the Ash Chat with the Alma de Hombre Cigar Society! In this episode, we join the fine gentlemen from Artesano del Tobacco, the makers of the El Pulpo and Viva La Vida series. Despite some technical issues, we dive into a captivating conversation about their journey, the creation of their premium cigars, and their unwavering passion for the craft.Discover the inspiring story behind the Viva La Vida cigar, their deep connection with Nicaragua, and the collaborative process that brings their unique blends to life. You'll also hear about their commitment to quality, the importance of listening to consumer feedback, and the meticulous aging process that ensures each cigar is perfect before hitting the market.Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or new to the world of cigars, this episode offers valuable insights and entertaining anecdotes from two industry experts. Enjoy the rich aroma of knowledge and camaraderie shared in this special edition of Ash Chat. Don't miss out on this engaging and informative discussion!

Ash Chat No. 6 - One Smooth Night: Cigars & Bourbon Bliss

Welcome back to the Ash Chat Podcast with the Alma de Hombre Society, hosted by Dave and the original cohorts Fulch and Cappy. This episode kicks off with a special guest, Dave G AKA "Wall Street", reminiscing about episode one and diving into the evening's theme.
Tonight is all about smoothness, featuring the Herrera Esteli cigar by Drew Estate and a delightful Weller bourbon. The discussion delves into the cigar's history, its Cuban influences, and the intricate blend of flavors that make it a favorite among the group.
Listeners will enjoy a lively conversation on cigar and bourbon pairings, personal smoking rituals, and the camaraderie that binds the Alma de Hombre Society. From morning coffee pairings to the nuances of different tobacco wrappers, this episode is a rich exploration of the cigar-smoking experience.
Join the Ash Chat crew for a relaxed and insightful evening, celebrating the art of fine cigars and bourbons.

Ash Chat No. 05 - A Journey Through Cigars with Reinier Lorenzo of HVC Cigars

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by the renowned Reinier Lorenzo from HVC Cigars. Reinier shares his fascinating journey from medical school in Cuba to becoming a rising figure in the cigar industry. He discusses the intricacies of blending cigars, the importance of maintaining consistent quality, and the unique challenges faced in the tobacco business.
Listeners will get an insider's view of the creation process behind some of HVC's most beloved cigars, such as the Black Friday and the new Hot Cake release. Reinier also offers a glimpse into his daily routine, his passion for cigars, and the future plans for his company.
Whether you're a seasoned cigar aficionado or just curious about the world of cigars, this episode provides a deep dive into the art and science of cigar making, as well as the personal stories that fuel this timeless craft.

The Ash Chat No. 04 - The Magnificent Six: Bourbon, Cigars, and Brotherhood

Welcome to a very special episode of the Ash Chats podcast! Join your hosts David Brown, Folch (a.k.a. Blaze One), and Cappy as they dive into an extraordinary gathering featuring the "Magnificent Six." This episode is packed with camaraderie, rich bourbon tales, and the passionate pursuit of cigar perfection.
Our special guests, including Frankie, Nick, and Corey from Wines and More, share their incredible journey to Kentucky's Maker's Mark distillery. Hear firsthand about the unique process of picking a bourbon barrel and the unforgettable experience of crafting their own blend. Learn about the intricacies of bourbon tasting, stave selection, and the collaborative effort that led to the creation of a one-of-a-kind bourbon.
We also delve into the vibrant world of cigars with insights from Arturo and John Porco, the masterminds behind Prime Tobacconist. Discover their vision for a new kind of cigar lounge and the exciting plans they have in store.
Don't miss out on the fun, the laughter, and the heartfelt stories of friendship and passion. Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast, a cigar aficionado, or just love a good story, this episode has something for everyone.
Cheers to the Magnificent Six and the wonderful world of bourbon and cigars!

The Ash Chat No. 03 - A Smoky Evening with Bill: Exploring Cigar History and Culture

Welcome to another episode of the Ash Chat Podcast with the Alma de Hombre Society! Your hosts, David Brown, Fulch, Cappy, alongside the other Dave, welcomes a very special guest, Mr. Bill. Broadcasting from Mickey Blake's in Orange, this episode dives deep into Bill's 43 years of experience in the cigar industry.
Bill shares fascinating stories from his early days managing tobacco at Caldor to his current role at Mickey Blake's. Learn about the Tobacconist Association of America (TAA) and the exclusive blends available to its members. Bill also discusses the evolution of cigar production, the rise of Nicaraguan tobacco, and his favorite cigar picks.
Join us for an engaging conversation filled with cigar history, personal anecdotes, and a taste of Heaven Hill's seven-year bottled in bond bourbon. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a curious novice, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and camaraderie that makes the cigar community so special. Don't miss out!