Master Sensei

On this episode of Smoke Night LIVE, we tackle the question: how would you build the perfect cigar company? Our panel will step into the role of CEO, making key decisions such as choosing tobacco farms, selecting a factory and blender, appointing a brand manager, and filling other essential roles to create their ultimate cigar brand. Joining Sensei, Juan, and the Dojo crew are William “Cigar Coop” Cooper and Johnny Remer for this unique and engaging discussion.

It’s time for the annual Dochella festival at Dojo Studios, where we celebrate the kickoff of the Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival. As always, we’ll have a cavalcade of stars on Smoke Night LIVE, appearing in rapid-fire succession. Tune in to catch your favorite cigar personalities on this special, once-a-year episode.

It’s the first episode of Smoke Night LIVE from the newly renovated Dojo studio! William “Cigar Coop” Cooper joins Sensei, Juan Cancel, Jordan, and the rest of the crew to discuss new and upcoming cigar releases and tackle the pivotal question: does it move the needle? In other words, how excited should we really be about each new cigar drop?

Few pairings rival a fine glass of whiskey and a premium cigar. On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Jon Carney and Mike Wilson of Hooten & Young—the company that brings both to the table. From its unique origin story to its growing presence in the cigar and spirits world, Hooten & Young’s journey is one you won’t want to miss. Tune in for the conversation and your chance to win one of TWO impressive prize packages.

La Flor Dominicana (LFD) has long been recognized as one of the premier cigar factories in the Dominican Republic, earning numerous accolades over the years, including Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar of the Year for the Andalusian Bull in 2016. Now, as a new chapter begins, the next generation is stepping into leadership. Litto Gomez Jr., Tony Gomez, and Eddy Guerra join the show to discuss guiding their father’s company into the future and the ongoing challenge of remaining relevant in the humidors of today’s cigar hobbyists.

Getting your cigar brand noticed in the industry is no easy feat, and over the years, we’ve seen some colorful characters rise to the challenge. Jeremy McDonald launched Wildfire Cigars in 2021 and has quickly established himself as one of the more unique personalities in the business. But how weird is too weird? Jeremy joins Smoke Night Live for a lively discussion about the cult of personality behind Wildfire Cigars.

Every cigar smoker has a mental list of cigars that reshaped their understanding of what makes a cigar truly exceptional. Was it a maduro that revealed the perfect chocolate note? Or perhaps a flawlessly aged Connecticut shade-wrapped cigar that demonstrated the delicate balance of sweetness and bitterness? On this episode, the Dojo crew discusses the five cigars that transformed their appreciation for premium cigars.

Tell us what you REALLY think! Fred Rewey from Cigar Press Magazine joins Master Sensei, Juan Cancel, and Kid-Producer Jordan to discuss, debate, and settle some of the most intriguing topics in the cigar industry and beyond.

What is the most exciting cigar brand represented by a celebrity? In this episode, the Dojo crew, joined by co-host Juan Cancel and special guest William ‘Cigar Coop’ Cooper, will crown the King of the Ring—the ultimate celebrity cigar brand. In this bracket challenge, it’s not just about the quality of the cigars but also the celebrity’s influence and the overall positive vibe of the brand.

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Andrews, Director of New Business Development at Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG). Justin will be joining us live in-studio from Dojo headquarters and will update us on all STG brands, including Diesel, Partagas, Room101, Alec Bradley, and more.

The term ’boutique cigar company’ is often used in the cigar industry, but what does it truly mean? Does it describe the company’s size, its focus on artistry, or a blend of multiple factors? Terence Reilly from Aganorsa Leaf and Nick Fusco from El Mago Cigars join the show to explore what defines a boutique cigar company.

Nobody loves and celebrates great food more than Rafael Nodal from Altadis USA. In this show, he joins Sensei, Jordan, and Juan to rate and rank the best regional cuisines. What’s better: a Philly Cheesesteak, Italian Beef, Lobster Roll, or Cuban Sandwich? And what about other regional favorites? Let the debate begin! We invite you, the viewing audience, to join the discussion.

Bill Ives and Juan Cancel reunite on this episode of Smoke Night LIVE. Ten years ago, Bill and Juan were Cigar Dojo members and cigar enthusiasts who decided to start a cigar brand named Cubariqueño, also known as Protocol. They quickly became one of the most popular brands on the market, paying homage to police officers worldwide. Since then, the company has undergone many changes, including Bill leaving to focus on his career in law enforcement. On this show, Juan and Bill reunite for the first time to reminisce and discuss Protocol’s wild history over the past decade.

Get ready for our 3rd epic AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Smoke Night LIVE! The audience takes the wheel, firing tough, fascinating questions at the Dojo crew: Master Sensei, Juan Cancel, Kid-Producer Jordan, Scotty Braband, and Matty Hall. Best of all, submit your question(s) for a chance to win a 10-count bundle of Protocol Jane Doe cigars! Drop your most compelling questions and join the fun!

Buy, Hold, or Sell? With the annual cigar trade show behind us, it’s time to evaluate how the top brands performed and whether their yearly pitches hit or missed the mark. To guide us through these assessments, we’ve assembled an expert panel for one of our most popular episodes: the Cigar Brand Stock Market. Join Juan Cancel, William ‘Cigar Coop’ Cooper, and John ‘Cigar Surgeon’ McTavish as they advise ‘investors’ on which cigar brands are worthy of your investment.

Survey Says! Terence Reilly from Aganorsa Leaf joins the show to predict the results of our cigar consumer survey before we dive into the answers. How well does Terence understand the habits of premium cigar smokers? Tune in to find out! Plus, complete the survey for a chance to win a FLEX Sampler featuring 10 incredible Aganorsa Leaf cigars.

The 2025 Premium Cigar Association Trade Show has concluded, and the burning question on everyone’s mind is, “What are the best cigars from this year’s show?” The Cigar Dojo team answers this question in our annual First Impressions Show. Our crew—Sensei, Jordan, Robby Ras, and Matty Hall—will each smoke three new releases, rating them live on air to guide cigar enthusiasts on which premium cigars to seek out in 2025.

Nashville’s Crowned Heads have been making waves with a flurry of announcements ahead of this year’s PCA trade show, unveiling new cigars and even a refreshed logo. Miguel Schoedel, the VP of Sales, joins the show to break down all the latest updates and provide an inside look at what’s happening within the Crowned Heads and OZ Family Cigars brands.

What makes Juan, “Juan?” Have you ever wondered about that? Juan Cancel is one of the most intriguing figures in the cigar industry. Before founding Protocol Cigars (also known as Cubariqueño), his life was shaped by a series of events that molded him into the man he is today. In this episode, we’ll uncover the journey that crafted the one and only Juan Cancel.

Fred Rewey, formerly of Nomad Cigars and Illusione Cigars, now a partial owner of Cigar Press Magazine, joins the show to talk about… cigars. You like cigars, right? Well, we’re diving into cigars and much, much more on this fun, freewheeling episode of Smoke Night LIVE.