Cigar Hacks

The Hidden Herf theme is a follow up to last week’s theme where we all sample a variation of the same line. Checkout the cigar holder, ashtray, coaster. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Controversy Corner – The truth is coming out.

Jonas Santans calls in to tell us about his cigar brand, our Hidden Herf for this week. We report on the Perdomo Father Salem, NH Controversy Corner – Ticked Off!

After last week’s current events we try another effect. We have a real Hidden Herf that was selected by “The New Guy” and he hit a home run. Killer pops in for a few minutes. Local Spotlight – Castro’s Backroom; Manchester, NH Controversy Corner – AI Buzz w/PatGPT

There’s a Rocky Patel event at Plaistow Cigar, so we drop in to record after it’s over. The “new guy” is initiated into the Hack family. The Hidden Herf is a pre-release from the Rocky Patel team fresh out of the PCA. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Company; Plaistow, NH Controversy Corner – Info Wars … Continue reading "Episode 443: The New Guy – Local Spotlight: Plaistow Cigar Company; Plaistow, NH"

The weather breaks for just a bit so we gather the firewood and a large compliment of hacks for this one. Half the panel has not been on in quite a while so it’s different than the last few months. The Hidden Herf is a lesser-known boutique type brand found in Florida. Local Spotlight – … Continue reading "Episode 442: It’s Firepit Weather – Local Spotlight: Ricky’s Firepit"

One of our special guests is Brian Sonia with West Tampa Cigars. He also operates The Tiki Taxi in Hampton Beach, NH. The stories from last season are great. He also brings us a blast from the past for the second half. The Hidden Herf is hard to find but has aged quite well. John from Grumpy’s joins the panel toward the end of the episode. Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigar Hudson, NH Controversy Corner – Will we ever see that again?

A regular listener is in the lounge, so we drag him in to the fourth chair this week. He happens to own Barkingham Mobile Pet Spaw. The Hidden Herf should have been obvious, but it stumps the panel. Local Spotlight – Federal Cigar; Dover, NH Controversy Corner – It’s Just Crazy Talk

The Gringo is in from Florida and holds down the fort this week. Nurse Rick is under the weather and misses the big news item. Pat-GPT figures out the Hidden Herf almost immediately, and it scores well. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Company; Plaistow, NH Controversy Corner – Alien Inbreeding

The crew is back at the Shack for another party and podcast. Rick is back from Florida with more stories. Jim Price, from Rocky Patel Cigars, and Eastie Paul, the owner of The Tobacco Shack, join us this week. The Hidden Herf is an Ybor City staple. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Controversy Corner – Santa, The Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and Stork visit the moon

The heater is installed at the Mustang Shed and it seems to be a success. The Hidden Herf is so obvious we don’t bother trying to hide it, but it does rate high. Local Spotlight – Rhino’s Cigar Lounge by Owl Shop Tobacconists Controversy Corner – From Prophets to Profits

The weather is good enough for an episode from the Mustang Shed. Ricky calls in from Florida and puts Steve on the phone so we can learn about his businesses and the Tampa cigar scene. The Hidden Herf is a blast from the past. Local Spotlight – The Mustang Ranch Controversy Corner – 2nd Mortgages … Continue reading "Episode 436: Horses and Irish Pizza – Local Spotlight: The Mustang Ranch"

We are back at Twins with a cast of long-lost, newly minted, and regular Hacks totaling a dozen including the peanut gallery. The Hidden Herf is a re-try of a wet 3Leaf Azalea and we find it makes a big difference with proper aging. Local Spotlight – Twins Smoke Shop; Londonderry, NH Controversy Corner – … Continue reading "Episode 435: I’m Confused w/Jim from 3Leaf – Local Spotlight: Twins Smoke Shop; Londonderry, NH"

We return to the Founding Fathers Executives private lounge for this week’s episode. We are joined by Joe, one of the principals of the club for an update on what’s new since our last visit. The Hidden Herf is a unique selection from Florida, and it get decent reviews from the panel. Local Spotlight – … Continue reading "Episode 434: Founding Fathers Revisited – Local Spotlight: Founding Fathers Executives, Danvers, MA"

Its another double cigar Hidden Herf, but this time we do mild and bold variations suited to the panelist. Nick Laramie from Drew Estate joins half way in. Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigar Hudson, NH Controversy Corner – Havana Syndrome

We have two short figurados this week and somehow it turns into a long ash challenge. Ricky and Pat send in a couple interviews from Florida. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Controversy Corner – Tariffs

Many of the regular Hacks are out of town this week, so it’s another small group episode. Ricky and Pat send in a series of interviews from the Ybor City area. The full versions are tacked on at the end of the episode. The Hidden Herf is guessed after a massive clue and receives good … Continue reading "Episode 431: Let’s Go Bowling – Local Spotlight: Castro’s Backroom; Manchester, NH"

It’s a small group, simple setup, this week as we recover from last weekend’s escapades. Ben Dover returns with jokes. The Hidden Herf stumps the panel and receives good reviews. Local Spotlight – Federal Cigar; Dover, NH Controversy Corner – The Trifecta

It’s halfway through Hackapalooza 8.0 where we meet up with the Rocky Patel crew in North Conway at The Original Cigar North Conway, NH Controversy Corner – Election Truth Revealed

Hackapalooza 8.0 is this week. We run down the itinerary and plans for the weekend. We try to stay on topic, Nick. Ricky’s back so we get an in-person Florida report. The Hidden Herf is a throw-back. Local Spotlight – JR Cigar Outlet; Tampa, FL Controversy Corner – Football Theories

Jim and Hailey from Great Cigars Podcast are in town and join us at Federal Cigar for this week’s episode after No-Name John’s birthday party. We introduce Ben Dover. The Hidden Herf is a special “sleeper”. Local Spotlight – Federal Cigar; Portsmouth, NH Controversy Corner – Epstein Update

A cast of six land at Grumpy’s to play out the spoof we set in motion last week. The Hidden Herf is a spoof of it’s own. Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigar Hudson, NH Controversy Corner – Vegas Shoot Out

Opening the 2026 season we have another Hack father join the panel. The Hidden Herf is decent and we almost forget to do the reveal. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Controversy Corner – Daycare Financing

The panel meets up at Twins in Londonderry for the last episode of 2025. Papa McGroin joins us as do other friends that we pull in from the lounge along the way. The Hidden Herf is a unique selection. Local Spotlight – Twins Smoke Shop; Londonderry, NH Controversy Corner – Classic Christmas Movies

Direct from The Tobacco Shack in Rowley, MA it’s the 2025 Hackie Awards Show. We get the RI run-down from Ricky and Pat. The Hidden Herf is unexpected. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Controversy Corner – The Proper Cut for Your Cigar

Jim from 3-Leaf Cigars joins the Hacks in more ways than one. The hacks turn out in force this week. We retry a cigar that was fresh off the boat 16 weeks back on episode 406. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Company; Plaistow, NH Controversy Corner – Tina Peters from Colorado and What’s Up in … Continue reading "Episode 422: It’s Better with Age – 3Leaf with Jim – Local Spotlight: Plaistow Cigar Company; Plaistow, NH"

Nimish from Rocky Patel Cigars is in town for an event at Federal Cigar. We sit down to talk cigars with Nimish and Federal Cigar with the new management. Local Spotlight – Federal Cigar; Portsmouth, NH Controversy Corner – Pat McPsycic

Shacky Greene, Pat McGroin, and Cigar Hack Dave do a special Thanksgiving week episode to launch year nine. The Hidden Herf is a Shack staple and receives good grades. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Controversy Corner – Shout Out to Cam Higby

It all started here eight years ago east of just west of this very location. We discuss the last eight years and what the next eight years will bring. The Hidden Herf stumps the panel and is an interesting selection. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Company; Plaistow, NH Controversy Corner – Seth Who?

It’s not every week that we have a new cigar brand owner join us for an episode. Jimmy Miller and long-time friend of the Hacks, Max, have a New England launch event of Miller Cigar at Castro’s in Manchester. The Hidden Herf is well received and collectively the Hacks have smoked the other vitolas so we’re able to talk about those as well. Local Spotlight – Castro’s Backroom; Manchester, NH Controversy Corner – The False Flag Operation

The multi-award-winning cigar rep, Mike the Cop from Rocky Patel, is at Grumpy’s this week. We drop in to catch up with Mike and find out about the 30th Anniversary cigar release. The Hidden Herf is a bit of a sleeper and is well received by the panel. Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigar Hudson, NH Controversy Corner – It’s frosty in the Arctic and Antarctica

It’s our 7th annual trip to the Poconos. We record on Halloween after smoking and partying all day, so you know what to expect. Local Spotlight – Junko’s Cigar Lounge; Hazelton, PA Controversy Corner – Weather Station Anomaly and Alien Spaceships.

It’s back to the firepit for what my be the last time this year as we discover a time traveler in our midst. The Joke-O-Meter and HR are workimg overtime this week as almost nothing is off limits. We have a visit from a prodigal Hack and a guest from an episode a long time … Continue reading "Episode 415: Calling HR – Local Spotlight: Ricky’s Firepit"

The panel convenes at Cigar and Lounge in Watertown, MA. We have couple of special quests and a couple of Hacks that haven’t been on for a while. This episode is loaded with cigars, laughs, and fish stories. The Hidden Herf is picked out after a couple of clues. Local Spotlight – Cigar and Lounge; … Continue reading "Episode 414: The Virtual Brother-In-Law – Local Spotlight: Cigar and Lounge; Watertown, MA"

It’s Big Sky Cigars at Grumpy’s Cigar Hudson, NH Controversy Corner – … Continue reading "Episode 413: Have Another Grumpy Day with Big Sky Cigars – Local Spotlight: Grumpy’s Cigar Hudson, NH"

Shacky Greene wants to try being the announcer, so we hand him the intro copy and say, “you’re on”! The Hidden Herf is illusive for a little while, but eventually it’s picked out. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Controversy Corner – Saying the quiet part out loud.

It’s a perfect day on the sidewalk in Manchester, NH which makes for prime people watching. We are in for the Madre Tierra, live rolling event at Castro’s. We call Jay the Lawyer for the Pittsburg report. The Hidden Herf receives some of the highest scores. Local Spotlight – Castro’s Backroom; Manchester, NH Controversy Corner … Continue reading "Episode 411: People Watching with Madre Tierra Cigars – Local Spotlight: Castro’s Backroom; Manchester, NH"

We are joined, via call-in, by Mel and Kevin of The Elevated Humidor Cigar Co. and Stories Cigars + Lounge. We smoke two Hidden Herfs and recap the New England Cigar Festivl. Local Spotlight – Stories Cigars + Lounge; Lufkin, TX Controversy Corner – The Great Circle.

Jay (the lawyer) is in town for the NE Cigar Expo. We organize a small group recording at the Mustang Ranch to preview Expo weekend. Jay brings us a fantastic, limited-edition cigar for the Hidden Herf. Local Spotlight – Various Lounges; Pittsburg, PA Controversy Corner – Charlie Kirk

It’s been almost 3 years since our epic Rocky Patel interview on episode 265. This is Rocky’s 30th year and he’s back on with the Hacks for the first half at Twins Smoke Shop in Londonderry, NH. The Hidden Herf is a new Rocky Patel that lives up to the hype. Our second half guests are the Boot brothers, owners of the Original Cigar Frederick, MD Controversy Corner – What happens in Vegas had better stay there.

Contrary to what you might hear on this episode this is number 407. Mama McGroin joins us for a little stand-up comedy to try out some new material. The Hidden Herf is well received by the panel. Local Spotlight – McGroin Manor Controversy Corner – How’s the weather where you are?

It’s large crowd so we need to do the half-time panel swap. We preview the New England Cigar Expo. The Hidden Herf is a new release. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Company; Plaistow, NH Controversy Corner – Private Equity.

The team sits down with our new Aladino Cigar Rep, Adrian, where we learn about the brand, the family, and the cigars. Adrian is a former history professor which drives some of the conversation. The Hidden Herf is something special. Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigar Hudson, NH Controversy Corner – The Bay of … Continue reading "Episode 405: Aladino Cigars with Adrian Sardiña – Local Spotlight: Grumpy’s Cigar Hudson, NH"

It’s another small-group mid-week episode. We gather at Ricky’s firepit with perfect weather for the second week running. The Hidden Herf is another panel stumper but still receives good marks. Pat’s Pick of the Week. Local Spotlight – Ricky’s Firepit Controversy Corner – From sports to politics.

Rhino’s is a new shop in the southern NH area. The Hacks gather on a perfect Wednesday evening for an outdoor episode. We sit down on the newly minted patio at Rhino’s, with one of the owners, to get the scoop on this new lounge. Junk Mail Bag: Best 30 Cigars Podcasts   Best 40 Tobacco Podcasts Local Spotlight – Rhino’s Cigar Lounge by Owl Shop Tobacconists Controversy Corner – Fed Up!

Direct from the Route One Business Networking Group (BNG) event for our fifth year, we talk with Brittany Lyla, the group media specialist, and a few other BNG members while enjoying cigars under the tent on the back patio at the Rosaria Restaurant. The Hidden Herf is well received by the panel. Local Spotlight – Route One BNG Summer Cigar Event Controversy Corner – It’s Coming!

Direct from the Mustang Ranch at sunset we have a couple of Hacks the have been on hiatus. The Hidden Herf is panel stumper and receives an interesting result. We also recap Summa-Palooza. Local Spotlight – Sunset at The Mustang Ranch Controversy Corner – Waiting for the Perp-Walk

Warning: This episode is totally uncut and unedited. This is how it sounds after a couple days of drinking, smoking, sun, fishing and fun on the barge. It’s the 8th annual summer trip on the barge and we are at the lake house for the sixth year. The weather is almost perfect, many cigars are smoked, and plenty of fish are caught. The catch phrases this year are “Pat McGroin is the Man!” and “Happy Birth Day!” The Hidden Herf stumps the panel, but the irony couldn’t be better. Summa-Episode numbers by year and location 2018 – 34 Saco River 2019 – 89 Saco River 2020 – 139 Lake House 2021 – 191/192 Lake House / North Conway 2022 – 245 Lake House 2023 – 297 Lake House with the family 2024 – 349 Lake House 2025 – 400 Lake House Local Spotlight – On the lake; New Hampshire Controversy Corner – Ants and Ricky’s Retort!

Castro’s in Bedford has changed hands and changed its name. The Hacks go direct to the source for the latest information and renovation details. The Hidden Herf is a definite plant to see if Pat can pick it out since he was at an event for this line recently. Local Spotlight – Castro’s Cigar Lounge; … Continue reading "Episode 399: Now Open Under New Management – Local Spotlight: Castro’s Cigar Lounge; Bedford, NH"

It’s a week of reports from European vacations and local cigar events. Everyone on the panel who was not out of commission has an event story to share. The Hidden Herf is well received. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Co; Plaistow, NH Conspiracy Corner – What’s a Stone Hedge?

As we work our way through the Widow Jane that was bequeath to us by the Stogie Hunter last week, Mama McGroin joins us at McGroin Manor a for segment. The Hidden Herf is sort of guessed and is a decent smoke. Local Spotlight – Ash Cigar Lounge; Kingston, NH – Ash Becomes a Diamond … Continue reading "Episode 397: Jane, Jen, Sammy, and Eldon – Local Spotlight: Ash Cigar Lounge; Kingston, NH"