The Real Smoke Podcast with Charles and Mick latest episode!
The Real Smoke Podcast just released its latest episode featuring Ray and Joe from Cigar Clowns, and it’s packed with nostalgia, industry insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from the boutique cigar world.
Ray and Joe reflected on their childhoods, reminiscing about a time when kids played outside until their parents called them home. Their stories brought back memories of my own childhood—hearing my grandmother’s voice echo through the neighborhood or watching the streetlights flicker on, signaling it was time to head home.
When asked about their introduction to cigars, they shared how they first observed older men carefully preparing their smoking space before lighting up. As they grew older, they naturally followed suit, eventually developing their own passion for cigars.
They went on to discuss the origins of Cigar Clowns, which started as a group of friends who smoked together and evolved into a recognized brand. They spoke candidly about the joys and struggles of being boutique brand owners in the competitive tobacco industry, highlighting the differences between large brands, boutique cigars, and craft cigars.
One of the most interesting moments was when they were asked about a cigar they expected to perform well but didn’t. They revealed that the AVB was a blend they believed would be a hit, but it didn’t meet expectations. That surprised me because it was one of my personal favorites—along with the first release of Festivus.
The conversation also touched on the thought and creativity that go into designing the bands and themes for their cigars. Mick, one of the hosts, was especially intrigued, admitting that presentation plays a big role in his decision to buy a cigar.
If you’re a fan of boutique cigars or just love hearing great cigar stories, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out and dive into the world of Cigar Clowns!
Take a listen to the episode and drop a comment with your thoughts. Let’s keep the conversation going.
I’m John Cardenas, also known as Johnny Havana in the cigar industry. What I love about being involved with Cigar Public is that I have the opportunity to learn and share the stories of those in the cigar industry. I’ve formed lifelong relationships over a cigar and conversations. I’m committed to providing honest reviews of cigars and sharing my experiences with you. @JohnnyHavana
