The Real Smoke Podcast with Charles and Mick latest episode!
On the latest episode of The Real Smoke Podcast, Neil Garcia of Jake Wyatt Cigars joined the show for an insightful and wide-ranging conversation. The discussion spanned everything from baseball to hockey, diving into Garcia’s athletic past before transitioning to his passion for cigars.
Garcia shared his journey through the world of baseball—a path marked by both injuries and perseverance. Despite setbacks, he pushed through the hardships and made it to the big leagues, where he had the opportunity to play alongside and meet some of the sport’s all-time greats.
His introduction to tobacco began in typical baseball fashion—with chewing tobacco. But over time, his appreciation evolved, and he eventually fell in love with cigars. That passion deepened when he traveled to the Dominican Republic to visit a cigar factory. There, he immersed himself in the craft, learning everything from seed to shelf.
Driven by a competitive spirit and an all-in mindset, Garcia co-founded Jake Wyatt Cigars. The brand began with a shop-exclusive release that quickly gained traction and opened doors to more opportunities. For Garcia, cigars are all about flavor—not strength. He’s a firm believer in the motto: “Don’t knock it until you try it.” His advice to others? Keep an open mind.
As he puts it, too many people say things like, “I only smoke this brand” or “only from this region.” But sometimes, a surprise cigar—like the Lure he was gifted—can become a new favorite.
To hear more about Neil Garcia’s journey in sports and cigars, tune into the latest episode of The Real Smoke Podcast.
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
