The crew is back from New Orleans and PCA 2025, where we get a couple of perspectives from their PCA experiences. This month marks the end of an era for Castro’s in Concord. The mail bag is full and Nurse Rick takes a beating from Miserable Nick. The Hidden Herf receives ratings at both ends of the spectrum. Local Spotlight – Castro’s Backroom; Con…

The annual Masters event is in full swing in Plaistow Cigar and we are here for another year with 3Leaf Cigars. The lounge is shaping up now that the new bar is in. The Hidden Herf has aged well. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Co; Plaistow, NH Conspiracy Corner – TartariaBy [email protected]

We are at the Tobacco Shack’s “Party for the Hell of it 4.0” and it’s a fuller house than last year. We are joined by Mike the Cop, our local Rocky Patel rep who conspires with one of our own on the Hidden Herf. It turns out to be a good one! Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Conspiracy Corner – The 15 Minute City…

It’s a six-pack of Hacks this week in the Mustang Barn. It’s time for low keyed recording but it turns out to be a very funny episode with a few surprise gifts. Sure, alcohol was a factor. The Hidden Herf falls “short” but still gets a good rating. Local Spotlight – The Cigar Authority; Salem, NH and Oz Family Cigars Conspiracy Corner – Election Va…

It has been 5 years to the week since we’ve done an episode at Federal Cigar and The Slow Burn Lounge in Dover. With the new management, a Hack behind the bar, and Jim from the Great Cigars Podcast in town the stars aligned in Dover. The lounge is full and the jokes are almost non stop, so get your score card out because there are a lot of panelist…

Jonathan Carney joins the Hacks this week to talk about his new venture; Bentley Tobacco | USA and Bentley Cigars. We start out be going to the beginning and telling stories around our collective cigar adventures. This is a long one so we smoke two different cigars, both are well received by the panel. Somehow we manage to get the peanut gallery on…

Nurse Rick, Pat McGroin, and Mustang Mike return from Florida with tall tales. This week we record in the 7-20-4 Lounge at Twins Smoke Shop in Londonderry, NH where Nick Goss is holding an HVC Cigars event. The Hidden Herf is an unusual novelty cigar. Three new Hacks are sworn in. Local Spotlight – Cigar Castle; Tampa, FL Conspiracy Corner – The Ve…

The crew drops in to Grumpy’s Cigar & Lounge for the Oliva Cigar event this week and we seem to win the majority of the swag. We have to wait until after the event to do the recording because it was just too busy in the lounge. There is a contingent of half a dozen Hacks at Rocky Patel’s Burn Lounge in Naples Florida at the same time, so we sort of…

We return to the The Mustang Barn for another panel stumping Hidden Herf. This week it’s cars and driving related stories along with our cigars and bourbon. Ricky and Pat are in Florida this week and leave us a few voice mail messages. Detroit Steve reports on his travels and the cigar lounges he stopped at; including The Rat Pack Martini and Cigar…

Here is a Valentines Day we won’t soon forget! Nick Goss joins The Hacks for an episode on 2/14 after the Black Label Trading Company Cigar Event at Plaistow Cigar. We try a new format for the Florida Report with Nurse Rick. The Hidden Herf receives high marks. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Company – Bar and Lounge; Plaistow, NH Conspiracy Corne…

Hackapalooza 7.0 is all over but the shouting. We run down what happened after we recorded last week’s episode. The Hidden Herf is an old friend that no one recognizes, I guess it’s been too long. We spark up a second Herf and do some comparisons. Local Spotlight – The Mustang Barn Conspiracy Corner – Conspiracy Potpourri – Open Topics…

It’s the second day of Hackapalooza 7.0 with a cast of so many that we split the panel into two halves. We talk about the first 24 hours of the three day annual event and the six lounges we have visited so far. We add a couple new Hacks. Conspiracy Corner is back, no more DEI at The Hacks. The Hidden Herf is picked out early but surprises many of t…

We bring a few first-timers to the infamous “Undisclosed Location” for this week’s episode. We have a couple of brief call-ins ahead of Hackapalooza. Pat McGroin gives us a run down of his adventure to the White Ash event with Mike the Cop from Rocky Patel Cigars. The Hidden Herf is easy to determine by process of elimination if you know your stuff…

We are back at Shack for the Hackapalooza pregame and rum tasting. Ricky calls in with the Florida report and another Hack is sworn in. The Hidden Herf is picked off early and receives both high and low marks with about an even split. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Controversy Corner – We Didn’t Start the Fire and Other Political C…

We arranged to meet our special guest, Varnell, at Grumpy’s for an introduction to Orisha Cigars, a Haitian brand. Nurse Rick calls in for the Florida Report. We have a few new voices, some fun and games, and a swearing-in to round out the episode. The Hidden Herf is very well received by the panel. Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge; Hudso…

We’re back at Castro’s in Manchester for another fun-filled episode and a sequel to Episode 354, “Drink the Rainbow”. The crew is in rare form this week with lots of jokes and poking fun at each other. Ricky’s call-in is a fail. The Hidden Herf is another classic “unicorn status cigar” from Killer’s vault. Local Spotlight – Castro’s Back Room; Manc…

As 2024 comes to a close we have a special guest, Jennifer Thorson, the SVP of Marketing for the Molon Labe brands. It’s a large crew and a very busy lounge this week but we have a lot of laughs and learn about brand marketing. The Hidden Herf is identified early. Local Spotlight – Ash Cigar Lounge; Kingston, NH Controversy Corner – Massachusetts i…

Direct from The Tobacco Shack in Rowley, MA it’s the 2024 Hackie Awards Show. Everyone braved the first snow storm of the season for The Tobacco Shack Christmas Party and to do this episode. We get the RI run-down from Pat McGroin. The Hidden Herf is something very different. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Controversy Corner – Sant…

We return to the Two Guys Christmas Party at the Seabrook location for the fourth time. Returning to the Christmas Party series are Steve DeOssie of the NFL (Episode 267) and Jarrid Trudeau EVP of Kristoff Cigars (Episode 319). Our first time guest is John Cena Sr. AKA Johnny Fabulous of Pro Wrestling. Also see Episode 162 from 2020 for our first T…

The panel is made up of regulars at the United Cigar Event at Plaistow Cigar. Our newly minted tobacconist picks out the Hidden Herf, it’s a bit obvious what it is. We have a couple of items in the mailbag and plenty of Cigar content. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Co; Plaistow, NH Controversy Corner – De-Banking and Other Current Topics…

It’s Black Friday again and we are all worn our from too much turkey and frantic shoppers. The panel gathers in Bedford at Castro’s for a relaxing evening after the holiday to discuss the Hidden Herf and other topics. Local Spotlight – Castro’s Backroom; Bedford, NH Controversy Corner – Laughing at the Criers…

The crew retires to The Tobacco Shack after hours for a quiet respite. We have a new cigar smoker join us for the festivities. The Hidden Herf is a surprise that we all missed in epic fashion. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Controversy Corner – You Look MarvelousBy [email protected]

It’s our Seventh Anniversary this week and we are joined by Lee Graves our local Kristoff Cigars Rep. We are at Twins Smoke Shop and the 7-20-4 Lounge celebrating with Pat the “former” law student on his swearing in as a lawyer. The Hidden Herf is well received by the panel. Local Spotlight – Twins Smoke Shop; Londonderry, NH Controversy Corner – I…

The crew joins up at The Ash Cigar Lounge for the Pocono Palooza recap and the election results. The Hidden Herf does not live up to what everyone expected, size does matter! Next week begins our eighth year. Local Spotlight – Ash Cigar Lounge; Kingston, NH Controversy Corner – It’s a red wave and a landslide…

It’s time again for our annual trip to the Poconos. We record on the first night after driving, smoking and partying all day. It a virtual laugh track on this after midnight episode. Local Spotlight – Big House Tobacco Outlet; Scranton, PA Controversy Corner – It just doesn’t add upBy [email protected]

This week we land back at Grumpy’s with Nick Goss for the All Saints Cigars Event. We find a bonus guest at the bar that we have been wanting to talk with for a while, Tom Boot of The Original Cigar & Bar joins us. Mustang Mike reports on his trip to the Rocky Patel Factory in Honduras. Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge; Hudson, NH Controv…

Due to scheduling issues we only have time for a quick one this week. It’s like the old days; under an hour in the back lounge at Plaistow Cigar. Mike the Cop from Rocky Patel is on hand where he previews the upcoming trip to Rocky’s house in Honduras with a dozen or so cigar enthusiasts from his territory, including our own Mustang Mike. It’s the …

Erik and Jim from 3Leaf Cigars are the guests this week as we gather at Plaistow Cigar to check in with 3Leaf and learn what it takes to start a new cigar line. This is another one of those episodes with constant jokes, laughs and all around fun. Comedy Corner may have had it’s run. Local Spotlight – New England Cigar Expo 2024 Controversy Corner –…

The Hacks are Validating with Terrence Riley of Aganorsa Leaf Cigars in the 7-20-4 lounge. We are afforded the privilege of the “fuma experience”, where we smoke two different single leafs that are part of every Aganorsa cigar. We learn all about Aganorsa and the other brands that come from the same fields. Local Spotlight – Twins Smoke Shop; Londo…

It’s a trip to the land of Miserable Nick to visit with Paul Joyal of Mr. J’s Havana Cigar Lounge. Should kids go to college or not. If you already didn’t know, Pat just came back from Ireland. The Hidden Herf is identified early on and turns out to be a well aged and highly rated selection – credit to Miserable Nick. Local Spotlight – Mr. J’s Hava…

The Tobacco Shack celebrates its first five years under the current management. Our first Tobacco Shack episode was number 104, it seems like yesterday. The Anniversary party included a Rocky Patel Cigar Event so, for the Hidden Herf we get to try another yet to be released cigar from Rocky Patel. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Con…

The Madre Tierra team is in town for Grumpy’s First Anniversary weekend. We stretch this one out long enough to smoke and rate two Hidden Herf cigars from Madre Tierra. The results are a bit surprising. Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge; Hudson, NH Controversy Corner – It’s DebatableBy [email protected]

The Founding Fathers Executives Networking Group is based out of a speakeasy style lounge and meeting facility in Danvers, MA. We are joined by the principals of the Founding Fathers for an explanation of “Come as a guest, leave as a friend, and return as a brother”. We have a cast of many so get your score cards out to keep track of the laughs. Th…

It’s Labor Day weekend and the summer is winding down so we head back to home-base for a relatively quiet evening with many of the OGs. The Hidden Herf did not stay hidden for very long, it’s one of those kind of obvious and unique cigars. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Co; Plaistow, NH & Fuego By Sosa; Kissimmee, FL Controversy Corner – Are we b…

We head for the sidewalk on Elm St. but the weather is so good that it’s already jammed, so we go inside the front window. The Hidden Herf is identified immediately, the panel is getting too good at this. The podcast Juice is very colorful. We are joined by special guests “Killer” of Castro’s and Theo who we just pulled in from the lounge. Local Sp…

It’s another small-group recording from McGroin Manor where we prepare for this year’s New England Cigar Expo and recount four interviews from the 2023 Expo; Perdomo, Kristoff, Micallef, and Montecristo. Local Spotlight – New England Cigar Expo Controversy Corner – GroundingBy [email protected]

Back to our regular Friday recording schedule the crew heads over to the Shack where we have a surprise visit from the Choir Boy who has been out of the podcast loop for a while. The Hidden Herf is kind of picked out despite the deceptive practice of the supplier. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Controversy Corner – Naturalized; wha…

This week we have a last minute scheduling issue that cause us to do an impromptu small crew episode on a Wednesday. We could do a spin-off podcast called “Bad Joke Wednesday”. The Hidden Herf is picked off almost immediately. Local Spotlight – The Original Bar and Cigar; North Conway, NH Controversy Corner – The Woke Olympics…

It’s our third summer vacation special from the north country of New Hampshire. See episodes 91 and 297 for the others in this series. The same family members from the 2023 episode join in again this year as we smoke a special set of Hidden Herfs. Local Spotlight – On the lake; New Hampshire Controversy Corner – Skinwalker Ranch and other topics…

It’s the 7th annual summer trip on the barge and we are at the lake house for the fifth year. The weather is perfect, and many cigars are smoked. The catch phrase this year is Boot & Rally! The Hidden Herf stumps the panel and mistakes were made. Summa-Episode numbers by year and location 2018 – 34 Saco River 2019 – 89 Saco River 2020 – 139 Lake Ho…

Direct from the Route One Business Networking Group (BNG) event for our fourth year, we talk with the BNG members while enjoying cigars under the tent on the back patio at the Rosaria Restaurant. We have the band turn it down before we start but by the time we wrap up the volume is way up again. Local Spotlight – Route One BNG at Rosaria; Saugus, M…

Continuing the Garage Series we find ourselves at Chucks’s Palace this week with a cast that was mostly absent from the Domicile. The Hidden Herf stumps the panel and has mixed favorability due to its spice and strength. Somehow, the discussion turns to golf a few times, the podcast juice is a factor. Local Spotlight – Chuck’s Palace Controversy Co…

The original Domicile was our staple location for many episodes during the era of shutdowns. This is the second episode from the new Domicile 2.0, but the first with the regular Hacks crew. It’s an overnight event so the podcast juice is flowing and the panel is well lubricated, which makes for a raucous episode. The Hidden Herf is recognized by ab…

The Tobacco Shack rescues the episode by having us after hours on short notice. It’s brownie sundaes all around. The Hidden Herf is a bit obvious and is pegged right away. Local Spotlights – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA – Leaf & Bean; Pittsburgh, PA – The Royal Cigar Bar & Bistro; Fort Mill, SC – The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar; Charlotte, NC Cont…

Direct from McGroin Manor we do a mid-week episode with a special call-in from JoJo Mo and Luscious Laura, who are on vacation in Ocean City, MD. The Hidden Herf is given enough clues to narrow down the guesses. The New England Cigar Expo is almost sold out, we look back at the interviews from last year. Local Spotlight – McGroin Manor Controversy …

The Hacks drop in to Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge for the Rocky Patel Cigars Event. We are joined by Mike the Cop and Walter from Grumpy’s. A new hack is sworn in and with enough clues the Hidden Herf is figured out, Local Spotlight – Grumpy’s Cigars & Lounge; Hudson, NH Controversy Corner – Late Night AM Radio…

We are back at the firepit with a cast of what seems like a dozen. Comedy Chris and a mystery guest drop by and then phones start ringing. The Hidden Herf is almost pegged. Local Spotlight – Cigar Raffles Controversy Corner – Smurfs and next steps.By [email protected]

It’s the Memorial Day episode so we do a little extra for those who made the sacrifice. It’s a full house of Hacks with a couple of participants in the peanut gallery. The Hidden Herf is an interesting selection, but it still stumps the panel. Local Spotlight – Plaistow Cigar Co; Plaistow, NH Controversy Corner – Who really controls social media?…

After watching the Bruins get eliminated on the big screen by the firepit we load in a few more logs to keep the panel warm. We have a guest who was an impromptu call-in a few weeks back. The hidden herf is a follow up from last week. Local Spotlight – The First Firepit of 2024 Controversy Corner – Candidate Roulette.…

It is playoff season so we are at The Tobacco Shack for the Celtics game. The Hidden Herf is another Florida find from Nurse Rick, it gets a decent rating. Local Spotlight – The Tobacco Shack; Rowley, MA Controversy Corner – Lunar Months.By [email protected]