In the dynamic world of digital content, where niche interests often find their most passionate audiences, the story of The Cigar Guys stands out as a remarkable journey from social media novices to podcasting sensations. What began as a TikTok account aimed at filling the gap in reliable cigar advice and education has blossomed into a full-fledged digital phenomenon, capturing the hearts and minds of cigar enthusiasts around the globe. This article delves into the inspiring saga of Alex, Mark, Zach, and later Jared – the quartet behind “The Cigar Guys Podcast.” It’s a tale of passion, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence as they navigate the evolving landscape of cigar culture and digital media, leaving an indelible mark in the virtual and real world of cigar aficionados. Join us as we unravel the layers of their journey, from the inception of a simple social media account to the creation of a coveted podcast, and explore how The Cigar Guys turned their love for cigars into a thriving digital empire.
The Genesis of The Cigar Guys: Filling the Void in Cigar Education
In the world of cigars, where tradition often intertwines with modern trends, three enthusiasts – Alex, Mark, and Zach – embarked on a journey that would not only fill a significant gap in the realm of cigar education but also pay homage to a rich family heritage. The inception of The Cigar Guys in April 2022 marked the beginning of this exciting venture.
Driven by a passion for cigars and recognizing the lack of reliable sources for cigar advice and education, they turned to TikTok, especially in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. On this platform, they could reach a broad audience eager for knowledge. Their TikTok account quickly became a hub for novices and seasoned aficionados, offering insights into the complex world of cigars.
But Alex, Mark, and Zach’s vision extended beyond digital education. They harbored the ambition to develop their premium cigar brand, The Besa Cigar. This was not just any brand but a tribute to Mark and Zach’s Albanian heritage. The Besa Cigar, drawing inspiration from their family’s history, was poised to encapsulate a blend of tradition and quality, resonating with the values deeply rooted in their cultural background.
As The Cigar Guys’ journey began, their blend of educational content and the pursuit of creating a unique cigar brand set the stage for a distinct presence in the cigar community – one about to unfold into a remarkable story of passion, heritage, and expertise.
The Launch of The Besa Cigar: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
August 2022 marked a significant milestone for The Cigar Guys as they unveiled The Besa Cigar, an embodiment of their vision to blend cultural heritage with cigar craftsmanship. The launch was a testament to their dedication and a reflection of their deep-rooted passion for the art of cigar making.
The Besa Cigar debuted with an original size of a 6×50 Toro, a choice that resonated well with both traditionalists and modern cigar enthusiasts. The meticulously crafted blend featured an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, known for its rich flavor profile, and an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder that added a unique complexity. The heart of the cigar was filled with a harmonious blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers, offering a balanced, flavorful smoking experience that catered to a wide range of palates.
As The Cigar Guys’ presence on TikTok grew, their educational and engaging content attracted an ever-increasing following. This surge in popularity bolstered their online influence and cast more light on the newly launched Besa cigar brand. Their growing platform became a powerful tool in introducing and promoting The Besa Cigar to a broader audience, garnering attention and curiosity from cigar aficionados worldwide.
During this expansion phase and growing success, The Cigar Guys welcomed a new member to their group – Jared. Jared’s addition was poised to enrich the group’s expertise and enhance their presence both online and in the cigar community by bringing in fresh perspectives and a new dynamic to the team. His arrival marked a new chapter for The Cigar Guys, promising to bring more innovation and engagement to their followers and the cigar world.
Embracing the Digital Age: The Launch of “The Cigar Guys Podcast”
With the arrival of Jared, The Cigar Guys were ready to embark on a new venture that would significantly amplify their impact in the cigar community. Jared’s vision was clear and ambitious: it was time for The Cigar Guys to launch their podcast and expand their digital footprint across various social media platforms. While Alex, Mark, and Zach agreed with this direction, they were acutely aware of the challenges ahead in this digital expansion.
Determined to make a mark in the podcasting world, The Cigar Guys debuted their first episode, “Meet The Cigar Guys,” in January. This episode introduced their journey, ethos, and the rich world of cigars they were passionate about. The podcast audio was hosted on Buzzsprout, (later Spotify) ensuring it was distributed across all major podcast platforms, making it accessible to a wide range of audiences. Additionally, the video format of the podcast was made available on YouTube, catering to those who preferred a more visual experience.
Recognizing the power of social media in building a community and expanding its reach, The Cigar Guys meticulously created accounts across various platforms. This strategic move was not just about establishing a presence; it was about securing their desired handles and ensuring their brand resonated consistently across the digital landscape. From Instagram to Twitter and Facebook to newer platforms, they were determined to connect with enthusiasts and aficionados across the globe.
This digital expansion marked a significant phase in The Cigar Guys’ journey. It was a step towards diversifying their engagement with the community, reaching out to new audiences, and creating a space where cigar lovers could converge, learn, and share their passion for cigars. “The Cigar Guys Podcast” was more than just a show; it was an extension of their commitment to educating and entertaining the cigar community, solidifying their position as modern-day ambassadors of cigar culture.
Elevating the Experience: Enhancing “The Cigar Guys Podcast”
Their enthusiasm was palpable as The Cigar Guys delved deeper into their podcasting venture. They recognized that while the initial quality of “The Cigar Guys Podcast” was commendable and on par with many successful podcasts, there was always room for improvement. In pursuit of excellence and to better captivate their audience, they embarked on a journey of continuous enhancement.
One of the first significant changes was the introduction of a dual-camera setup. Shifting from a single camera angle to two allowed a more dynamic and engaging visual experience. This not only added depth to their episodes but also brought an element of professionalism that resonated well with their audience. The multi-angle approach made viewers feel more connected and involved in the conversations, making each episode more immersive.
The Cigar Guys also improved their software capabilities with the camera upgrade. They moved towards high-definition (HD) video, ensuring each episode was informative and visually appealing. This transition to HD was crucial in meeting the expectations of a rapidly growing and technologically savvy viewer base.
Further refining their setup, The Cigar Guys replaced mic arms with sleek, modern mic stands. This choice was driven by the desire to create a cleaner, more streamlined look in their recording environment. The new mic stands not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the set but also contributed to better sound quality, ensuring that the audio experience was as polished as the visual one.
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With these improvements, the setup for “The Cigar Guys Podcast” was evolving beautifully. It became a space reflecting their passion for cigars and their commitment to delivering a high-quality, engaging, professional podcast experience. Each episode showcased their expertise in cigars and their dedication to technical excellence and viewer engagement.
The Besa Rothschild: A Richer Experience in a Compact Size
In their continuous endeavor to cater to cigar enthusiasts’ diverse preferences and time constraints, The Cigar Guys introduced The Besa Rothschild, a more compact version of their original blend. Measuring 4.5 inches in length with a 50-ring gauge, The Besa Rothschild is a testament to the art of crafting cigars that fit into the busy schedules of modern aficionados. Despite its shorter stature than the 6×50 Besa Toro, this variant maintains the same intricate blend of an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, and Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers.
The Besa Rothschild’s reduced length uniquely enhances its flavor profile. It offers a rich and more pronounced experience of the blend’s flavor notes, making every puff a journey through intense and well-defined tastes. Designed to be enjoyed in under an hour, The Besa Rothschild is perfect for those seeking a shorter smoke without compromising the depth and richness of flavors. It represents The Cigar Guys’ commitment to versatility and quality, ensuring that every moment spent with their cigars is satisfying and memorable.
Broadening Horizons: Welcoming Industry Guests on “The Cigar Guys Podcast”
Five months into their podcasting journey, a significant milestone was reached by The Cigar Guys – they hosted their first guest from the cigar industry, marking a new chapter in their podcast’s evolution. Manolo Santiago, representing Casa 1910 Cigars, graced the podcast following the Cinco de Mayo celebrations. His appearance on the show wasn’t just a mere guest feature but a momentous occasion, as he shared insights about his unique brand of Mexican cigars.
The significance of having a master blender like Manolo Santiago on “The Cigar Guys Podcast” was immense. For Alex, Mark, Zach, and Jared, it was an exhilarating experience to delve into the depths of cigar crafting with an expert. Manolo’s expertise in blending and his stories about Casa 1910 Cigars added a new layer of richness and authenticity to the podcast, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the intricate world of cigar production.
This landmark episode with Manolo Santiago paved the way for more collaborations with key figures in the cigar industry. It opened doors to a realm of possibilities, allowing The Cigar Guys to connect with other renowned blenders, owners, and representatives. Notable personalities like Azarias “Z” Mustafa from Cordoba and Morales, Howard G. from Howard G. Cigars, and Oliver Nivaud from United Cigars soon graced the podcast, bringing unique perspectives and stories.
These collaborations were not just about sharing cigar knowledge; they were powerful networking opportunities that enriched “The Cigar Guys Podcast” with diverse viewpoints and experiences. As each guest shared their journey, expertise, and passion for cigars, the podcast became a melting pot of ideas and a beacon for cigar enthusiasts seeking entertainment and education.
For The Cigar Guys, these interactions were more than just interviews; they were a chance to build relationships within the industry and offer their listeners an insider’s look at the world of cigars. The presence of such esteemed guests elevated the podcast’s status, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the art and culture of cigar making.
Surpassing Expectations: The Remarkable Rise of “The Cigar Guys Podcast”
Less than a year since its inception, “The Cigar Guys Podcast” has exceeded all expectations, cementing its place as a significant voice in the cigar community. The journey began with a simple idea to fill a void in cigar education and entertainment and rapidly evolved into a widely acclaimed platform celebrated by cigar enthusiasts worldwide.
The numbers speak for themselves – with over 40,000 followers on various social media platforms, The Cigar Guys have cultivated a substantial and engaged audience. Their YouTube channel boasts 1,600 subscribers, a testament to their visual appeal and content quality. But perhaps most impressively, the podcast attracts thousands of listeners every week, each tuning in to hear the latest insights, stories, and discussions about cigars.
This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication, hard work, and passion that Alex, Mark, Zach, and Jared have invested in “The Cigar Guys Podcast.” Their commitment to providing quality content and their willingness to innovate and adapt has resonated deeply with their audience.
As they look ahead to 2024, The Cigar Guys are filled with anticipation and excitement for the future. With a strong foundation built in their inaugural year, the possibilities are endless. They plan to continue expanding their reach, bringing in more industry experts, exploring new topics, and venturing into new projects that align with their mission to educate and entertain the cigar community.
“The Cigar Guys Podcast” is more than just a show – it’s a movement, a gathering place for those who share a love for cigars. As The Cigar Guys continue their journey, they remain committed to their core values of authenticity, knowledge, and community engagement. The future looks bright for this dynamic group, and the cigar world eagerly awaits the innovations and contributions they will bring in the coming years.
Join the Journey: Discover The Cigar Guys and The Besa Cigar
As we draw the curtains on this captivating tale of The Cigar Guys, their journey from TikTok creators to podcast pioneers is not just a story to be read—it’s an experience to be part of. For those who have walked with us through this narrative, and for those who are just discovering the rich world of cigars, the adventure doesn’t end here.
We warmly invite you to dive deeper into the universe of The Cigar Guys by connecting with them across all social media platforms. Follow their TikTok for insightful and entertaining content, subscribe to their YouTube channel for in-depth discussions and interviews, and tune into “The Cigar Guys Podcast” on your preferred podcast platform for weekly episodes that blend knowledge, humor, and a genuine love for cigars.
But the experience isn’t merely digital. We encourage you to taste the fruit of their passion by trying The Besa Cigar—a premium cigar from a blend of tradition, heritage, and expert craftsmanship. You can explore The Besa Cigar online, where you’ll find detailed information and the story behind its creation. Better yet, visit a retailer near you and experience the rich flavors and history embedded in each Besa Cigar.
By engaging with The Cigar Guys and sampling The Besa Cigar, you’re not just a listener or a consumer—you become a part of a community that celebrates the finer things in life. It’s a community where knowledge, tradition, and the joy of cigars converge. So, whether you’re a seasoned cigar aficionado or new to cigars, The Cigar Guys welcome you with open arms.
Join the journey, share in the passion, and be a part of a story that continues to unfold and inspire. The Cigar Guys and The Besa Cigar await you.
70. Mr. “BDP” from Cigar Hustler (Powstanie Cigars) | The Cigar Guys Podcast – The Cigar Guys Podcast
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