Sticks and Stories
Cigar makers finally hear from their customers in a unique way. This is also a safe space for cigar aficionados to listen in on their fellow cigar lounge goers as they discuss their favorite sticks and business stories (from Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona). Finally, first time enthusiasts just might be able to discover their flavor palate from cigar connoisseurs, learning about their first time and current favorites.
Sticks and Stories
Master of Flavor—In the Kitchen and the Humidor (Chef Melvin Griffin)
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Cigars:
- Sombremesa Tapa Negra (new, June 2026) by Dunbarton & Trust, Melvin
- Joya Cabinetta by Joya de Nicaragua, Melvin
- La Estancia by Meerapfel, Tina
- DBL Amarillo, Tina++
- Gorbusto Orang by Aladino, Tina
++Also available in the ATL market at Harlem Cigar Room
Stories:
In this episode, Melvin challenges two of his current top sticks, the new Sombremesa Tapa Negra and Joya Cabinetta.
Funfact and reason for comparison: These two cigars were produced at the same factory. Hit him up to find out the results of his comparison HERE .
He goes on to discuss his take on the cigar factory tours from a consumer perspective and why you should go on one too. Later he discusses his catering business (More Than Que) and an unusual request to grill abroad.
Allow Melvin to let you in on what he has learned in 25 years as a BOTL and catch his upcoming series on the tobacconist lifestyle (TBA).
Melvin's Top 5 sticks:
- Blue, My Father (most lounges)
- 601 Warhead, Espinosa (Hector Alfonso Jr.)
- Joya Cabinetta (Juan Martínez)
- RoMa Craft Maestranza (Skip Martin)
- El Tigre, Undercrown- Drew Estate (Willy Herrera)
*** Thought it would be good idea to add blenders... well at least Mitchell did ***
Attempt at video: HERE
This episode was recorded online and at Harlem Cigar Room (Lawrenceville, GA)
For audiences 21 and older.
