Aaron Paoletta of LaVega Cigar Company joins Smoke Night LIVE to discuss the growth of his cigar brand and the unconventional journey that led him into the premium cigar industry. Before launching LaVega, Aaron spent years working as a chef, cooking for restaurants and high-profile clients, while also pursuing a passion for music that included starting a record label and performing in several bands.

On this episode, we’ll dive into the story behind LaVega Cigars, explore Aaron’s diverse career path, and uncover some of the truths—and myths—of the restaurant business. For example, if an expensive steak hits the floor, does it really get tossed out, or is there a secret chefs don’t want customers to know? Tune in as Aaron shares stories from the kitchen, the music scene, and the cigar world.

For more than 20 years, Kristoff Cigars has been a respected name in the premium cigar industry. This week on Smoke Night LIVE, Glen Case makes his first-ever appearance on the show to discuss the journey that has shaped the company since its founding in 2004—the successes, the challenges, and the lessons learned along the way.

We’ll dive into what the future holds for Kristoff Cigars, explore the realities of running a cigar company in today’s market, and get an inside look at the life of a premium cigar brand CEO. Don’t miss this candid conversation with one of the industry’s most enduring and recognizable figures.

Fresh off the release of the highly anticipated Psychedelic Rabbit, Erik Espinosa joins the show to discuss the latest collaboration between Espinosa Premium Cigars and Cigar Dojo. Earlier in the day, cigar fans will have their first chance to get their hands on the new release at JR Cigar, and Erik will share the story behind the project, the inspiration for the blend, and what makes this installment in the Psychedelic Series unique.

It’s a special father-and-son edition of Smoke Night LIVE as both Nick Perdomo and Nicholas Perdomo III join the show. Following a huge 2025 for Perdomo Cigars—including earning Cigar Dojo’s Cigar of the Year honors and topping several major industry lists with the Perdomo Legacy—the company is back with a new release: the Perdomo Legacy Father & Son.

The cigar is a collaboration between company president Nick Perdomo and fourth-generation cigar maker Nicholas Perdomo III, blending tradition with the next generation of the family business. On this episode, we’ll discuss the new project, the evolution of the Perdomo brand, and the launch of their recently debuted podcast.

It’s Juan’s birthday, and we’re throwing a celebration! This episode marks Juan’s 53rd trip around the sun, and he’ll be in-studio for a fun conversation about life, birthdays, and of course—cigars. We’ll also be giving away 53 cigars to one lucky winner, along with our weekly Boutique of the Week giveaway. Join us for the laughs, the stories, and a birthday party Dojo-style!

Now that the dust has settled from the PCA trade show and the year’s biggest cigar releases are on the table, it’s time for the most anticipated episode of the year—Cigar Brand Stock Market.

This annual fan-favorite brings together an all-star panel featuring William “Cigar Coop” Cooper, John “Cigar Surgeon” McTavish, and Bear Duplisea, joining Master Sensei, Juan, and the Dojo crew. Together, they break down 20 of the most talked-about cigar companies coming out of PCA and give their expert verdict: Buy, Hold, or Sell.

Who’s trending up? Who’s losing momentum? And which brands are primed for a breakout year? If you follow the premium cigar industry—or just want to sound like you do—this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

This week on Smoke Night LIVE, we welcome cigar industry icon Rocky Patel for a conversation about his journey from Hollywood entertainment attorney to one of the most recognized names in premium cigars. After discovering cigars in Los Angeles during the cigar boom of the early 1990s, Rocky left his law career behind and founded what would become Rocky Patel Premium Cigars in 1995.

Join us as we talk with Rocky about building a global cigar brand, the evolution of his company, and what continues to drive his passion for premium cigars more than 30 years later. From the early days of Indian Tabac to the worldwide success of Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, this is a conversation cigar fans won’t want to miss.

The annual Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show has come and gone, and the industry’s newest releases have officially been unveiled. With these cigars now making their way to retailer shelves, the big question is: which ones are worth your time?

On this episode, the Dojo crew lights up and rates a wide range of the latest releases—live on the show. Tune in to find out which cigars deliver and which ones fall short.