In the latest episode of High Proof Ashes, we’re back with part 2 of our conversation with special guest Luke Jones. Continuing from part 1, Luke shares more about the challenges and triumphs of navigating life with a physical disability, offering incredible insights and inspiration.

As we talk, we’re enjoying the Fratello Classico cigar, a masterful blend featuring a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, and premium fillers from Nicaragua and Peru. This cigar delivers a smooth and balanced experience with notes of spice, coffee, and earth.

For the spirits, we’re continuing the same spread as in part 1, pairing a variety of bourbons and whiskeys with our cigars. Tune in for meaningful conversation, great cigars, and a lineup of fine spirits that elevate the experience. Cheers!

Join us on location at Ocoee Cigar Lounge for a powerful episode of the High Proof Ashes Podcast featuring special guest Luke Jones. Luke shares his inspiring journey through life while navigating the challenges and triumphs that come with using a wheelchair.

For this episode, we’re enjoying the rich flavors of the Micallef A cigar, a blend that balances a dark, rich San Andrés wrapper with the smooth complexity of Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers, bringing deep, earthy notes with a touch of sweetness. As for our spirits, we’ve lined up a selection of premium bottles—but you’ll have to tune in to find out what we chose to pair with the cigar!

Don’t miss this special episode packed with honest stories, great smokes, and a lineup of spirits that will keep you guessing.

Welcome back to High Proof Ashes! Today, we’re back at one of our favorite spots—Ocoee Cigar Lounge in Cleveland, TN! We’re diving into something special on this episode with the Padron No 90 Maduro. Known for its rich flavor and complexity, this unique stick brings together premium Nicaraguan tobaccos aged to perfection, crafted in honor of José Orlando Padrón’s 90th birthday. This box-pressed beauty is full-bodied, with flavors of cocoa, espresso, and spice that will keep you coming back for more.

But that’s not all—we’re also hosting a mini bourbon battle! We have two single barrels of Kings Family Distillery Red, White, & Blue Bourbon: one selected by the owner himself and another hand-picked by the High Proof Ashes team (and a couple of other friends). Each brings its unique character and flavor profile, but which one will stand out?

Tune in to see which barrel wins and to experience the journey of pairing this iconic cigar with these fantastic bourbons. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!

We’re back on location at Cigars International in East Ridge, Tennessee, and today we’re lighting up one of our all-time favorites—the Diamond Crown Maximus. Now, we say “all-time favorite,” but that’s only because the Diamond Crown Original Black Diamond is so hard to find!

For the spirit of the day, the bartender at CI has whipped up an amazing Old Fashioned to pair with this legendary cigar. Tune in as we break down the pairing and how the rich, bold flavors of the Maximus play off the classic cocktail.

On top of that, we dive into the excitement of the opening weekend of college football—discussing the games, teams to watch, and everything this season brings.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let us know your favorite cigar-and-cocktail pairings in the comments!

We’re back on location, and this time it’s at one of our absolute favorite lounges—Ocoee Cigar Lounge! In this episode, we’ve got a lot lined up, starting with a cigar we’re both really excited about: the Caldwell Long Live The Queen Maduro. As big fans of Caldwell’s lineup, we’ve been eager to try this new maduro version. The original blend is a classic, but how does this one compare? We’ll break down the flavors, construction, and overall experience, and let you know if it lives up to the hype.

For the spirits today, we’ve got a massive selection on the table—more than we can even list here. From bold bourbons to smooth whiskeys, there’s a little bit of everything in this episode. You’ll just have to watch to see what made the cut and which drinks pair best with the Caldwell Maduro.

But we’re not stopping there. We’re also tackling a big, often debated topic in the cigar community: Cigar Lounge Memberships. Whether you’re a regular lounge visitor or just curious about what a membership offers, this discussion is for you. We dive deep into the different types of memberships, the perks they come with, and whether they’re worth the cost. From unlimited access to private lounges to exclusive cigar deals and lockers, we cover it all and share our honest opinions on whether a cigar lounge membership is a good investment.

If you’ve been wondering about the value of memberships or are just curious about the ins and outs of different models, this episode is a must-watch. Plus, we’re always here for a good smoke and drink, so pull up a chair and join us for this deep dive into the world of premium cigars and the lounge experience.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment below! Let us know if you’ve tried the Caldwell Long Live The Queen Maduro or what you think about cigar lounge memberships. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

In today’s episode of High Proof Ashes, we’re coming to you from Cigars International in East Ridge, Tennessee! We’re smoking the Man O’ War Armada—one of the pricier cigars in their lineup. But does it live up to the hype? Join us as we break down our thoughts on this premium stick.

Since the location doesn’t allow BYOB, we’ve purchased a couple of our favorite pours for the day. We’ll also give you a rundown of what Cigars International has to offer for cigar lovers. Tune in and see how the Armada stacks up!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated with all our future cigar and spirits adventures!

In this episode of High Proof Ashes, we’re stepping out of our comfort zone with a special treat: the boutique Luciano Dreamer Lancero. That’s right, it’s a lancero! We know we don’t typically go for this vitola, but the unique size of this cigar really brings something different to the smoking experience. Join us as we dive into what sets lanceros apart from other cigar sizes and why this one is worth your attention.

On the whiskey front, we’re sipping on the McKenna 10-Year Bottled in Bond. It’s a well-aged classic that demands respect, though one of us isn’t exactly a fan. Whether you love or loathe it, there’s no denying the history and craftsmanship behind this bottle. So grab a drink, light up a cigar, and listen in for our thoughts!

8 Bottles….1 Winner

This week on High Proof Ashes, we’re bringing you the exciting conclusion to our Wild Turkey Blind Tasting series, a project we’ve been working on for quite some time! If you’re a fan of Wild Turkey or curious about their lineup, this is the episode you won’t want to miss.

Throughout this series, we’ve blind-tasted a selection of Wild Turkey’s finest spirits, and let’s just say it’s been no easy task to rank them. While the Wild Turkey name is widely recognized, there’s a depth and complexity to their offerings that caught us off guard. From bold and spicy to smooth and mellow, every bottle has brought something unique to the table. We’ve enjoyed every sip – maybe a little too much!

But that’s not all! We ran into so many tough decisions that we had to go back and re-taste some of these bottles just to be sure. It’s been a challenge, but we’re finally ready to unveil the big reveal. In this episode, you’ll hear us break down each Wild Turkey spirit, reveal the mystery bottles, and of course, give our definitive ranking. Which one will come out on top? Join us as we toast to one of our favorite distilleries and wrap up this incredible series.

Grab a drink, sit back, and enjoy the ride with us on High Proof Ashes!