Step into the world of premium cigars and spirits as hosts Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy explore La Aurora's 1903 Cameroon cigar paired with the intriguing Burning Chair Bourbon. This episode takes listeners on a sensory adventure through the distinctive qualities of Cameroon wrappers and wine barrel-finished bourbon that literally brings the heat.

Tony opens with his affection for Cameroon wrappers, describing the 5¾ x 54 La Aurora as having a monotone dark brown color with a velvety, suede-like touch. As they light up, the hosts discover subtle cedar notes, a touch of nuttiness, and a clean smoke that develops leather and spice characteristics throughout the experience. The cigar's Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers paired with an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder create a medium-to-full bodied profile that both hosts agree delivers exceptional value at just $7 per stick.

Key Takeaways:

Initial impressions of the La Aurora 1903 Cameroon: velvety texture, cedar notes, and clean smoke
Discussion of cigar journaling techniques and how weather, food, and drink affect your palate
Introduction of Burning Chair Bourbon (88 proof, 4-year aged, finished in Cabernet barrels)
Tasting notes: sweet profile with 75% corn mash bill, oak influence, and wine-like qualities
Tony's surprising reaction to the bourbon's intense chest heat despite its moderate proof
Final verdict: Both hosts agree the $7 La Aurora cigar belongs in the humidor
The Burning Chair Bourbon ($54.99) receives approval for the liquor cabinet

The hosts also venture into discussions about housing affordability, streaming services versus cable TV, and Fingers' questionable gas station breakfast habits that somehow haven't killed him yet.

Ready to experience this flavor journey yourself? Grab a La Aurora 1903 Cameroon and a glass of Burning Chair Bourbon, then listen along as these gentlemen guide you through the nuances of these affordable luxury indulgences.

All that, and more, on an all-new Eat Drink Smoke!

Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media!
X (Formerly Twitter): @GoEatDrinkSmoke
Facebook: @eatdrinksmoke
IG: @EatDrinkSmokePodcast

The Podcast is Free! Click Below!

Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
Stitcher 
Spotify

 

Step into the world of premium cigars and spirits as hosts Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy explore La Aurora's 1903 Cameroon cigar paired with the intriguing Burning Chair Bourbon. This episode takes listeners on a sensory adventure through the distinctive qualities of Cameroon wrappers and wine barrel-finished bourbon that literally brings the heat.
Tony opens with his affection for Cameroon wrappers, describing the 5&frac34; x 54 La Aurora as having a monotone dark brown color with a velvety, suede-like touch. As they light up, the hosts discover subtle cedar notes, a touch of nuttiness, and a clean smoke that develops leather and spice characteristics throughout the experience. The cigar's Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers paired with an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder create a medium-to-full bodied profile that both hosts agree delivers exceptional value at just $7 per stick.
Key Takeaways:
Initial impressions of the La Aurora 1903 Cameroon: velvety texture, cedar notes, and clean smoke Discussion of cigar journaling techniques and how weather, food, and drink affect your palate Introduction of Burning Chair Bourbon (88 proof, 4-year aged, finished in Cabernet barrels) Tasting notes: sweet profile with 75% corn mash bill, oak influence, and wine-like qualities Tony's surprising reaction to the bourbon's intense chest heat despite its moderate proof Final verdict: Both hosts agree the $7 La Aurora cigar belongs in the humidor The Burning Chair Bourbon ($54.99) receives approval for the liquor cabinet
The hosts also venture into discussions about housing affordability, streaming services versus cable TV, and Fingers' questionable gas station breakfast habits that somehow haven't killed him yet.
Ready to experience this flavor journey yourself? Grab a La Aurora 1903 Cameroon and a glass of Burning Chair Bourbon, then listen along as these gentlemen guide you through the nuances of these affordable luxury indulgences.
All that, and more, on an all-new Eat Drink Smoke!
Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media! X (Formerly Twitter): @GoEatDrinkSmoke Facebook: @eatdrinksmoke IG: @EatDrinkSmokePodcast
The Podcast is Free! Click Below!
Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Stitcher&nbsp; Spotify
&nbsp;

Eat Drink Smoke is the bourbon and cigar review show for everyone!
You'll get reviews you can use, in a way you can understand them. There's also great takes on the stories dominating the week, but without the anger of social media. Eat Drink Smoke is the podcast that fits into your life because it's just like you - interested in new things, good people and honest, funny conversation.
Eat Drink Smoke is hosted by long-time radio host and entertainer Tony Katz, with co-host Fingers Malloy.

Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy talk amazing spirits, brilliant cigars and great food.

Eat Drink Smoke

Target Is Smiling At You

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/9a341cde-07b0-4fa7-aadb-b397011e8efe/transcript

It’s 2026, and we’re finishing what we started: Bourbons of the Year (even when they’re not all bourbons… because of course they aren’t).

In Part 2, Tony Katz reveals his Top 3 from everything we reviewed this year — bourbon, rye, rum, Irish whiskey, whatever. We also keep smoking the Oliva Master Blends 3 and get into the important questions:


Why five-pack cigar packaging looks like it was designed by a committee of raccoons


Why “does it work neat?” is the only real test


And why your retirement account may be quietly setting you up for a penalty

Tony’s Top 3 (and yes, it gets weird):


#3: Espy House “The George” 1794 Bourbon — $60.99


#2: Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey (110 proof) — $44.99


#1: Bacoo 12-Year Rum — $35.99

Plus: what’s coming in 2026 — Cigars of the Year next week, more food, more tequila, and maybe finally Let’s Go Grill and the cookbook.

Get the show wherever you get podcasts, and watch on YouTube: Eat, Drink, Smoke.

It&rsquo;s 2026, and we&rsquo;re finishing what we started: Bourbons of the Year (even when they&rsquo;re not all bourbons&hellip; because of course they aren&rsquo;t).
In Part 2, Tony Katz reveals his Top 3 from everything we reviewed this year &mdash; bourbon, rye, rum, Irish whiskey, whatever. We also keep smoking the Oliva Master Blends 3 and get into the important questions:
<ul data-start="533" data-end="749">
<li data-start="533" data-end="620">
Why five-pack cigar packaging looks like it was designed by a committee of raccoons
</li>
<li data-start="621" data-end="671">
Why &ldquo;does it work neat?&rdquo; is the only real test
</li>
<li data-start="672" data-end="749">
And why your retirement account may be quietly setting you up for a penalty
</li>
</ul>
Tony&rsquo;s Top 3 (and yes, it gets weird):
<ul data-start="796" data-end="970">
<li data-start="796" data-end="855">
#3: Espy House &ldquo;The George&rdquo; 1794 Bourbon &mdash; $60.99
</li>
<li data-start="856" data-end="930">
#2: Keeper&rsquo;s Heart Irish + American Whiskey (110 proof) &mdash; $44.99
</li>
<li data-start="931" data-end="970">
#1: Bacoo 12-Year Rum &mdash; $35.99
</li>
</ul>
Plus: what&rsquo;s coming in 2026 &mdash; Cigars of the Year next week, more food, more tequila, and maybe finally Let&rsquo;s Go Grill and the cookbook.
Get the show wherever you get podcasts, and watch on YouTube: Eat, Drink, Smoke.

Happy Hour -- Bourbons of the Year (Part 2)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/35a49c45-4532-4978-af6c-b3c8002b6d67/transcript

New year. Same rules: we don’t do a Top 10. We barely do a Top 5.
We do a Top 3 because we’re grown and tired.

In Part 1 of our “Bourbons of the Year” special, Fingers Malloy lays out his list — built on one sacred principle: keep it under $50… because we live in a world where “affordability crisis” is a real phrase people say with a straight face.

We’re also smoking an all-time favorite: Oliva Master Blends 3 (Churchill, 7x50) — Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Nicaraguan binder/filler — and breaking down the flavors (with the official Eat Drink Smoke Notebook Method).

Fingers’ Top 3 (Under $50):


#3: Kirkland Bottled-in-Bond (Costco) — $27


#2: 2XO American Oak — $49


#1: Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye — $35

Tony also explains why he’s still mad at Vegas… even though he can’t wait to go back.

Part 2 drops next: Tony’s Top 3.

Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media!

X (Formerly Twitter): @GoEatDrinkSmoke
Facebook: @eatdrinksmoke
IG: @EatDrinkSmokePodcast

The Podcast is Free! Click Below!

Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
Stitcher 
Spotify

New year. Same rules: we don&rsquo;t do a Top 10. We barely do a Top 5. We do a Top 3 because we&rsquo;re grown and tired.
In Part 1 of our &ldquo;Bourbons of the Year&rdquo; special, Fingers Malloy lays out his list &mdash; built on one sacred principle: keep it under $50&hellip; because we live in a world where &ldquo;affordability crisis&rdquo; is a real phrase people say with a straight face.
We&rsquo;re also smoking an all-time favorite: Oliva Master Blends 3 (Churchill, 7x50) &mdash; Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Nicaraguan binder/filler &mdash; and breaking down the flavors (with the official Eat Drink Smoke Notebook Method).
Fingers&rsquo; Top 3 (Under $50):
<ul data-start="911" data-end="1054">
<li data-start="911" data-end="964">
#3: Kirkland Bottled-in-Bond (Costco) &mdash; $27
</li>
<li data-start="965" data-end="1001">
#2: 2XO American Oak &mdash; $49
</li>
<li data-start="1002" data-end="1054">
#1: Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye &mdash; $35
</li>
</ul>
Tony also explains why he&rsquo;s still mad at Vegas&hellip; even though he can&rsquo;t wait to go back.
Part 2 drops next: Tony&rsquo;s Top 3.
Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media!
X (Formerly Twitter): @GoEatDrinkSmoke Facebook: @eatdrinksmoke IG: @EatDrinkSmokePodcast
The Podcast is Free! Click Below!
Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Stitcher&nbsp; Spotify

Happy Hour — Bourbons of the Year (Part 1)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/cdd95b10-c8d7-4116-9ec8-b3c8002b5665/transcript

A new year is here, and Eat Drink Smoke does it the only way that makes sense — by waiting until the calendar actually turns.

In this episode, Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy reveal their Top Three Bourbons of the Year, based not on hype or releases, but on everything they actually reviewed on the show in 2025. No Top 10 lists. No arguments about rankings. Just the bottles that stayed with them.

Fingers lays out his value-driven list, keeping every pick under $50, including:


Kirkland Bottled-in-Bond from Costco


2XO American Oak


And his top pick: Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye

Tony counters with a memory-based list that ignores price entirely, featuring:


Espy House George 1794


Keeper’s Heart Irish & American Whiskey (110 proof)


And a surprise number one that isn’t a bourbon or a rye: Bacoo 12-Year Rum

Along the way, they discuss:


Why 2025 was a strange year for bourbon


How palate changes affect what sticks with you


The difference between “good” and “memorable”


Why value still matters — even when it doesn’t


And whether calling it “Bourbons of the Year” still makes sense

They’re also smoking the Oliva Master Blends 3 Churchill, breaking down flavor, strength, construction, and pairing as the conversation moves from reflection to anticipation.

Next week: Cigars of the Year.

Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media!

X (Formerly Twitter): @GoEatDrinkSmoke
Facebook: @eatdrinksmoke
IG: @EatDrinkSmokePodcast

The Podcast is Free! Click Below!

Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
Stitcher 
Spotify

A new year is here, and Eat Drink Smoke does it the only way that makes sense &mdash; by waiting until the calendar actually turns.
In this episode, Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy reveal their Top Three Bourbons of the Year, based not on hype or releases, but on everything they actually reviewed on the show in 2025. No Top 10 lists. No arguments about rankings. Just the bottles that stayed with them.
Fingers lays out his value-driven list, keeping every pick under $50, including:
<ul data-start="915" data-end="1041">
<li data-start="915" data-end="959">
Kirkland Bottled-in-Bond from Costco
</li>
<li data-start="960" data-end="984">
2XO American Oak
</li>
<li data-start="985" data-end="1041">
And his top pick: Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye
</li>
</ul>
Tony counters with a memory-based list that ignores price entirely, featuring:
<ul data-start="1122" data-end="1293">
<li data-start="1122" data-end="1152">
Espy House George 1794
</li>
<li data-start="1153" data-end="1212">
Keeper&rsquo;s Heart Irish &amp; American Whiskey (110 proof)
</li>
<li data-start="1213" data-end="1293">
And a surprise number one that isn&rsquo;t a bourbon or a rye: Bacoo 12-Year Rum
</li>
</ul>
Along the way, they discuss:
<ul data-start="1324" data-end="1585">
<li data-start="1324" data-end="1367">
Why 2025 was a strange year for bourbon
</li>
<li data-start="1368" data-end="1418">
How palate changes affect what sticks with you
</li>
<li data-start="1419" data-end="1468">
The difference between &ldquo;good&rdquo; and &ldquo;memorable&rdquo;
</li>
<li data-start="1469" data-end="1519">
Why value still matters &mdash; even when it doesn&rsquo;t
</li>
<li data-start="1520" data-end="1585">
And whether calling it &ldquo;Bourbons of the Year&rdquo; still makes sense
</li>
</ul>
They&rsquo;re also smoking the Oliva Master Blends 3 Churchill, breaking down flavor, strength, construction, and pairing as the conversation moves from reflection to anticipation.
Next week: Cigars of the Year.
Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media!
X (Formerly Twitter): @GoEatDrinkSmoke Facebook: @eatdrinksmoke IG: @EatDrinkSmokePodcast
The Podcast is Free! Click Below!
Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Stitcher&nbsp; Spotify

Bourbons of the Year: Top Picks, Value Plays, and a Surprise Rum for 2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/379bfaab-a98b-4325-9e0d-b3c800212d31/transcript

Target Is Smiling At You

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