Cigar World's Interview with Colonel Stogie of Stogie Mag

We feature many new cigar launches, but rarely do we call out a new accessory. Let’s get real: in the cigar industry, there isn’t usually something new that pops up that is completely different than anything we have seen before (other than those insanely awesome Cohiba humidors!) At PCA this year, we found a company that is breaking the mold with their innovative travel humidors. Check out our interview with the Colonel himself and learn more about their Stogie Mag.

Jean: What’s up Colonel? Thanks for taking the time to chat with us.

Colonel Stogie: Thank you so much for having me.

Jean: It was so great to meet you at PCA this year. Your travel humidor is truly unique and innovative. Can you tell us a bit more about it and what inspired you to go this route?

Colonel Stogie: With my many years of shooting experience both for work, hunting, and leisure. I have always been very intrigued by the mechanisms and engineering that go into developing and producing firearms and their accessories. It takes me back to the tradesmen and artists that have created works of art throughout history. They were rugged tools to provide protection and enjoy. Firearms simplified many aspects of life throughout history. My goal with Stogie Mag was to do the same. Let’s make a rugged, 100% US-built product that simplifies the smoking day trip, a product that offers more protection than the plastic bag you were putting sticks in to take to the range or golf course. And not an expensive leather-adorned case that belongs in the boardroom and not at the campfire.

Jean: What is this made out of? Is it durable? I heard something about a tank…

Colonel Stogie: The Stogie Mag is ejection molded out of the highest quality plastics pulled from military-grade technology and applied to the protection detail assigned to your cigars. The unit is incredibly strong, but we have a challenge if we make it to 10,000 followers on Instagram, we are going to drive over one with a tank. Will it survive? And just wait to see what we have planned for 50,000 followers, hint it might include a helicopter!

Jean: Rapid deployment... Please elaborate.

Colonel Stogie: Rapid Deployment is an ode to our Military and Law Enforcement’s most skilled teams. The capability and training required to respond when seconds count is enviable and inspirational. While seconds might not always count when needing to smoke a cigar, we all have those impatient friends. Especially when they know you only smoke great sticks!

Jean: What all comes with the kit?

Colonel Stogie: The Stogie Mag ships to you with the mag including a press fit lid and two custom humidity packs plastic wrapped (so they are not activated until you are ready to use it). We also have Maggie, Stogie Mag’s directional comic on how to operate the unit, including how to load and unload the unit as well as instructions on how to tactical-reload your humidity packs.

Jean: And I can take this through TSA?

Colonel Stogie: We are working on a formal approval. Up to this point we have gotten only “This is awesome, where can I get one!” and yet to hear of a “You can’t smoke here!” from the TSA.

Jean: There is even an area where a humidity pouch can be put. So smart. It is an odd size though, so how can we get these refills?

Colonel Stogie: Yes, we wanted to make sure that we that we took every detail into consideration. We worked very closely with the humidity experts over at Boost to design a custom pack that works for our application. Those refill packs are available through everygunpart.com in the Stogie Mag tab, we are working on rolling out a quarterly subscription service, so you never have to worry about having a pack ready to go.

Jean: The packaging is so cool. Very retro G.I. Joe. Where did you get your inspiration for this?

Colonel Stogie: Our packaging is one of my favorite aspects of the project. Never have I worked so hard on something that is supposed to be thrown away! It pulls from the classic colors of our WW2 military instructions. The authenticity seal was modeled from cigar box seals which have become synonymous with freshness and quality of our favorite cigar brands, and we’re proud to represent our Nevada origins on them.

Cigar World was able to get up close and personal with the Stogie Mag at PCA

Jean: You guys are based out of Las Vegas right?

Colonel Stogie: Yes ma’am, that’s the origin of “Battle-Born” on our box refences. Nevada is the “Battle Born State”. We are proud to be designed, assembled, and fulfilled all here in Las Vegas. Every aspect of this project has been designed to support American manufacturing, American Jobs, and is 100% made in America.

Jean: I see that you can buy these online, but are you selling them anywhere in person?

Colonel Stogie: Currently, we sell through our distribution partner, EveryGunPart.com. But if you want your local store to carry our products, have them contact us or let us know, and we will contact them. We are always looking for new outlets to make it easier for our customers to get their own Stogie Mag.

ALERT: All Cigar World Members using the code CIGARWORLD at checkout can choose a free gift from a Stogie Mag shirt or cutter.

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Jean: Any big plans on new prototypes?

Colonel Stogie: This is everyone’s favorite question. I like to say we have won the battle, but not the war! We continue to focus on R&D of new ideas, products and offerings. Just like with firearms, one gun can’t fit every imaginable use. Similarly, not every cigar enthusiast likes Robusto size sticks. Some 1911 shooters like 9mm as opposed to the traditional .45ACP. There’s a lot of preference to consider. Further compounding this is that even cigars within a size category may vary from producer to producer. Robustos have the title of being one of the most popular cigar size in the world so naturally, this is where we decided to start, but this is only the start!

Jean: So when I saw you at the show, you had a disco ball helmet which I loved. Is there any particular reasoning for such flashy headgear?

Colonel Stogie: Our tactical disco ball embraces the “Here to party” but “Ready for anything” lifestyle embodied by Stogie Mag owners. It’s a reflection of its surrounding, the ultimate urban camo. It can be worn bare or dressed-up with deployable nods (night vision googles).

Jean: You also had a very large cigar. And I mean very large. What size did you have in your set up? And what is your favorite blend to enjoy in that vast vitola?

Colonel Stogie: Always being on the hunt for exotics I came across the Woody by Oscar Valladares, which is 21x100. Which, to his credit, is the perfect cigar for when my wife says, “Only one cigar honey!”. Little does she know it’s a solid 4-5 hour burn for an avid smoker. As one who spends a lot of time in hunting blinds or remote outposts, the chair-pod with rifle rest can be your best friend. So the team and I custom modified one to suit our needs. Fit with an ash tray and all the necessary tools for any prolonged engagement.

Jean: So if you are able to get some refreshments, what do you enjoy to drink with your cigar?

Colonel Stogie: Well, I tend to not discriminate when it comes to the support teams that allow me to enjoy my cigar with back up. It definitely depends on what I am smoking but I really enjoy the contrast of bourbons. A full body cigar with the sweetness of bourbon is the perfect combo to celebrate any victory.

Jean: Well we are definitely excited about this new accessory hitting the market and cannot wait to see more.

I am sure you all want to add this accessory to your collection, so check out our post on social media to see how you can win one of these Stogie Mags, and make sure to follow @stogiemag on IG and head to their website, www.stogiemag.com to see how you can purchase one of these humidors.

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Cigar World's Interview with Colonel Stogie of Stogie Mag