Randy Griggs

This week on Flavor Odyssey, Robby Ras and Randy Griggs find the perfect drink pairing for the Gold Star from United Cigars.Our #18 cigar of the year (and in the Dojo’s ‘Cigar of the Year Sampler’ from Smoke Inn), it features an Ecuadorian Habano 2000 wrapper, Indonesian Sumatra binder, and fillers of Dominican Ligero, Criollo ’98, Corojo ’98, and Connecticut Broadleaf.PairingsRandy: Gold Standard cocktail & United Gold Star 👍🏻Robby: French 125 cocktail & United Gold Star 👍🏻VotesRandy 67% Robby: 33%🙋‍♂️ Audience PairingsJeff Endrizzi: Gold Star Robusto & Maple Whiskey Sour 👍🏻👍🏻𝙎𝙉𝙇 -- Head over to our Smoke Night LIVE podcast for cigar interviews and entertainment: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ3OJ366KRotIlJb6-akfx_SKEmI45Y-k&si=Agu9o_OXidZLvcSW👀 Follow Cigar Dojo on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/cigardojo𝕏: https://twitter.com/cigardojoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CigarDojo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cigardojo

This week on Flavor Odyssey, Robby Ras and Randy Griggs launch their annual journey through the Dojo’s Cigar of the Year Sampler from Smoke Inn. The featured cigar is the 601 La Bomba Warhead 11, a bold release from AJ Fernández’s San Lotano factory. The guys break down what makes this cigar stand out and invite listeners to join in with their own pairing picks. Every audience pairing entry has a chance to win prizes, including a free Flavor Odyssey sampler.PairingsRandy: The Detonator Highball & 601 La Bomba Warhead 11 👍🏻Robby: The Nor'easter & 601 La Bomba Warhead 11 👍🏻VotesRandy 29% Robby: 71%🙋‍♂️ Audience PairingsBill Powers: Warhead 11 & Black Manhattan 👍🏻👍🏻𝙎𝙉𝙇 -- Head over to our Smoke Night LIVE podcast for cigar interviews and entertainment: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ3OJ366KRotIlJb6-akfx_SKEmI45Y-k&si=Agu9o_OXidZLvcSW👀 Follow Cigar Dojo on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/cigardojo𝕏: https://twitter.com/cigardojoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CigarDojo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cigardojo

This week on Flavor Odyssey, Randy Griggs and Master Sensei take a mini-odyssey unlike any other—one built around pure pairing versatility.The challenge? Find one cigar that can hold its own against three wildly different drinks: kombucha, dessert wine, and even pickle beer. It’s a true test of balance, adaptability, and flavor synergy as the hosts search for the ultimate “all-purpose” cigar pairing.And for the audience, it’s a total wildcard week—bring any cigar and any drink, join the conversation, and compete for bragging rights. Grab something bold, pour something weird, and let’s see what survives the Triple Drink Gauntlet.PairingsRandy: Herrera Estelí Norteño & Dessert Wine / Pickle Beer / Kombucha 👍🏻 / 👎🏻 / 👍🏻Sensei: Aganorsa Supreme Leaf & Dessert Wine / Pickle Beer / Kombucha 👍🏻 / 👎🏻 / 👍🏻VotesRandy 27% Robby: 73%🙋‍♂️ Audience PairingsNathan Stewart: Camacho Limited Edition 2025 & Oakforge No. 52 👍🏻👍🏻𝙎𝙉𝙇 -- Head over to our Smoke Night LIVE podcast for cigar interviews and entertainment: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ3OJ366KRotIlJb6-akfx_SKEmI45Y-k&si=Agu9o_OXidZLvcSW👀 Follow Cigar Dojo on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/cigardojo𝕏: https://twitter.com/cigardojoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CigarDojo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cigardojo

Get ready for another full-throttle pairing showdown on Flavor Odyssey. This week, two powerhouse boutique brands go head-to-head as Tatuaje faces off against Illusione in a battle that helped shape modern premium cigars.Robby steps into the arena repping Tatuaje, while Randy takes the side of Illusione, with both hosts pairing their picks with whiskey sour. From balance and body to how each cigar interacts with the cocktail’s citrus and sweetness, every detail is up for debate as we hunt for the better pairing.Light up a Tatuaje or Illusione, mix yourself a whiskey sour, and join us as we break it all down—Flavor Odyssey style.PairingsRandy: Illusione Epernay 10th Anniversary D'Aosta & Whiskey Sour 👍🏻Robby: Tatuaje 7th Corojo & Whiskey Sour 👍🏻VotesRandy 62% Robby: 38%🙋‍♂️ Audience PairingsBill Powers: La Mission L'Atelier & Whiskey Sour (Knob Creek 100p Rye) 👍🏻👍🏻𝙎𝙉𝙇 -- Head over to our Smoke Night LIVE podcast for cigar interviews and entertainment: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ3OJ366KRotIlJb6-akfx_SKEmI45Y-k&si=Agu9o_OXidZLvcSW👀 Follow Cigar Dojo on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/cigardojo𝕏: https://twitter.com/cigardojoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CigarDojo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cigardojo

Two titans of the cigar world go head-to-head on Flavor Odyssey. And no—we’re not talking about your hosts, Robby and Randy. This week’s battle features two of the most legendary brands in cigars: Arturo Fuente and Padrón.Which one pairs best with a World’s Best Old Fashioned?Robby steps into the ring for Padrón, while Randy defends Fuente in a no-holds-barred showdown for flavor supremacy. Grab a Fuente or a Padrón, mix up your favorite Old Fashioned, and join the debate as we put these icons to the test.PairingsRandy: OpusX 20th Anniversary & World's Greatest Old Fashioned 👍🏻Robby: Padrón Family Reserve 46 Years Maduro & World's Greatest Old Fashioned 👍🏻VotesRandy 71% Robby: 29%🙋‍♂️ Audience PairingsSam Finnell: Padron 1926 & Henry McKenna 10 yo Bottled in Bond Old Fashioned𝙎𝙉𝙇 -- Head over to our Smoke Night LIVE podcast for cigar interviews and entertainment: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ3OJ366KRotIlJb6-akfx_SKEmI45Y-k&si=Agu9o_OXidZLvcSW👀 Follow Cigar Dojo on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/cigardojo𝕏: https://twitter.com/cigardojoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CigarDojo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cigardojo

Flavor Odyssey is back for its 9th season, and with Dry January in full effect, Robby and Randy are on a mission to find big, bold flavor—without the alcohol. Can a non-alcoholic drink deliver the depth and complexity needed to pair with a premium cigar? And if so, what techniques and strategies make it possible?PairingsRandy: Blood Orange Vanilla Tonic & Perdomo Double Aged 12 year Connecticut 👍🏻Robby: Ginger Chai Highball & JC Newman Diamond Crown Black Diamond 👍🏻VotesRandy 29% Robby: 71%🙋‍♂️ Audience PairingsSam Finnell: Perdomo Legacy Maduro & Bitter Mocha Coffee 👍🏻👍🏻𝙎𝙉𝙇 -- Head over to our Smoke Night LIVE podcast for cigar interviews and entertainment: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ3OJ366KRotIlJb6-akfx_SKEmI45Y-k&si=Agu9o_OXidZLvcSW👀 Follow Cigar Dojo on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/cigardojo𝕏: https://twitter.com/cigardojoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CigarDojo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cigardojo

It’s the final episode of Flavor Odyssey for the year, and you know what that means—it’s time to crown the best cigar-and-drink pairings of 2025. Your Flavor Odyssey hosts will each reveal their top three pairings from the past year and reminisce about the journey along the way. We’ll also highlight the standout audience pairings that made 2025 one to remember. Pairings Randy: Black Walnut Manhattan & Liga Privada No. 9 Robby: Almond Reposado OF & Aganorsa Arsenio 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings OTTERS! 

KISS (Keep it Simple, Stupid) works for a lot of things in life, but does it hold up in the world of cocktails and cigar pairings? This week on Flavor Odyssey, hosts Robby Ras and Randy Griggs explore whether a standout pairing really needs to be complex. The challenge: craft your own three-ingredient cocktail, choose a cigar that complements it, and join the fun. Pairings Studio: Black Manhattan 👍🏻 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Nathan Stewart: 10-Year Aged Alec Bradley Black Market Double Perfecto & Smoked Maple Old Fashioned

This week on Flavor Odyssey, we’re diving into cigar pairing tips and tricks—everything from advanced techniques to simple strategies that work with just about any cigar and drink combo. Professor Robby Ras and Randy Griggs will be leading the class in this fun and informative episode. Don’t forget your school supplies (a cigar and a drink), and whatever you do, don’t be late for class! Pairings Randy: Brown Butter Tequila Sour & Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Connecticut 👍🏻 Robby: Spiced Maple Rum Old Fashioned & Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Capa Especial 👍🏻 Votes Randy 15% Robby: 85% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Mike Heykens: Room101 Red Rocket & Chocolate Boulivardier.

You’ve heard of Friendsgiving—now get ready for Friendspairing! This week on Flavor Odyssey, hosts Robby and Randy are switching things up: they’ll craft a cocktail using each other’s recipes, then hunt down the perfect cigar to pair with it. Tune in for this special holiday edition of Flavor Odyssey and bring your own Thanksgiving-themed pairing to the table! Pairings Randy: The Decennium & Aganorsa Leaf Guardian of the Farm Nightwatch 👍🏻 Robby: Scotch Negroni & Aquitaine Gran Perfecto 👍🏻 Votes Randy 71% Robby: 29% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings THE OTTERS.

Pull up a chair, spark up a cigar, and settle in—it’s time for a fireside edition of Flavor Odyssey. This week, Robby and Randy explore the cozy side of cigar pairings, featuring classic warm cocktails that were made for sipping by the fire. From spiked cider to hot buttered rum, it’s all about comfort, rich flavor, and wintery vibes that complement your favorite smoke. Pairings Randy: Caffe Amaro & Southern Draw Rose of Sharon Desert Rose 👍🏻 Robby: Amaro Hot Spiced Toddy & Stolen Throne Call to Arms 👍🏻 Votes Randy 64% Robby: 36% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Nathan Stewart: Hot Mead w Lemon Cocktail & Herrera Estelí Brazilian Maduro.

It’s time to step outside our comfort zones and dive into pairings we think we don’t like—but are determined to make work. This week on Flavor Odyssey, it’s the Extreme Makeover Edition. Robby will confront his greatest fear: tequila. Meanwhile, Sensei is once again on a mission to redeem sour beer as a cigar pairing. Pairings Sensei: Boon Oude Geuze & Aganorsa Supreme Leaf 👎🏻 Robby: Tequila & Plasencia Alma del Cielo 👍🏻 Votes Sensei 29% Robby: 71% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Nathan Stewart: Martinez Gin Cocktail & Alec Bradley Black Market Estelí.

It’s the witching hour, Halloween is in the air and spirits are all around us. This week on Flavor Odyssey, we’re conjuring up “Trick-or-Neat,” where we explore neat spirits like bourbon, tequila, mezcal, rum, and more to discover which pair best with our favorite cigars. Pour yourself a glass, light up a cigar, and join the spooky fun! Pairings Randy: Sobremesa Solita Red Sensei: Padron 1926 Serie 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Sam Finnell: My Father Blue & G4 Reposado.

Not all of us can afford $100 cigars and top-shelf whiskey every night. Most of us live on tighter budgets and get creative with our pairings. This week on Flavor Odyssey, we’re exploring the best budget-friendly cigar and drink pairings. Grab your favorite affordable combo and join the show! Pairings Randy: Evan Williams Old Fashioned & La Aurora Broadleaf 👍🏻 Sensei: Boilermaker & Quorum Shade 👎🏻 Votes Randy 62% Sensei: 38% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Alex Lancaster: Cafe con Leche & Alec Bradley Project 40.

Breathe it in—can you feel that crisp fall air? The leaves are turning from green to shades of yellow, brown, and bright red. And you know what else is changing? Our cravings for those perfect fall cigar and cocktail pairings. But what are the top options this season? Flavor Odyssey is counting down the five best fall cocktails and their ideal cigar counterparts. So grab your favorite autumn drink, light up a great cigar, and join the show! Pairings Randy: Bird on a Wire & Fuente Rosado Sun-Grown Magnum R 👍🏻 Sensei: Apple Cider Toddy & Perdomo Legacy Shade Grown 👍🏻 Votes Randy 25% Sensei: 75% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Jeff Endrizzi: Fall Old Fashioned & Aganorsa Supreme Leaf 👍🏻👍🏻 

Lock up the alcohol—it’s Sober October! Okay, maybe we won’t go the whole month, but your Flavor Odyssey hosts Robby and Randy are kicking things off by exploring some of the best non-alcoholic drinks and the premium cigars that pair perfectly with them. Mix up a fun mocktail (or any other non-alc drink) and join the show! Pairings Randy: Cold Brew Tonic & La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor 👍🏻 Robby: Root Beer Float & Foundation Tabernacle 👍🏻 Votes Randy 60% Robby: 40% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Steve Toth #pairing I went with a Mock Mojito paired with an Illusione Singulare. I made the Mojito with some fresh mint I grew in my garden along with some Halifax Birch Syrup that was gifted to me by Randy. The cigar burns very smooth with some nice woodsy notes, cedar and some hints of graham cracker. The Mojito is very refreshing, the birch syrup gives it a nice lil sweet finish that is pairing nicely with the graham cracker of the cigar! 👍🏻👍🏻

What are the ultimate cigar-and-drink pairings? This week on Flavor Odyssey, hosts Robby and Randy unveil their four all-time favorite combinations—their “Mt. Rushmore” of cigar pairings. Have your own favorite pairing ready and join the show.

There are few guarantees in life, but one of them is the annual Oktoberfest episode of Flavor Odyssey. How should you approach a cigar and beer pairing fit for the occasion? Hosts Robby and Randy—well known for their love of German brews—dedicate this episode to raising a stein in celebration. So grab your favorite Oktoberfest beer, pour it into a proper stein, find the perfect cigar to match, and join the festivity. Pairings Randy: Warsteiner Oktoberfest & Brick House Oktoberfest 2025 👍🏻 Robby: Hacker-Pschorr & Brick House Oktoberfest 2025 👍🏻 Votes Randy 50% Robby: 50% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Jose Soiza: Bent Barley Märzen & Alec Bradley Prensadoa Nathan Stewart: Paulaner Oktoberfest Märzen & Quesada Oktoberfest 2015 𝙎𝙉𝙇 -- Head over to our Smoke Night LIVE podcast for cigar interviews and entertainment: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ3OJ366KRotIlJb6-akfx_SKEmI45Y-k&si=Agu9o_OXidZLvcSW 👀 Follow Cigar Dojo on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/cigardojo 𝕏: https://twitter.com/cigardojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CigarDojo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cigardojo 👕 Check out the Dojo merch: https://cigardojo.com/shop/ 🥷🏻 Check into your favorite cigars and begin earning your black belt: https://dojoverse.com Subscribe now and join our community of cigar enthusiasts!

The 1970s called—they want their cocktails back! Dust off your bell bottoms, crank up that Earth, Wind & Fire cassette, and join us on Flavor Odyssey as we take a groovy trip back in time. This week, we’re shaking up some classic ’70s drinks that have been lost to the sands of time: think Midori Sour, Blue Lagoon, Sex on the Beach, 7&7, and more. Mix yourself a cocktail your parents would have made and get ready for some retro fun! Pairings Randy: Tequila Sunrise & JDN Antaño 👎🏻 Robby: Midori Sour & Undercrown Shade 👍🏻 Votes Randy 48% Robby: 52% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Randi Harrison: H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon & Harvey Wallbanger Sam Finnell: Nick's Sticks Maduro & Saturn cocktail

Pickle juice and pickle-inspired cocktails are having a moment. Your local mixologist might serve up a Dirty Pickle, Pickled Michelada, Pickleback Mule, or even a Pickle Sour. This week, your Flavor Odyssey hosts dive into the briny craze and search for the perfect cigar pairing. Pairings Randy: Smoked Pickle Mezcal Sour & Liga Privada No. 9 👍🏻 Robby: La Botana cocktail & Joya Antaño CT 👍🏻 Votes Randy 52% Robby: 48% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Bill Powers: Pickled World's Greatest Old Fashioned & Cohiba Nicaragua.