Robby Ras

The dog days of summer have arrived, and there’s no better way to cool off than with a refreshing cocktail and a great cigar. On this episode of Flavor Odyssey, hosts Robby Ras and Randy Griggs head to the bar in search of the best summer cocktail and cigar pairings. From classic mojitos and margaritas to tiki drinks and spritzes, they’ll explore which combinations deliver the most flavor. Mix your favorite summertime drink, light up a cigar, and join the conversation live. Pairings Sensei: Mezcal Mule & Caldwell Savages Malpensante 👎🏻 Robby: White Port & Tonic & Aganorsa Aniversario Connecticut 👎🏻 Votes Sensei: 43%  Robby: 57% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Mike Heykens: Coconut rum sunrise & Johnny Tobacconaut Connecticut 👍🏻 Sam Finnell: Guvarita & Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne 👍🏻👍🏻 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

It’s a special episode of Flavor Odyssey as Luis Baez, Global Brand Ambassador for Flor de Caña, joins the show to talk rum and cigars. Luis is one of the most engaging personalities in the spirits world and a familiar face at the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show, so he knows his tobacco as well as his rum. Grab a pour of rum, light up a cigar, and join the conversation. Pairings Randy: Flor de Caña Sour & Padron 1964 Natural 👍🏻 Robby: Nica Negroni & Liga Privada H99 👍🏻 Votes Randy: 56%  Robby: 44% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Randi Harrison: Oliva V Melanio & Flor de Cana 20 👍🏻👍🏻 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

Over the past few decades, Nicaragua has gone from an up-and-coming tobacco producer to the undisputed leader in premium cigars. But how did it happen, and what makes Nicaraguan tobacco so special? On this episode of Flavor Odyssey, Robby and Randy explore the country’s rich tobacco heritage while pairing drinks with some of Nicaragua’s finest cigars. Grab your favorite Nicaraguan smoke and join the conversation. Pairings Randy: Rum Manhattan & Joya de Nicaragua Cinco Décadas 👎🏻 Robby: Cerveza Toña & Mombacho Liga Maestro 👍🏻 Votes Randy: 50%  Robby: 50% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Eric Willis: New World Dorado & Lime Daiquiri 👍🏻 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

It’s a milestone episode of Flavor Odyssey as Robby and Randy celebrate 300 shows! Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and pair drinks with the cigars that first ignited our passion for premium cigars. What was the cigar that started your journey into the cigar lifestyle? Light up your “origin story” cigar, pour your favorite drink, and join the conversation as we celebrate 300 episodes together. Pairings Randy: Vieux Carré & Davidoff The Late Hour 👍🏻 Robby: Mezcal Manhattan & Gran Habano Corojo No. 5 👎🏻 Votes Randy: 86%  Robby: 14% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings OTTERS!!! 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

Since the very beginning of Flavor Odyssey, hosts Robby Ras and Randy Griggs have maintained that higher-proof spirits make better cocktails. This week, they’re putting that theory to the test. On the show, we’ll be mixing both low-proof and high-proof versions of the same cocktails and comparing them side by side to see if the long-standing belief holds true. Grab your favorite cigar, pour yourself a cocktail, and join the conversation as we find out whether more proof really means more flavor. Pairings Randy: Whiskey Sour & Davidoff Aniversario No. 3 👎🏻 Robby: Revolver & Tatuaje PCA 2025 Corojo 👍🏻 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Nathan Stewart: Padrón 1964 Natural & three Old Fashioned cocktails each made with a Jack Daniel's blend [Old No.7 (80p), Bonded (100p), & Single Barrel Barrel Proof (130p)]. 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

This week on Flavor Odyssey, we’re celebrating local whiskey with special guest Brandon McCraney, master distiller at Olde Raleigh Distillery. Join us as we explore the unique flavors coming from craft distilleries across the country and search for the perfect cigar pairings to match. Bring your favorite local whiskey, share the story behind your hometown distillery with the rest of the otters, and discover new combinations that elevate both the cigar and the spirit. It’s an evening of great cigars, great whiskey, and great conversation you won’t want to miss. Pairings Randy: Olde Raleigh Toasted French Oak Bourbon & Mi Querida Black PapaSaka 👍🏻 Robby: Olde Raleigh Olde Stogie Bourbon & Ferio Tego Timeless TAA 2025 👍🏻 Votes Randy: 67%  Robby: 33% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings OTTERS! 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

Many of your favorite cigars come in either maduro or claro wrapper variations. But beyond the difference in color, what exactly separates a maduro from a claro? And which drink pairings work best with each? On this episode of Flavor Odyssey, Robby Ras steps into the ring to represent the rich, dark world of maduro wrappers, while Randy Griggs makes the case for the lighter, brighter claro side. Grab your favorite maduro or claro cigar, pour a pairing of your choice, and join us for another flavorful journey on this week’s Flavor Odyssey. Pairings Randy: Mezcal Old Fashioned & Olmec Claro 👍🏻 Robby: Cuban Rum Old Fashioned & Olmec Maduro 👍🏻 Votes Randy: 17%  Robby: 83% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Eric Willis: Crowned Heads Juárez & Topo Chico w Regan's Orange Bitters 👍🏻 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

This week on Flavor Odyssey, we celebrate the release of Psychedelic Rabbit, the newest collaboration between Espinosa Premium Cigars and Cigar Dojo. But one important question remains: what do you pair with a Psychedelic Rabbit? To find the answer, Robby and Randy take a metaphorical trip down the rabbit hole, exploring a wide range of pairing possibilities in this special episode. As always, the Otters are invited to join the adventure and bring their own wildcard pairing creations to share with the audience. Pairings Randy: Randy's Psychedelic Highball & Psychedelic Rabbit 👎🏻 Robby: Psychedelic Frog & Psychedelic Rabbit 👎🏻 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings @GeminiMike-f8w : Sidecar cocktail & Espinosa Laranja Reserva 👍🏻 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

This week on Flavor Odyssey, we’re comparing two of the most iconic cigar wrapper leaves and how they influence the perfect beverage pairing. Robby will represent the rich, bold character of Maduro wrappers, while Randy takes the smooth and nuanced side of Connecticut Shade. These wrapper styles couldn’t be more different in flavor, texture, and intensity, which means the right drink pairing can make all the difference. Join the fun by choosing your side—Maduro or Connecticut Shade—and creating your own pairing for the night. Whether you prefer dark and decadent or light and refined, this episode is all about discovering which wrapper-and-drink combination delivers the ultimate experience. Pairings Randy: Final Hour Highball & 22 Minutes to Midnight Connecticut Radiante 👍🏻 Robby: Black Manhattan & Olmec Maduro 👍🏻 Votes Randy: 36%  Robby: 64% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Bill Powers: Undercrown Dojo Dogma Maduro (2018) & Butter Allspice Old Fashioned 👍🏻👍🏻 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

This week on Flavor Odyssey, we’re heading to Churchill Downs for our own cigar-smoking celebration of the Kentucky Derby. Fresh off the 152nd running of the “Run for the Roses,” your hosts dive into Kentucky Derby-inspired cigar and drink pairings that go far beyond the classic Mint Julep. From Churchill-sized cigars to rose-themed cocktails, bourbon-forward classics, and even the essential oversized Derby hat, this episode is all about capturing the spirit of Derby Day with style and flavor. Whether you’re pairing for tradition or getting creative with your own race-day ritual, Flavor Odyssey is off to the races with plenty of fun and unexpected combinations. Pairings Randy: Winner’s Circle Julep & Fuente Hemingway 👍🏻 Robby: Official Mint Julep & Illusione Group of Five 👍🏻 Votes Randy: 39%  Robby: 61% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Nathan Stewart: Davidoff Aniversario No. 3 & Aromatic Mint Julep 👍🏻👍🏻 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

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show introduces hundreds of new cigars each year—but what should you pair them with? That’s where Flavor Odyssey comes in. On this episode, your hosts sample a selection of new releases and put them to the test, pairing each cigar with the perfect drink to see what truly elevates the experience. Tune in to discover which combinations hit the mark and which ones miss the boat. Pairings Sensei: Black and Tan & Sobremesa Tapa Negra 👎🏻 Robby: Jungle Bird & AVO Expresivo 👍🏻 Votes Sensei: 25%  Robby: 75% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Nathan Stewart: Davidoff Yamasá & Ember Old Fashioned 👍🏻👍🏻 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

Flavor Odyssey has gone nuts! This week, hosts Robby and Randy explore nutty-inspired cocktails featuring ingredients like Orgeat, Frangelico, Amaretto, Nocello, and Licor 43. From almond and hazelnut to walnut and beyond, these flavors can add depth and texture to a cocktail—and might be the perfect match for a premium cigar. Mix up your own nutty pairing and join the conversation. Pairings Randy: Dominican Mai Tai & Davidoff Puro Dominicano 👍🏻 Robby: Spiced Hazelnut Sour & Aladino Cameroon 👍🏻 Votes Randy: 58%  Robby: 42% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Sam Finnell: Frangelico Espresso Martini and the Perdomo Legacy Maduro 👍🏻👍🏻 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

Everybody has one—you know exactly what I’m talking about. That dusty bottle of liqueur/liquor hiding in the back of your cabinet since 1989, when your Aunt Leslie brought it over for Easter dinner. Well, the moment has come to dust it off and put it to use. What kind of cocktail can you create from that forgotten relic—and more importantly, what cigar would you pair with it? Join hosts Robby and Randy for a challenging and creative episode of Smoke Night LIVE. Pairings Randy: Banana Espresso Old Fashioned & Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro 👍🏻 Robby: Velvet Orchard & Davidoff Maduro 👍🏻 Votes Randy: 42%  Robby: 58% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Jimmy Birster: Undercrown 10 with a Peanut Butter & Jelly Punch 👍🏻👍🏻 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

It’s April 1st, and you know what that means—corny tricks and gimmicky tomfoolery. On this episode of Flavor Odyssey, your hosts Robby Ras and Randy Griggs dive into some of the most over-the-top gimmick cocktails and pair them with premium cigars. It’s also the night we announce the winners of the COTY Samplers, so grab a drink, light up a cigar, and join the fun. Pairings Randy: Hot Agave Mezcal Paloma & Sensei's Sensational Sarsaparilla 👎🏻 Robby: Pickle Martini & Perdomo Legacy Connecticut  👎🏻 Votes Randy: 91%  Robby: 9% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings ccoulter25: BWS Swarm & Wendy's Frosty 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

Flavor Odyssey returns, and this week we’re putting Protocol Cigars to the test with a full-on beer pairing challenge. Each host brings their pick for the perfect frosty companion, aiming to find the ultimate match for the brand. Protocol’s own Juan Cancel joins the show to weigh in, talk cigars, and see how these pairings stack up. We’ll also announce the winners of the Cigar of the Year Sampler from our last segment. Grab a Protocol, crack a cold one, and join us for the ride. Pairings Juan: Protocol Crime Scene Unit & Estrella Galicia 👍🏻 Robby: Protocol Night Stick & Robust Porter 👍🏻 Votes Juan: 56%  Robby: 44% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Jimmy Birster: Protocol Crime Scene Unit & Guinness Draught w WG Maple OF chaser 👍🏻👍🏻 Randi Harrison: Protocol Fat Ash & Left Hand Galactic Cowboy Nitro Imperial Stout 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

This week on Flavor Odyssey, Master Sensei and Robby return as we wrap up the Cigars of the Year sampler segment with Cigar Dojo’s No. 1 Cigar of the Year: the Perdomo Legacy Nicaraguan Shade Grown. Now it’s your turn to join the experience. Grab a Perdomo Legacy Nicaraguan Shade Grown, pour a drink you think makes the ideal pairing, and smoke along with us as we see what pairing brings out the best in this year-end standout. Pairings Randy: Gold Rush Highball & Perdomo Legacy Nicaraguan Shade Grown 👍🏻 Robby: Guinness Cocoa Old Fashioned & Perdomo Legacy Nicaraguan Shade Grown 👍🏻 Votes Randy: 31% Robby: 69% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Jeff Endrizzi: Mezcal Spicy Mama & Perdomo Legacy Nicaraguan Shade Grown 👍🏻👍🏻 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

Clocking in at number nine on this year’s Cigar Dojo year-end list is the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Sobremesa Solita Red from Steve Saka. On this episode, Robby and Randy will set out to find the best drink pairing for this Ecuadorian Habano-wrapped cigar. Grab a Solita Red from the Dojo COTY sampler, pour yourself a drink, and join the fun as we explore which pairing works best. Pairings Randy: Solita Red Trade Wind & Sobremesa Solita Red 👎🏻 Robby: La Tavola Rossa & Sobremesa Solita Red 👎🏻 Votes Randy 67%  Robby: 33% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Nathan Stewart: Sobremesa Solita Red & Sherry-Cask Scotch Old Fashioned 👍🏻👍🏻 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

As Flavor Odyssey continues its journey through the Dojo’s Cigar of the Year Sampler, this week hosts Robby Ras and Randy Griggs spotlight Rafael Nodal’s Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Concerto, which landed at No. 13 on our year-end list. But what drink pairing will bring this premium cigar into perfect harmony? Tune in, join the conversation, and help us discover the ideal match. Pairings Sensei: Concerto Notturno & Aging Room Concerto 👍🏻 Robby: Division Bell & Aging Room Concerto 👍🏻 Votes Sensei 17%  Robby: 83% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Bill Powers: Aging Room Concerto & The Shinebox 👍🏻👍🏻 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

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. Pairings Randy: Gold Standard cocktail & United Gold Star 👍🏻 Robby: French 125 cocktail & United Gold Star 👍🏻 Votes Randy 67%  Robby: 33% 🙋‍♂️ Audience Pairings Jeff 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/cigardojo 𝕏: https://twitter.com/cigardojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CigarDojo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cigardojo