"Dr. Stogie Fresh": President, Editor, Contributing Author, Reviewer/Rater and Site-designer.

Follow Doc on Twitter: Doc_StogieFresh

I started this website in November of 2005. At that time, I was concerned that there was not enough comprehensive, accurate cigar information on the internet. Some sites had good information but were boring, some had text, but no photos, and others had simply bad information throughout. As an educator, researcher, writer and cigar smoker, I thought I could contribute something to add to the industry. What has evolved has been a site that is well-researched, well-written and comprehensive. AND, growing every day! The creation of this website has grown from my passion for collecting, storing and aging fine cigars. The addition of other members of "Team Stogie Fresh" has exponentially improved our content and our ability to educate the cigar community. I hope that what you read in these pages will inspire you to listen, read, and learn more about our mutual cigar hobby. I also hope that if you see something missing in the Stogie Fresh publications, that you will email me and let me know. I am eager to make Stogie Fresh your one-stop-shop for cigar information. Email Dr. Stogie Fresh.

Blake Oliver: Contributing Author, Reviewer/Rater.

I’ve always had a fondness for pipes and cigars. I presume that I inherited it from my father and grandfather, both were pipe and cigar smokers. I was so drawn to it that I started at an early age, with some not so great results. My first cigar was a Dutch Masters Panatela, after which I got grounded for a week. Not so much for my choice in cigars, but more for being 13 years old. My tastes have improved with age. Later, after high school, I took a job working in a cigar store to help pay for college and train for my primary vocation. For the time, it was a privilege to sample different, albeit expensive, cigars for my customers. Unfortunately, I had taken a long hiatus from cigars until a few years ago.

It is truly amazing to discover all the avenues in cigar making. Like a fine wine, malt scotch, or bourbon, they pass through different stages and many hands before they are a finished product. It is my desire here at Stogie Fresh, to pass on opinions and lessons learned on the art of aging cigars. I hope you have as much fun reading and learning as I do from the experience. Email Blake.

Rob Gray: Contributing Author and Resident "Cigar Science Guy."

I had my first premium cigar about 10 years ago when I was handed one at my friend’s wedding and it was love at first draw! I loved the camaraderie, relaxation and pure enjoyment it brought. Up to that point I had no idea that tobacco could produce so many complex and interesting flavors and aromas. A good cigar could taste like dark chocolate and smell like a barnyard….who knew! Since then I have become a more serious and passionate cigar enthusiast; seeking out all the information I could find about how cigars and made, stored and aged. Like Doc and Blake, I want to find out as much as I can about this amazing hobby. 

Recently, my passion for cigars combined with my job as a researcher in Human Factors Psychology at Arizona State University, has sparked my interest in the “psychological science” behind cigars. There are many fascinating aspects of human behavior associated with cigar smoking. How do cigars produce all these incredible olfactory and taste sensations? What are the factors that influence our decisions when purchasing cigars?  What is the best way to review and rate a cigar?  It is my goal as a member of Team Stogie Fresh to use my scientific training to investigate questions such as these and more. I hope that my research will increase your appreciation for this hobby as we continue to learn more about “cigar science”. Email Rob.

Eddie DeJong: Contributing Author and designer of the "Official Humidor of Stogie Fresh"

I have always been a fan of exotic and unique natural materials and leathers. One of my first memories as a child was falling asleep by the fire in my dad's leather coat in the middle of of a cold Canadian winter. As my life progressed, I accepted a design position for a high-end patio company in town, and fell in love designing gorgeous decks and patios from exotic woods like Western Red Cedar and rock-hard Pau Lope wood from Brazil.

This very passion has motivated me to design the finest handcrafted humidors in the world, using hard to find natural materials and gorgeous contrasting exotic woods. I believe that most modern culture has been desensitized to appreciate true handcrafted artistry, in the wake of cheap imported products, high volume manufacturing, and little attention to detail. My dream is to bring the art of the handcrafted humidor back, using exotic and authentic materials in a very functional humidor. Email Eddie.