The Blend
Cigar News, Culture and Lifestyle
Meet your Cigar Smoking DJ: DJ Eli
Posted in Culture
If you have ever attended a larger scale Drew Estate event, you have more than likely gotten your dance on to the music of your cigar smoking DJ, DJ Eli. Eli is a professional DJ who is also a cigar enthusiast, so he has combined his passions into a career, and a fun career it is. I was able to get some time with Eli and ask him some questions about what he does, how he started and more! Plus you will be able to enjoy a monthly playlist, created by DJ Eli, on cigarworld.com in our new Smoke and Sound Sessions.
Welcome to the official home of Smoke and Sound Sessions, curated by the one and only DJ Eli. Known across the industry as the "Cigar Smoking DJ," Eli brings over 22 years of professional experience—from touring with legends like Paul Wall and Tech N9ne to setting the mood at Drew Estate events—directly to your speakers.
Check back every month for a new curated playlist designed to be the perfect companion for your next cigar. Turn it up, light it up, and enjoy the session.
Often, when we think of different pro athletes that we are used to seeing with a stogie in hand, we think of basketball players or football players; golfers for sure, but do you ever think about a skateboarder? Probably not! Well, we have a pro skateboarder with us today who not only is a cigar enthusiast but had a skateboard deck created with a cigar band graphic on it. (We might actually have one to give away… wink wink)
This past year has been packed full of amazing interviews and articles from folks that we met at PCA, and this article is no different. As a matter of fact, Charlie Albanetti is the first interview that I conducted at PCA this past April. I was so excited to sit down with Charlie because I had never heard of a zero-proof soda that was crafted specifically to pair with cigars. Let me introduce you to Abbina Sipping Sodas.
In the ever-expanding world of premium cigars, there’s no shortage of voices sharing stories, reviews, and industry insights. But few bring the same energy, humor, and authenticity as the Leaf Cutters Podcast. Whether they’re diving into cigar culture, trading personal stories, or sparking lively debates, the hosts cut straight to the heart of what makes this community so special. Each member brings a unique perspective and personality to the mic, creating a dynamic blend that resonates with both seasoned smokers and curious newcomers.
When we think about pairing a cigar, we usually think about what we are going to drink while we enjoy that delicious stick, but we were able to meet a man who thought differently. Mac, the Willy Wonka of cigar pairing chocolates, had the idea of using a sweet treat to pair with a cigar, and he hasn’t looked back since.
We are excited to share the release of Murder Cigars. Edward Crowe is the General Manager of Slumerican (https://slumerican.com/), Manager for hip hop / rock n roll artist Yelawolf (as well as many other artists,) an internationally published photographer, and an overall hustler.
When I initially set up my appointment with Pete Prevost at BriarWorks, I thought it would be a quick chat about the pipes that he carves so that I could feature him in our Artisan’s Corner section, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Prevost has a story that I wanted to share with the audience outside of just his artistic skills in the craft of pipe carving. After our conversation, I walked away knowing that we needed to do more than just an interview. We needed to go to his lounge/workshop hybrid and check it out for ourselves.
In 2022, Cigar World made a bold and insightful prediction: that Maduro Aficionado was a cigar creator to watch. At the time, he was building momentum lighting up timelines with relatable content, sharp insights, and a passion for the leaf that resonated with both new smokers and seasoned aficionados.
I had the pleasure of meeting Eylin while in New Orleans at PCA this past April. This multi-talented hustler is keeping busy on the Cavalier Geneve brand with her husband Sebastian while being a mom. There is no down time for this go-getter, but when you love what you are doing, it all seems worth it. Check out what Eylin had to say about her experience in the cigar industry and with Cavalier Geneve.
