Meet the NGCS Team

Howdy from the centre of the universe, also known as Toronto, Canada! The CN Tower is a world treasure, and I am 100% certain the Maple Leafs will win the Stanley Cup this year. Joking aside, though I currently make Toronto my home, my roots are in small town Western Canada and I have a particular fondness for Canola fields, the Rocky Mountains, and Ukrainian kubasa.
I admit that I have only smoked a cigar once: On my 21st birthday when my good ol’ pops slammed a stogie in my mouth and declared I was officially an adult. Being somewhat thick in the head at that age, I inhaled all the smoke at once, swallowed some ashes, and promptly got sick and threw up. Rookie mistake I’m told.
But no worries, because I’m primarily here to write about all things health and fitness and I’ll leave the cigars to the experts. As a personal trainer and coach, professional fitness model, bodybuilder, and former Team Canada athlete I have a wealth of experience to share regarding all things exercise and nutrition.
Fitness and healthy living is my vibe, so check in with me for the occasional health info or lifestyle living tips, or else shoot me a message or a “Yeahhhhhhh budday!” on social media.
Keep calm and smoke on folks.

Jon Kassian

Getting Fit With Jon K

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I’m a serial hobbyist. I’ve always been chasing the beauty and creativity in life. In my mind, there is no better feeling than being inspired to create something beautiful. Cocktails are my latest obsession. It perfectly complements my other hobbies of collecting, decorating and entertaining. Over the pandemic, I became immersed in cocktail books where I learned the best techniques and concocted the best drinks to ever meet my lips. I enjoy working with the freshest of ingredients, dabbling in the chemistry and mastering the procedural nature of drink making. I love hosting a cocktail night and delighting my guests with gorgeously delicious drinks over great conversation. Seeing their faces light up as I set a drink in front of them and hearing their pleased exclamations after that first sip is just too addictive to ever stop. I’m looking forward to sharing that with all of you here at The NGCS. Cheers!

Stacey Nagy

Stace’s Libations

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My cigar journey started well before I ever had a cigar. I was trained to cook by a chef when I was little, and so I have always had an Epicurean appetite. Food transitioned to wine, wine grew into cheeses, and being married to Alex introduced me to cigars. I never thought I would love them like I do, but the more I dabbled, the more I fell in love with them. I love exploring new and exciting pairings, and I love how supportive the community is of my journey into the leaf. Cigars are so much more than a way for men to tap into traditional
masculinity, they are also a way for women to harness their traditional femininity and power. Men being powerful men, and women being powerful women…what is not to love? I love meeting fellow brothers and sisters of the leaf, and almost all of my dearest friends enjoy cigars with me. I love how sexy cigars are, and I love how sexy women are smoking them. My idea of a perfect night is a savory meal followed by cigars and cocktails with lively discussion. I can’t wait to share my journey with you all.

Lindsay Stanford 

Cigar Reviews and Pairings.

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I’m Veronica from Louisville Kentucky! I have been smoking cigars for around 4 years now and tobacco pipes for 2 years. I am currently studying to be a Tobacconist to further advance my knowledge of something that I love. Though I live in the bourbon state, I don’t pair my cigars with it. In my opinion, nothing beats a dark aged rum or coffee with a stick. I love trying new cigars and giving my opinion, so if you have any you’d like me to try follow me on Instagram and  just send me a message.

Veronica

Cigar Reviews

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I’m Josh Bishop. #bishopapproved and #greatsticksandbetterviews. A random, funny accident started a fun trend online where I take photos with a good view of scenery, my better half and sometimes a friend. I’ve met so many good people in the industry and it’s been a blessing. We like to work hard and play harder. Grew up in Texas and made the move to New England about 3 years ago. I’m in the car business so if you ever need some buying/selling advice please always ask!

Josh Bishop

Cigar Reviews

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My name is Des Hammond and I live in Redditch UK. I started smoking cigars in 2013 while I was on vacation in Ibiza. It was a beautiful evening and I was offered a Cohiba; this is what changed my life. Since then I have developed a great love for cigars. When I get to relax and smoke a cigar, I feel like I am tasting the history of generations. A cigar to me is like a motion picture with the most interesting script.
 
In 2020, I decided to start my own cigar reviews channel called The Cigar Cabin. I wanted to record and share my passion with the world. Reaching out to people with my experiences has become such a great part of my life; there is so much to enjoying a cigar, and often I feel it deep in my heart.
 
On my free time, I like to share moments with the best gift I could have ever asked for, my 3 1/2 year old son Teddy who is everything to me. As for “me” time… stress is always relieved on the golf course while enjoying a cigar with friends, along with a glass of a smooth amber whiskey.
 

Des Hammond

Cigar Reviews

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My life has been a punctuated series of obsessions. So it goes with autism. I have always been fascinated by cigars. The way they look. The way they smell. The class. The distinction. It harkens to a different time…a better time. What started as an awkward hobby in college in the 90’s exploded into a full on geek-out. It was another label on my mantle, another degree on my wall. Mathematician, comedian, lawyer, philosopher, screenwriter, cigar nerd. Like the others, I didn’t choose it. It chose me.  
​When the world ended in 2020, there wasn’t much to do other than smoke cigars, so I turned my obsession up to 11 and had my first Cuban cigar. After that, there was no going back. There was so much more to cigars than I had any idea. So much to know. So much to share. This led me to create my show, ‘The Gentleman and The Scholar’, with my best bud, John Welsh. In that show we showcase not just cigars but the culture itself. Good people, better sticks, and the best time. We want to spread our love of the entirety of cigar culture with the world, and so far it seems like the world is pretty okay with that.
​Cigars are more than a hobby. Certainly more than a vice. They are a culture. They are a way of life. A cigar is a 90 minute vacation. A time to reflect. A time to relax. A time to live. And a time to love. Once properly understood, it makes sense why we spend what we do on them. There is nothing I love more than sitting on my patio with my wife while we smoke cigars. It is the new sexy. In a time where everything is a trigger, a cigar is the ultimate relaxant. Find your sexy. Grab a stick.

Dr. Alex Z Stanford AKA The Scholar

Cigar Reviews

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Hi, my name is Just and I have been a lifelong film fan (especially but not limited to horror). I have been long-time musician that even dabbled in stage a little bit, I finally got into the film-making scene in 2020 and hope to continue my passion in any way that I can whether it’s writing, producing, directing, or acting. In 2020/2021 I am working with Cheevies Film Productions. As well, I have worked on one project for Breaking Fate Entertainment. I’m planning to further my education in 2021. During the summer months, I run a charity group called Mowing for Heroes that provides free basic lawn care to disabled veterans and first responders.  As far as cigars, I have been smoking for about 18 years now. I also have an extensive pipe collection, switching off between smoking tobacco and using them to smoke the last nub of my cigars (if you haven’t, try this). 
Interests include: anything outdoors (camping, bike riding, shooting etc.), drinking whiskey, sports, cooking, and collecting movies and memorabilia. Family is very important to me and I credit everything I have and give a huge thanks to my beautiful wife and our 5-year-old son.

Justin Bower

Cigars in Cinema

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       In 1987 in the foothills of southern West Virginia, a fucking legend was born. I was raised on a steady diet of moonshine, pepperoni rolls, and real country music. Guys like Keith Whitley, Mark Chesnutt, Alan Jackson, and Tracy Lawrence were the soundtrack to my childhood. 

 
        I rebelled against that and at age 16 took up the guitar thanks to inspiration from Metallica’s James Hetfield. I spent years obsessed with all things metal and blues. Deep down that old lonesome, country sound always beckoned to me and I finally heeded its call.
 
        Now I’m a crusader for all things true country. If you’re looking for articles about the bedazzled skinny jean wearing douchebags who dominate country radio nowadays, best look elsewhere. If you wanna hear real artists who write about real life, I’m your guy. I hope you enjoy my articles and take time to check out the songs I suggest.

Matt Hatfield

Music Review Columnist

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Jon Gjebrea
Founder of Noble Cigars

       Born in a small Mediterranean country, Jon’s recollections of good cigars have stayed with him since his youth. He will never forget the impressions of his first cigar. “Notes of excitement and eagerness to learn more, with strange feelings of coming of age …”. That was his main reaction while smoking his first few puffs.
Living for many years in different places all over the world, Jon always has had one vision: to make people enjoy the simplest moments in the best way possible. That is what he has set to achieve with “Noble”.
        His passion about cigars started with the sole feelings of enjoyment. Later, it became an idea and now, a lifestyle.
Jon is pleased to share with you his passion through this journey.
NGCS is proud to have Jon as a part of the team.

Jon Gjebrea.

Noble Cigars

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       Hi, I’m Josie. I was born and raised in Sunny California. I’m a Cigar Sommelier from The International Association of Cigar Sommeliers. You can find me hosting events from the West to the East Coast. I love pairing my cigars with refreshing libations. Check me out on Instagram @whiskeygirl_josie or my Site

Josie

Contributor

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        Josh Ward. Born of peat moss and tobacco smoke this troubadour turned heathen can be seen ravaging his way through the world of whisky, sharing stories told by golden spirits. His teachings often mistaken for the ramblings of a madman with a look to fit the part. Fuelled by the tears of his enemies he’s been known to gain sustenance by licking the salt from the cheeks of his adversaries. Perhaps more akin to the likes of a voodoo priest but this minister has a more menacing agenda, for his church welcomes the sinister and sinners alike. The Not Gentlemanly Cigar Smokers seemed like a fitting home for an apparition doomed to roam the earth as a Whisky Heathen, the curse only lifted after he’s tasted it all.

Josh Ward

Whiskey Expert

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        Ty Brandt. The devilish comedian bound to the ghost of a samurai by ritualistic penance and hell bent on consuming the world’s tobacco stock. A pagan through and through with a stare able to force submission from even the most righteous of beings. Known to wander the fog and mist as a spectre searching for the smoke of the finest cigars. Spiritual in a sense, he can pass through you while your only proof of his existence is the chill in your breath. A masterless Ronin cursed to walk the earth as a Whisky Heathen, answering to no one and defiant to all who oppose.
 

Ty Brandt

Whiskey Expert

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        I’m Garett, your neighborhood backyard Smoker/Grilling Pro. No, seriously, I’m the best on the whole block! 
 
        Five years ago for my birthday, I was gifted a Big Chief Smoker, basically just a big tin box.. and this is where I first dipped my toes into the Smoker World. I was instantly hooked. I pushed that bad-boy to its absolute limit! Smoking as much meat as it could fit. After a few years, I upgraded to a Canadian-made Black Earth Grill and that is where the mad science really began. 
 
       Whether it’s an intimate dinner for two or feeding a 50 person party, you can always find me firing up my smoker and concocting new ways to enjoy traditional and not so traditional cuts of meat. 
 

Garett

Smokin’ Food Review

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       In addition to his love of cigars, Indian motorcycles, and beautiful women, Rob Otterstatter owns and operates Octane Social House, an experience-based coffeehouse restaurant, which brings people together by sourcing the area’s best food, beverage, entertainment, and education together for the benefit of community improvement. He holds an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Argosy University and is currently working towards opening a new cigar shop, Octane’s Inferno, in central NewYork In addition to his love of cigars, Indian motorcycles, and beautiful women, Rob Otterstatter owns and operates Octane Social House, an experience-based coffeehouse restaurant, which brings people together by sourcing the area’s best food, beverage, entertainment, and education together for the benefit of community improvement. He holds an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Argosy University and is currently working towards opening a new cigar shop, Octane’s Inferno, in central New York. 
 
 

Robert Otterstatter

Smokin’ Celebrity Reviews

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        I’m Steve, and since the age of 10 when a copy of Metallica’s classic 1988 album …And Justice For All blasted out of my parents cassette deck and changed my life, I’ve been extremely passionate about music. Between playing in bands in my teens and twenties and transitioning to becoming a family man, collector of vinyl and other physical media and an “amateur audiophile” in my 30’s, that passion has never wavered. In fact, it’s grown in different ways. As the years pass, I become more of a fan and a student of different genres and styles. I can’t wait to share my thoughts on music and some album reviews. If you enjoy what you read, check out my Instagram for more reviews on music and other stuff I’m passionate about.

STEVE

Music Columnist

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        Spawned from the Rattlesnake and Mesquite infested desert of West Texas, Flew supersonic bombers for the Strategic Air Command keeping the Soviet hordes at bay, climbed to the top of the Great Pyramid, Swam across the Suez Canal, Won the 1990 Grand Forks North Dakota Kareoke competion with an incredible rendition of ‘You’ve Lost that Lovin Feeling’, pushed Russell Crowe into a swimming pool, Smoked a Cigar with Motherfucking Shaft (the original), was kissed by Celine Dion, Drank a coke with Garth Brooks, Spanker of consenting women’s buttocks, and a self confessed Opus X Whore.

        On a more serious note, I travel all the time for work and during my travels I visit every cigar lounge I come across. I love to visit, take picture and compare lounges and that, is what I plan to bring to the NGCS community.
I’ll leave you with this;

       “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing”

Hollywood Heard

Lounge & Shop Review Columnist