About

Born and raised in New England, Matthew Tabacco began smoking cigars and living up to his unique namesake in 2017. What began as just a social indulgence became a world of everything premium cigars- learning from some of the biggest and best in the business. From casual smoking to lighting up on the hit podcast The Smokin Tabacco Show, Matthew can usually be found in some of the largest smoke shops in the Northeast enjoying a cigar, talking business, or preparing for a show.

Nicole was born and raised in New England but spent her teenage years living in the United Kingdom before returning to the US for college.

She has twelve years of business experience and has spent the last eight years managing salons and spas for some of the most prestigious companies in the beauty industry. Nicole has quickly accumulated a vast knowledge of the cigar industry and is eager to share that with others. What began as a relaxing hobby with her husband has now become a joint business venture.

Nicole is excited to bring a new and feminine flair to the cigar industry through blog reviews and social media content and hopes Smokin’ Tabacco fans enjoy her work!

Mitchell Santaga started his journey into tobacco in 2011 by trying different flavored and machine-made cigars while enjoying a handle of Jack Daniels. Shortly after that he yearned for a more premium experience and dove headfirst into pipe tobacco that his local tobacconist blended.

Being a Canadian resident, the tobacconist introduced Mitchell to Cuban cigars and for special occasions he would light up a Cuban cigar. After exploring the Cuban portfolio, he stumbled into new world cigars and fell in love with the bold flavors and great consistency and construction. Ever since then he has been entrenched in exploring as much of the new world cigars and finding his favorites to keep in the humidor.

Mitchell currently serves in the Digital Optimization role for Smokin Tabacco.

Griselda Rodriguez is a seasoned cigar enthusiast with over forty years of experience in the world of premium cigars. She first discovered her passion for cigars during her college years, a time when women cigar smokers were far less common. Throughout her journey, she has developed a refined palate, allowing her to appreciate the complexities and nuances of different blends. Despite the evolving landscape of the cigar industry, she has always maintained her grace and femininity, embracing the culture with confidence and sophistication. Beyond cigars, Griselda has dedicated over three decades to the ophthalmological industry. She is a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant and Research Coordinator, having worked in the field since 1988. A graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University, she has built a career rooted in precision and attention to detail—skills that seamlessly translate into her approach to reviewing cigars. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Griselda continues to call the city home. She spends her spare time hunting, fishing, and retreating to her beach home in Fulton, Texas, along the Gulf Coast. As a cigar reviewer for Smokin Tabacco, Griselda brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to her work, offering insightful perspectives on the craft, flavor, and artistry of cigars.

Being born and raised in New Hampshire, Pat Chamberlain has had the privilege of working as a tobacconist in one of the best premium tobacco lounges in the world for five years while also obtaining his law degree. Pat learned many different aspects of the premium cigar business while working for the store from retail aspects, bar business, distribution and getting to know the many faces of the industry. Now Pat has the privilege of sharing his knowledge in tobacco while also spreading awareness on issues that may be coming down the pipeline and have an impact on our great industry. Pat can be found reviewing cigars, writing about regulation and legal issues within the industry and co-hosting both of our shows every week!