The 5 Essential Facts About The 'Pints With Aquinas' Cigar: Matt Fradd’s Unexpected Collaboration
The intersection of Catholic intellectual life and the world of fine tobacco has never been more prominent than it is today, December 23, 2025, thanks to the massive success of the "Pints with Aquinas" podcast. Host Matt Fradd has transformed his affinity for a good smoke and a deep theological discussion into a tangible product, culminating in the official "Pints with Aquinas" exclusive in-store cigar. This collaboration, rooted in the spirit of G.K. Chesterton's famous quote, is more than just merchandise; it's a cultural statement for a growing segment of Catholics who appreciate the tradition of leisure, fellowship, and philosophical contemplation.
The cigar, a partnership with Chesterton & Co. Cigars and crafted by MBFUMA in Nicaragua, was officially announced in early 2024, bringing a new dimension to the podcast's brand. For fans, it represents a physical way to engage with the show's ethos—a blend of serious intellectual inquiry and relaxed, convivial atmosphere, embodying the very essence of the "pint and pipe" philosophy.
Matt Fradd: A Brief Profile and The Genesis of the Cigar Brand
Matt Fradd is an Australian-born Catholic apologist, author, and speaker, best known as the creator and host of the highly popular Pints with Aquinas podcast and YouTube channel. His work focuses primarily on Catholic theology, philosophy, morality, and apologetics, often featuring debates and interviews with prominent figures from various fields.
- Full Name: Matthew Fradd
- Nationality: Australian
- Primary Role: Catholic Apologist, Author, Speaker, Podcaster
- Key Work: Host of Pints with Aquinas (PWA) podcast and YouTube channel.
- Educational Background: Studied theology and philosophy.
- Notable Books: Does God Exist? A Socratic Dialogue, The Porn Myth.
- Business Ventures: Partner and co-owner in Chesterton & Co. Cigars.
- Residence: Currently resides in the United States, often associated with Steubenville, Ohio.
- Thematic Focus: Catholicism, Thomistic philosophy, moral theology, and Christian apologetics.
The connection between Fradd, his podcast, and cigars is deeply philosophical and cultural. The show's title itself, "Pints with Aquinas," sets the stage for a relaxed, yet rigorous, intellectual environment. The cigar component is a natural extension of a quote from the celebrated Catholic writer G.K. Chesterton, who famously wrote, "In Catholicism, the pint, the pipe, and the cross can all fit together." Fradd and his partners at Chesterton & Co. Cigars wholeheartedly embrace this traditionalist view, seeing the enjoyment of a fine cigar as a way to foster community, thoughtful discussion, and leisure—a concept sometimes lost in modern, fast-paced life.
The Exclusive Pints with Aquinas Cigar: Product and Partnership Details
The "Pints with Aquinas" cigar is not just a branded item; it is a specific, exclusive blend created through a dedicated partnership. The collaboration brings together three key entities: Matt Fradd/Pints with Aquinas, Chesterton & Co. Cigars, and the Nicaraguan manufacturer MBFUMA.
The March 2024 Official Release
The official "PWA cigars" were released in early 2024, with Matt Fradd announcing their availability in March 2024. This timing was significant, as a separate, related cigar—the "GK Chesterton cigar"—was also announced around the Feast Day of Saint Thomas Aquinas (March 7th, 2024), further cementing the brand's theological and cultural roots.
The cigar is an exclusive in-store offering, produced by MBFUMA in Nicaragua. MBFUMA, known for its quality tobacco products, was selected to craft the blend, ensuring a premium experience for the consumer. The cigar is double-banded and often referred to by reviewers as the "Pints with Aquinas Toro."
Chesterton & Co. Cigars: The Retail and Cultural Hub
Chesterton & Co. Cigars, a boutique cigar shop rooted in tradition and community, is the primary retail partner. Matt Fradd is a partner in this venture, which operates out of Steubenville, Ohio, a town known for the Catholic Franciscan University. This location is central to the Catholic intellectual community that the podcast and the cigar brand cater to. The partnership extends beyond the cigar itself, as Chesterton & Co. also offers "Pints with Aquinas Pipe Tobacco" in a Scottish Blend, catering to the "pipe" aspect of Chesterton's famous triad.
The brand's presence in Steubenville is strategic, fostering a physical space for the kind of "discussion and debating over pints" that the podcast promotes.
The Flavor Profile and Critical Reception of the PWA Toro
The true measure of any exclusive cigar is its quality and flavor profile. The "Pints with Aquinas Toro" has been reviewed by several cigar enthusiasts and publications, providing a clear picture of what smokers can expect from this blend.
Tasting Notes and Construction
Reviewers have noted that the PWA Toro generally starts with a promising mix of flavors. Initial notes often include a combination of nuts, wood, and a gradually building spice profile. The flavor is described as showing "flashes of richness" and evolving throughout the smoke.
- Initial Third: Often characterized by nuts, wood, and a creamy texture.
- Middle Third: The spice profile tends to build, with some reviewers noting a transition towards a more earthy or medium-minus earth flavor.
- Final Third: The profile often settles into a creamy wood finish, maintaining a medium-minus earthiness.
In terms of construction, the cigar is noted to come in cellophane and is double-banded. While some reviews have pointed out minor issues with the UPC sticker tearing upon opening, the overall construction and burn quality are generally considered satisfactory, delivering a consistent experience.
The Cultural Significance: Cigars, Catholicism, and Community
The "Pints with Aquinas" cigar is more than a novelty; it is a symbol of a particular subculture within modern Catholicism. The podcast and the cigar brand tap into a deep historical and literary tradition that connects intellectual life, contemplation, and moderate enjoyment of life's simple pleasures.
The show's ethos embraces the idea that serious theological and philosophical discussions can, and often should, take place in a relaxed, convivial setting, such as over a pint of beer and a cigar. This atmosphere is central to the concept of leisure and community, which figures like St. Thomas Aquinas and G.K. Chesterton championed.
The cigar serves as a physical catalyst for this community. It encourages fans to gather, slow down, and engage in the kind of deep, thoughtful conversation that is the hallmark of the Pints with Aquinas show. Matt Fradd has featured cigar discussions on his platform, even visiting guests like Michael Knowles to smoke and talk about cigars, demonstrating the practice’s integral role in the show's identity.
This movement is a rejection of a purely austere, anti-pleasure view of Christian life, instead advocating for a balanced, sacramental view of the world where even simple, material pleasures can be enjoyed responsibly and can facilitate virtue and fellowship. The PWA cigar, therefore, is a powerful entity in the modern Catholic media landscape, representing a blend of tradition, intellectualism, and authentic community building.
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