Stogie Guys Friday Sampler XXXI

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and reader-friendly as possible, each Friday we’ll post a sampler of quick cigar news and stogie-related snippets. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) In another bizarre twist in Fidel Castro’s protracted battle for health, Reuters reported this week that the wavering communist dictator is signing five elaborate humidors to be auctioned off at Cuba’s annual Habanos festival. As you will recall, emergency surgery forced El Comandante to cede control of his impoverished island nation to his brother on July 31.

2) Toraño Cigars Inc. is celebrating 90 years in the business by releasing a limited-edition Noventa stogie. The sticks, which can already be found in many retail shops, sport a Habano Nicaragua wrapper and sell for about $10 apiece.

3) A cigar store Indian sold for an astonishing $69,000 this week at an antique show in Pennsylvania. The wooden figure – attributed to Sam Robb, New York, circa 1885 – stands over six feet tall while holding a package of cigars and a cube of tobacco. Click here for a brief history on these fascinating sculptures.

4) Representative Keith Ellison – the Minnesota Democrat who made waves in November by becoming the first Muslim elected to Congress – is waging a war against Colorado Republican Tom Tancredo. Because of Tom’s conservative stance on immigration? No. Because he smokes cigars in his office, which is right next door to Ellison’s.

5) Finally, here are our deals of the week: 12 premium big-name cigars (La Gloria, Hoyo, Gurkha, Torano, Rocky Patel, and more), a travel case, and a hat for under $30: Ultimate Cigar Sampler – $29.95. Also, you can claim a free Montecristo cigar with this offer we found in the January issue of The Robb Report: www.freemontecristosample.com. Enjoy!

-The Stogie Guys