Stogie Guys Friday Sampler XLII

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

1) Last Tuesday we told you the Illinois State Senate passed a bill to ban smoking statewide in the Land of Lincoln. As the Chicago Tribune reports, on May 2 that bill was approved by the House – effectively prohibiting smoking in all bars and restaurants starting next year. Chalk another one up for the fascists.

2) From the Windy City to the Big Apple: The Manhattan Supreme Court yesterday rejected the city’s bid to close a cigar bar in accordance with New York’s smoking ban. The bar was operating legally because it was established prior to the draconian law. In order to circumvent the Constitution’s guarantee of ex post facto, the city’s Department of Health was straining to find technicalities to close the business. The judge rightfully found these attempts to be “arbitrary and capricious.”

3) La Flor Dominicana maker Litto Gomez has been coming up with some fantastic cigars lately, including the five stogie-rated Coronado by La Flor. In this video from Cigar Aficionado, Gomez explains how he creates his highly rated blends.

4) Deal of the Week: Here is a deal we’ve run before, but it is good enough to merit  another look. The Powerhouse S-2 sampler by Thompson sports our favorites like the CAO Brazilia, Punch, La Gloria Cubana, Hoyo, Romeo y Julieta, Partagas, and the Torano Exodus Gold. In all, the deal includes 12 quality cigars, a hat, and a very useful travel case – all for just $29.95. To grab yours, click here.

–The Stogie Guys