Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CX

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and informative as possible, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other snippets of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) It was announced on Wednesday that computer tycoon Bill Gates and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg are teaming up to “combat the global tobacco epidemic.” The pair is giving $500 million to developing nations to “implement proven policies and increase funding for tobacco control.”

2) Red tape is keeping struggling Maryland establishments from obtaining elusive exemption waivers to override the state’s oppressive smoking ban. So far only eleven have applied, and only three have been granted, because of the legal fees, accountants, and documents required to file, say business owners.

3) Correction and Amplification: In a review this week several readers commented on the prices listed for the Tatuaje Black and the Opus X. In response, George E did some follow up reporting and has written an update regarding the prices. It can be read here.

4) Inside the Industry: Drew Newman let us know that the Julius Caesar we referenced in last week’s Inside the Industry will not be part of the Diamond Crown Maximus line, but rather a new extension of the Diamond Crown line. Ashton Cigars is releasing a new Nicaraguan version of its La Aroma de Cuba line made by the prolific Don Pepin Garcia to be called the Edición Especial. Imperial Tobacco Group, the world’s fourth largest tobacco company and now owner of Altadis, said this week that U.S. and European cigar sales—particularly premiums—are being hurt by smoking bans and economic slowdown.

5) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame continues its vertical tasting of the Padrón line with the Churchill. Stogie Review reviews the CAO LX2. Cigar Jack lights up a Don Pepin Cuban Classic. Cigar Spy pans the Fuente Anejo Shark.

6) Deal of the Week: Cuban Crafters has more specials online. Particularly notable is the Don Kiki Brown Label Toros, which are available at the incredible price of $39.99 for a box of 25. See all the deals here.

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: NY Times