Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CXI

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) With smoking bans sweeping the nation, the Tampa-based Mobile Cigar Lounge Co., founded by former NHL players Stan Neckar and Dave Andreychuk, saw a business opportunity. After winning the Stanley Cup Stan recalled that “half the team was standing outside having celebratory cigars and I was thinking, there has got to be a better way.” So the company transformed an Airstream mobile home into a luxury cigar lounge on wheels.

2) U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) this week proposed an end to federal arrests for most marijuana use, declaring that he did not “think it is the government’s business to tell you how to spend your leisure time.” He told reporters: “I smoke cigars. I don’t think other people should do that. If young people ask me, I would advise them not to do it.” He then voted for FDA regulation of tobacco.

3) Inside the Industry: 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. London-based Imperial, whose cigars range from Montecristo to Dutch Masters, also has a 50% stake in Habanos S.A. Overall, the company said performance was in line with management’s expectations.

4) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame continues its vertical tasting of the Padrón line with the 4000. Stogie Review reviews the Java by Drew Estate. Cigar Jack lights up a Cuvee 151. Cigar Spy smokes the Carlos Toraño Tribute 2004.

5) Deal of the Week: Here’s a sampler that includes ten toros from some of the biggest names in the business for just $39.99. Included are cigars from Rocky Patel, Toraño, Perdomo, Partagas, Romeo y Julieta, Don Pepin and more. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Mobile Cigar Lounge Co.