Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CXXV

[BREAKING NEWS: According to Cigar Rights of America, the SCHIP tax increase will be higher than originally reported. Read the press release here for details.]

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 items of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) For better or worse, Tuesday marked a new era as Obama was sworn in as America’s 44th president. Not a brother of the leaf himself (though he occaisonally smokes cigarettes), he occupies a position once held by many cigar enthusiasts. According to this list, 18 former U.S. presidents have routinely enjoyed cigars, from Adams and Madison to JFK and (cough) Clinton.

2) Some policymakers in Denver are moving to ease Colorado’s smoking ban. Responding to pleas from bar and casino owners who cite “massive losses of business since the ban was enacted,” the new measure would expand ban exemptions and remove a stipulation that prevents the opening of new cigar bars.

3) Inside the Industry: To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Miami Cigar and Company—distributor of brands such as La Aurora, 601, Don Lino, and Cubao—is planning an eight-month tour of in-store events. CAO will expand the distribution of the LX2 Lancero in March.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews a CI Legends Orange. Keepers of the Flame lights up an Alec Bradley Tempus Genesis. Stogie Info smokes an Illusione 88. Cigar Inspector checks out a Partagas Shorts.

5) Deal of the Week: This “Stellar Toro Sampler” features ten top toros for $39.99 (free shipping on the entire order). Included are cigars by Don Pepin Garcia, Perdomo, Rocky Patel, Partagas, Gran Habano, Toraño, and La Aroma de Cuba. Grab yours here.

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr