Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CXXXII

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) The $410 billion spending bill Obama signed on Wednesday includes provisions that could ease U.S.-Cuban relations. While the new law won’t change the 47-year-old embargo, it may make it easier for Americans to travel to Cuba and it may improve diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana—a move that some say is a small step in the direction of decriminalizing Cuban cigars.

2) As New Jersey politicians ponder expanding the Garden State’s smoking ban to cover casinos, Iowa business owners are pushing lawmakers to ease the regulations that violate their rights. Meanwhile, rumors are circulating that Minnesota officials plan to ban smoking in cars where children are present, and concerned citizens in Viriginia are sounding off against the commonwealth’s looming ban.

3) Inside the Industry: Rocky Patel added a thick (6 x 60) cigar to his highly-rated Decade line. Production of the non-limited edition Davidoff puro has been delayed until Spring 2010 while the Davidoff “Puro d’Oro” is re-blended.  Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson was on hand to cut the ribbon at the opening of the new Club La Gloria Cubana in Albuquerque. Altadis is releasing a new “Siglo Limited Reserve” line with packaging similar to that of the famous Cuban Cohiba.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Fresh smokes the Fonseca Sungrown Cedar No. 2. Stogie Review lights up a Tatuaje Noellas Reserva. Matt puffs on the Edge Corojo Toro. Keepers of the Flame reviews the Fuente Don Carlos line.

5) Deal of the Week: Here’s a ten-pack of high-priced sticks at a serious discount. Fifty bucks (including free shipping on your entire order) gets you two cigars each from Montecristo Media Noche, Gurkha, Cocinero, Princesa de Cuba, and Graycliff 1666. Grab yours here.

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: San Francisco Sentinel