Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CXLIV

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) On the heels of Jacob Grier’s critique of a “study” that purported to downplay the impact of smoking bans on employment in restaurants and bars comes this commentary from Forbes. It argues that, despite widely accepted claims that depend on  fuzzy science, “many prior studies of smoking bans are riddled with statistical shortcomings.” The author should know; he has “15 years of experience in performing economic and statistical analysis.”

2) In related news, shares of Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., a Louisiana casino operator, jumped 14% on Wednesday after lawmakers shot down a bill that would have expanded the Pelican State’s smoking ban to cover bars and casinos. Such acute market activity supports the claim that freedom of choice is best for business.

3) Inside the Industry: Rocky Patel is releasing another seasonal blend, the 2009 Summer Collection. Colibri, a brand best known in cigar circles for its lighters, has emerged from bankrupcy and will begin making lighters again. CAO is adding a box-pressed robusto to its MX2 line.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review looks at the Camacho Connecticut. Cigar Inspector samples a Davidoff Special R. Velvet Cigar reviews a Camacho Liberty 2008. Cigar Spy infiltrates a La Aroma de Cuba.

5) Deal of the Week:  This “Mega III Sampler” has 16 big-name cigars for just $30. (That’s under $2 per stick for those of you who might not be up on your arithmetic.) Included are  favorites from La Flor Dominicana, Rocky Patel, CAO, Alec Bradley, Camacho, Gurkha, and Cuesta-Rey. Get yous here.

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr