Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CXLVII

As we’ve done since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other items of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Tampa, known as “Cigar City,” will lose another stogie factory this summer, albeit one that produces machine-made sticks. Tobacco giant Altadis recently announced plans to close the plant, which employs nearly 500 workers and makes Hav-A-Tampa cigars. An Altadis official told the St. Petersburg Times that the SCHIP tax hike had been particularly hard on the business. The cigars will continue to be produced at a company plant in Puerto Rico. Late last year, Altadis closed a smaller facility in Selma, Alabama.

2) As some Golden Staters dread local laws that criminalize outdoor smoking in parks, dining areas, and other “public” spaces, Solona Beach this week joined the list of cities in San Diego County that ban “patio smoking.” The move, according to one politician, “is part of a city-wide ‘Go Green’ effort.” In related news, California was recently ranked an abysmal 47th in a Mercatus Center at George Mason University study that ranks the 50 states by personal and economic freedom.

3) Inside the Industry: CAO Cigars is giving away a custom-made motorcycle made by Sucker Punch Sally’s here. Only nine months after its purcase of Camacho Cigars, Davidoff has agreed to purchase Cusano, maker of the Cusano and Cuvée lines. Oliva is introducing the new White Label Connecticut Reserve.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the HC Series by Xikar. Cigar Inspector inspects the Ramón Allones Specially Selected. Stogie Fresh checks out the Los Blancos Criollo. Keepers of the Flame lights up a Zino Platinum Scepter. Matt torches a Cohiba Siglo I. Velvet Cigar tries a Hemingway Short Story Maduro.

5) Deal of the Week: Like Rocky Patel Cigars? Then you’ll love this “Limited Edition Rocky Patel Sampler.” It includes ten of the best smokes that made Rocky into an industry superstar, including the Decade, Vintage 1992 and 1990, Olde World Reserve, and more—all for under $50. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr