Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CXLVIII

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) In what some call—perhaps erroneously—a “military coup,” this week Honduran President Manuel Zelaya (pictured at right) was removed from office and sent into exile. Zelaya had been seeking to change his country’s constitution to end presidential term limits, presumably so he could remain in power. Now he is wrangling for international support at the U.N. and in Washington with hopes to fulfill the remainder of his term. Honduras is a major exporter of premium tobacco to the U.S. and home to operations for many top-selling brands, including Punch, Rocky Patel, Camacho, Toraño, and CAO.

2) A nationwide ban took effect on Wednesday for Greece, criminalizing smoking in “public” places like restaurants and bars. Forty percent of the country’s 11.2 million inhabitants smoke—the highest concentration in all of Europe. While lawmakers previously tried to ban smoking in hospitals and offices, those regulations were ignored.

3) Inside the Industry: If you haven’t already, you should read our report from Famous Smoke Shop’s Cigar Expo event. It includes exclusive info on new releases from half a dozen of the biggest names in the cigar business.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review lights up a Natural by Drew Estate. Stogie Fresh fires up a Miura Diretco de Fabrica. Nice Tight Ash reviews a Padilla 1932. Cigar Inspector inspects a Montecristo No. 4 Reserva. Keepers of the Flame torches up an A. Fernandez Signature Maduro.

5) Deal of the Week: This “Gold Coast Sampler” features ten quality sticks for under $30. Included are the Perdomo Reserve Golf Ltd. Edition, Padilla Hybrid, CAO Gold, Oliva Serie G, Fonseca 5-50, and Gran Habano Corojo. Get yours here.

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr