Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CLIV

As we have 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) Anti-tobacco zealots have made their presence known both domestically—about 17,000 American cities have a smoking ban in “public” places—and internationally. Now the war-torn nation of Iraq is no exception. As Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki (right) pushes for a nationwide smoking ban, the Washington Post reports the obvious: Iraqis, heavy consumers of cigarettes, are less concerned about secondhand smoke and more concerned about safety, jobs, and a lack of infrastructure.

2) You may want to stray away from Cuban cigars rolled between now and the end of the year. According to reports, the communist nation is running seriously low on toilet paper, and officials at government companies say it may be until 2010 before supply catches up.

3) Inside the Industry: The annual IPCPR Trade Show may have ended Wednesday,  but here are a few tidbits we haven’t shared yet. Newman Cigars has finally released the Diamond Crown Julius Caeser, which we first reported on over a year ago. Newman also launched  Brick House and Diamond Crown Gridiron Greats (of which a portion of sales go to former NFL players who need healthcare). Alec Bradley has released Prensado, a new line featuring a Honduran-grown corojo 2006 wrapper. In addition to La Traviata, CAO re-blended (and slightly re-named) its Gold blend, which is now the Gold Vintage line.

4) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame lights up a Bering Puro Nicaragua. Lots of IPCPR videos at Stogie Review. Cigar Inspector looks at Cain. Cigar Command checks out the Nub Maduro.

5) Deal of the Week: It’s good to be king, and it’s good to smoke the 12 cigars in the King Sampler. For just $40, you get two each from 5 Vegas Cask-Strength II, Bahia Blu B500, Gran Habano 3 Siglos, Graycliff 1666 Presidente, La Herencia Cubana, and Man O’ War. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr