Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CLV

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) It was revealed this week by economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis that Illinois’ smoking ban, enacted in January 2008, is responsible for a 22% decline in business among the Prairie State’s nine casinos. That amounts to $400 million lost in revenue and another $200 million lost in tax payments last year. “And that’s just the tip of the iceberg,” said Chris McCalla, legislative director for the IPCPR. “Businesses everywhere are suffering from the economic downturn while those in Illinois have the added impact of this contemptuous legislated smoking ban.” McCalla criticized anti-smoking organizations for dismissing the economic impact of bans.

2) Inside the Industry: La Aurora’s 100 Años brand is coming to an end with the release of 15,000 lanceros (which will be featured in an upcoming quick smoke or review here on StogieGuys.com). Joya de Nicaragua is known for creating full flavored smokes, but the new Antaño Dark Corojo, released last week at the IPCPR Trade Show in New Orleans, is reported to be the most intense smoke yet.

3) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame sparks a Pinar del Rio Classic. Stogie Review tries the Padilla Dominus Petrus. Cigar Command fires up a Nub Maduro. Velvet Cigar smokes the Felipe Gregorio Moroccan Series Essaoura 40/60.

4) Deal of the Week: This “Full Bodied Sampler” includes some fine (you guessed it!) full-bodied smokes. Included for just $50 are two each from La Gloria Cubana Serie R, Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic, EO 601 “Red” Habano, Perdomo Lot 23, and Rocky Patel Vintage 1992. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr