Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CLVI

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) Ever wonder how tobacco would grow in your own backyard? Well, if Al Brierly’s plant is any indication, it might take to the soil better than you think. This 83-year-old is making headlines for a 10-foot-tall tobacco plant with “platter-size” leaves that he grew at his home in Belleville, Illinois. Recalling his days growing up on a Kentucky tobacco farm where his dad would roll makeshift stogies, Brierly, now an occasional cigar smoker, said, “It’s pretty strong stuff. It’ll make you sick if you’re not careful.”

2) Last month, on the heels of a study that proposed banning tobacco in the U.S. military, the Dept. of Defense announced it would not act on that recommendation. But new reports indicate Defense Secretary Robert Gates is still “reviewing the study by the Institute of Medicine, which provides independent advice to policymakers, health professionals, and the public, to see if steps can be taken toward having a smoke-free force some day.”

3) Inside the Industry: Looking for another reason to join Cigar Rights of America? Now, with a new membership (or the renewal of your current membership), you’ll receive two exclusive cigars. The sticks are from CRA’s new exclusive samplers, which feature never-before-released blends or sizes from such makers as Padrón, Fuente, Rocky Patel, La Gloria Cubana, La Flor Dominicana, Tatuaje, CAO, Ashton, and many more. Get all the details here.

4) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame lights up a Casa Fuego. Stogie Fresh tries the Vogel Green. Stogie Review herfs over the CAO La Traviata. Nice Tight Ash tries an Oliva Masterblends III. The Stogie Spy examines the Casa Fuente.

5) Deal of the Week: CheapHumidors.com recently launched this “Gurkha Insane Combo Deal,” which includes five Gurkha Factums, a travel humidor, torch lighter, and a double guillotine cutter for under $40. The best part? For every sampler sold, the website will donate a cigar to the troops. Get in on the action here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: BND.com