Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CLX

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) Manuel Zelaya, ousted as president in July, is back in Honduras, holed up within the Brazilian embassy. He had been in exile for seeking to change his country’s constitution to end presidential term limits, presumably so he could remain in power. According to Cigar Aficionado, his presence is disrupting cigar exports as officials seek to restrict movements across borders.

2) As the tobacco industry braces itself for the ramifications of the FDA’s new sweeping powers, the fallout for cigars remains ominous yet unclear. The Wall Street Journal reports the agency recently issued a memo claiming the new ban on flavored cigarettes “applies to all tobacco products that meet the definition of a ‘cigarette’ even if they aren’t labeled as cigarettes or ‘are labeled as cigars or some other product.’” One company, Kretek International, is suing the FDA to protect its “clove cigars.”

3) Inside the Industry: Tomorrow over 150 cigar shops are participating in the “Rock for Democracy Smoke Out” where smokers will be encouraged to join Cigar Rights of America and enjoy some giveaways. Be on the lookout for “Operation Hope” events at your local shop taking place to raise money for the Montecristo Relief Fund, which  supports victims of natural disasters. Following an industry trend, La Aurora is launching its first branded cigar lounge at Tobacco Plaza in Great Neck, New York. Fuente God of Fire is introducing two sizes in its 2007 line, the Don Carlos Toro and the Carlito Double Corona.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review sparks a Warped Private Blend. Cigar Inspector looks at a Griffins No. 500. Stogie Fresh smokes a Fuente Hemingway. Cigar Spy tries the 5 Vegas Relic. Keepers of the Flame fires up a Particulares Robusto.

5) Deal of the Week: Robustos are the most popular size in all of cigardom, and this “World Class Robusto Sampler” includes of ten them for just $45 (free shipping). That price gets you a Cohiba, Rocky Patel Vintage ’90, Don Pepin Cuban Classic 1979, Toraño 1916 Cameroon, CAO Gold, Gran Habano 3 Siglos, Padilla Hybrid, Fonseca, and others. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr