Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CLXVI

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) Altadis, the world’s largest cigar company, is suing Tatuaje Cigars, Pete Johnson, and Don Pepin Garcia. The lawsuit alleges trademark violations, in part over the fleur-de-lis used to market the Montecristo and Tatuaje brands. Other issues cited in the complaint include Pepin’s use of the “Tabacalera Garcia” name (Altadis owns “Tabacalera de Garcia” in the Dominican Republic) and confusion between “Jose Pepin Garcia” and the late “Jose Pepe Garcia,” founder of Montecristo. Altadis argues that these and other similarities confuse consumers. But Johnson’s attorney, according to Cigar Aficionado, says Altadis is “trying to stifle good American competition by someone who is building a business.”

2) Officials in St. Louis County overwhelmingly approved a smoking ban on Tuesday. The law, which goes into effect in January 2011, currently excludes casinos. But many expect that exemption to be quickly rescinded.

3) Inside the Industry: The new PG 20th Anniversary will be  arriving at select stores soon after its debut at a special dinner on the last day before Virginia’s new restrictive smoking ban goes into effect. General Cigar has announced that Modesta Fondeur will retire from her position as executive vice president of tobacco and operations at the end of the year.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review lights up a Quesada 35th Anniversary. Keepers of the Flame torches an Alec Bradley Select Cabinet Reserve. The Cohiba Club herfs with a Ambos Mundos. Cigar Inspector inspects the Don Tomás Clasico. Stogie Fresh fires up a J. Fuego Delerium. Matt smokes the Cain Habano. Nice Tight Ash reviews the Diesel.

5) Deal of the Week: Depending on how big of a Nub aficionado you are, you’ll want to grab one of these two Nub samplers. Nub fans will like this sampler of six different Nubs for just $30. Bigger Nub fans will want to double up with this sampler of 12 assorted Nubs for just $50. Grab them here and here.

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr