Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CLXVII

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) Starting on December 1, most restaurants and bars in Virginia will be forced to prohibit smoking. But Morton’s is going out with style. The evening before the law takes effect, the high-end steakhouse chain will host special “Last Hurrah” cigar dinners at three of its four locations across the commonwealth. Events at the Arlington and Tysons Corner restaurants will feature Davidoff smokes and luxurious food and wine pairings. Not to be outdone, the Reston Morton’s dinner (already sold out) will boast Paul Garmirian cigars, including the world debut of the new PG Symphony 20th Connoisseur. Grab your tickets now for what will be a night to remember—and, like last year, you might even spot a member of the Stogie Guys crew.

2) Meanwhile, Florida-based brothers of the leaf should head over to Tampa on Friday, November 20, for “Light Up the Night.” This cigar street party will feature smokes, food, drinks, live music, and appearances by the likes of Carlito Fuente. Some proceeds will benefit the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation.

3) Inside the Industry: Partagas is launching a new limited cigar called the Benji Menendez Partagas Master Series Majestuoso. To celebrate the launch, they’re throwing special “Benji Menendez Social” events in five cities in the next several weeks, and StogieGuys.com has secured a limited number of invitations for our readers. Each event, which will take place at a “secret location” to be revealed the day before it takes place, is to feature the new limited Partagas cigar, as well as drinks from sponsors like Courvoisier, Dalmore Scotch, Mount Gay Rum, and Stella Artois. To attend the event near you, enter the RSVP code here.

Dallas, TX                      Nov. 17, 2009, from 6-8 p.m.         RSVP Code: 36498D8
Los Angeles, CA         Dec. 1, 2009, from 6-8 p.m.             RSVP Code: FFCEF8C
Las Vegas, NV             Dec. 3, 2009, from 6-8 p.m.            RSVP Code: AE1C593
Chicago, IL                   Dec. 8, 2009, from  6-8:30 p.m.    RSVP Code: DA31049
New York, NY             Dec. 15, 2009, from 6-8 p.m.          RSVP Code: 71852C9

4) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame breaks down five Arganese blends. Stogie Review fires up the Cuban Maduro. Nice Tight Ash lights up a San Cristobal Selección del Sol. Cohiba Club checks out the Sol Cubano Maduro. Cigar Choice reviews the Tatuaje Boris. Cigar Inspector inspects the Illusione 68.

5) Deal of the Week:  Ratings are a subjective thing, but there is no denying that this “Aficionado Rated 90+ Sampler” contains some top-notch smokes. You get a dozen cigars for just $60, including the Don Pepin Garcia Blue, Rocky Patel Sun Grown, Gurkha Legend, CAO Brazilia, La Aurora 1495, Camacho Corojo Limited, Oliva Serie G, and the Padilla 1932. Get yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Morton’s Steakhouse