Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CLXXII

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) On Monday, General Cigar was dealt a blow in the company’s protracted legal battle with Cuba. At issue is General’s use of the “Cohiba” brand name, under which they have been marketing Dominican-made cigars for over a decade. A federal judge in Manhattan issued an injunction, pending appeal, to prevent General from using the name. His justification is a doctrine “which holds that if a foreign trademark is well-known in the U.S. it is protected even though it’s not registered…”

2) Smoking Ban Alerts: San Francisco politicians are looking to tighten the city’s ban by making it illegal to smoke near doors, vents, and windows. Colorado’s Supreme Court upheld the state’s live theater ban. As expected, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm will sign a statewide indoor smoking ban today.

3) Inside the Industry: Arturo Fuente is releasing a new line of cigars called Rosado Sungrown Magnum R, which features aged Ecuadorian wrappers provided by the Oliva Tobacco Company. Despite their recent legal setback, General Cigar has opened its first Cohiba-branded cigar lounge at Nice Ash Cigars in Depew, NY.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review lights up an ECCJ 15th Anniversary by Altadis. Nice Tight Ash smokes the Punch Rare Corojo. Keepers of the Flame sparks a La Tradicion Cubana Deluxe 15th Anniversary. Stogie Fresh reviews the Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserve. Cigar Inspector inspects the Rocky Patel Nording.

5) Deal of the Week: Want to try many different cigars for a small price? This sampler has 20 top smokes for just $60, including favorites from Rocky Patel, Graycliff, Padilla, Man O’ War, 5 Vegas, Gurkha, and many more.  Get yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr