Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CLXXIII

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) In a development that may set the tone for future battles, a judge this week dismissed portions of a new federal law that grants the FDA regulation over tobacco. The ruling, from a federal district court in Kentucky, says the FDA can’t prevent tobacco companies from using color or graphics in ads. Judge Joseph H. McKinley Jr. “also struck down a provision that bars tobacco companies and others from implying that a tobacco product is safer because it is regulated by the FDA,” reports the Wall Street Journal. He did, however, uphold new warning label requirements and new bans on tobacco sponsorship of “athletic, social, or cultural events.” While many still view the FDA’s newfound authority over tobacco as a cigarette issue, cigar makers, retailers, and consumers have started to recognize the immediate threat the bureaucracy’s oversight poses to premium cigars.

2) If you haven’t already signed up for our Free Email Newsletter, now is a great time. We’ll soon be sending out our list of the Top Ten Cigars We Reviewed in 2009, as well s our Top Five New Cigars of 2009. These rankings are exclusive to our newsletter subscribers. Signing up will also automatically enter you to win spectacular prizes like boxes of top brands and cigar accessories.

3) Inside the Industry: Jameson Cigars is giving away a beautiful handmade humidor from Vanderburgh Humidors along with a box of its new Declaration Iniquity cigars. CAO is looking for a regular smoker to star in its “CAO Real” ad campaign and will bestow a year worth of cigars on the winner. La Flor Dominicana is debuting a new full-flavored smoke called the “Air Bender” with a habano wrapper and Dominican binder and filler tobaccos.

4) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame reviews the Romeo y Julieta Museum Edition. The Cigar Haus examines the Camacho Triple Maduro. At Stogie Review, Lindsay Heller looks at cigar and spirit pairings. Toasted Foot gives away a box of the new Exile Maduros. Nice Tight Ash lights up a Special Selection Coffee Break.

5) Deal of the Week: Cuban Crafters is having an unpublicized sale on some of our favorite smokes. Included are the Cupido Tuxedo, Cubano Claro, Medina Miami 1959, and two sharp humidors, all for well below normal prices. The best buy is a box of 20 Limited Edition Don Kiki  White Labels (Harvest of 2001) for just $55. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr