Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CLXXVII

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) A disproportionate number of online cigar wholesalers call Pennsylvania home, including Famous Smoke Shop, Cigars International, and Holt’s. This isn’t a coincidence. Along with Florida, the Keystone State is the only one without a cigar tax. But Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (pictured) recently proposed a budget that includes new excise taxes on cigars and smokeless tobacco. When a similar tax was proposed last year, Keith Meier, CEO of Cigars International, said his $90 million company with 150 employees might “swim to sunnier shores, such as Florida” if adopted.

2) Inside the Industry: In partnership with Nestor Miranda of Miami Cigars & Co. and Guillermo León of La Aurora, Don Pepin Garcia is making his first Dominican-wrapped cigar. Called “Dominicano,” it will include Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos and be made at Garcia’s My Father Cigars factory. The blend’s four sizes will retail for $6-8 apiece.

3) Around the Blogs: The Stogie Guys, via The Daily Caller, feature the EO 601 “Green” La Fuerza. Stogie Review lights up a Man O’ War Special Edition. Keepers of the Flame smokes a CAO La Traviata. Nice Tight Ash tries the Chateau Real Maduro. Cigar Inspector reviews the Tatuaje J21.

4) Deal of the Week: This unpublicized email sale has deep discounts on some top smokes. Our favorite pick is the Don Kiki Brown label for just two dollars per stick. Grab yours here.

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr