Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CLXXXIV

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) Cigar Rights of America, a consumer public advocacy group that works to protect the freedoms of cigar enthusiasts, has launched a new discount program. Now members can get discounts at participating hotels, car rental services, theme parks, and cigar shops. These benefits come in addition to members-only cigar samplers and the satisfaction of joining the fight against harmful tobacco taxes and smoking bans. Click here to join CRA and exercise your rights.

2) The fate of a New Hampshire cigar tasting event lies in the hands of local politicians. For the past three years, CC&H Framing and Cigars has held an outdoor gathering in Keene. But some, including Councilor Philip M. Jones, want to outlaw the 2010 event, currently slated for August. “I just think it sends a bad message,” Jones told the Keene Sentinel. The City Council has the final say next Thursday.

3) Inside the Industry: Perdomo is lowering some of its blend’s prices, including the Lot 23 and Grand Cru. The new San Cristobal Papagayo XXL (5.75 x 60)—the largest of the line—is now available. Camacho Cigars is introducing its new Legendario Connecticut. CigarAuctioneer.com is auctioning off special signed boxes of Nicaraguan smokes (including the Padrón Family Reserve, Liga Privada No.9 Flying Pig, My Father No.3, and Oliva Serie V Torpedo) with the proceeds going to the Santa Lucia Home for The Elderly in Nicaragua.

4) Around the Blogs: The Tiki Bar lights up a Davidoff Maduro C. Stogie Review reviews a Viaje Reserva Platino. Keepers of the Flame takes a deeper look at cigar chemistry. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Punch Rare Corojo. A Cigar Smoker smokes the Illusione 88. Cigar Inspector inspects a Por Larrañaga Belicoso Extra RE Asia Pacific.

5) Deal of the Week: This Don Pepin Elite Selection sampler features some of the legendary cigar maker’s finest smokes. Included are two each of the Tatuaje Havana, 5 Vegas Miami, Cuban Classic, and San Cristobal—all for the reasonable price of just $45. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: CRA