Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CLXXXVI

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) Tobacco giant Alejandro Robaina, a “roving ambassador for Cuban cigars” for the last two decades, passed away at the age of 91. His long battle with cancer ended at his home in San Luis on Saturday. Robaina will be remembered as Cuba’s foremost producer of top wrapper leaves and for being the voice of small tobacco growers in Pinar del Río. He refused Castro’s request to join a government cooperative and, choosing to remain family-owned and independent, he consistently outperformed state-owned tobacco plantations. Castro apparently didn’t take Robaina’s refusal personally, awarding him the honor of top Cuban tobacco grower in the mid-90s and launching a brand in his name. “Vegas Robaina,” as it is called, likely doesn’t include any tobacco from Robaina’s farm.

2) Inside the Industry: The highly-anticipated Nosotros cigar – a joint project of Illusione’ Cigars and Drew Estate’ is finally being released. Cuba’s annual limited edition smokes are beginning to ship, including a Montecristo Grand Edmundo, Partagas Serie D Especial and a Trinidad Short Robusto. Punch Cigars is teaming up with grill company Char-Broil to promote cigars and grilling, including recipes to pair with Punch’s many cigar blends. La Aurora is promoting its new La Aurora 107 blend by giving away free cigars (while supplies last) at certified retailers on Friday, April 30th.

3) Around the Blogs: A Cigar Smoker smokes the Diesel Unholy Cocktail. Stogie Review reviews a Fuente Opus X Pussy Cat. Tiki Bar fires up a CAO Gold Vintage. Keepers of the Flame lights up a Cuba Aliados Miami Edition. The Aspiring Gentleman investigates the Bucanero El Capitaine and Full Sail.

4) Deal of the Week: This “Gold Rush Sampler” includes some very fine smokes at a most reasonable price. For just $40 you get ten sticks including two each of the Padilla Habano, Oliva Series G, Gurkha Master Select, La Princessa de Cuba and Cocinero Liga Especial – the latter two made by Victor de la Cruz, formerly a blender for Davidoff. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Habanos SA