Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CLXXXIX

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) This month marks the fourth anniversary of StogieGuys.com. Publishing daily since May 2006, our readership has grown steadily as we’ve brought you over 1,400 days of reviews, news, commentaries, tips, and interviews from the world of cigars. The entire StogieGuys.com team is extremely grateful for your loyal patronage and feedback. (To thank you for your continued readership, we’ll be giving away more great prizes to subscribers of our free email newsletter. If you aren’t already signed up, please do so here.) Here’s to four more great years!

2) Despite the efforts of anti-tobacco zealots, Kansas politicians failed to pass a tobacco tax hike that would have included a 300% tax increase on cigars. “This outcome may not have been possible without the earnest efforts of IPCPR’s Kansas retailers, an essential component of the overall lobbying efforts,” said a press release from the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association.

3) Forgetting politics, there’s one aspect of Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan’s résumé we can all get behind. A former cigarette smoker, Kagan said in the past that she smoked the occasional cigar, though recent profiles didn’t clarify whether she’s still a sister of the leaf.

4) Inside the Industry: La Flor Dominicana’s Air Bender is growing by two sizes: “Poderoso” (a corona) and “Villano” (a lancero). Angelenos, the cigar line made by Fuente for God of Fire/Prometheus, is expanding with the addition of a Gran Toro (6.5 x 52) and  a Double Robusto (5.75 x 52).

5) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the new E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2010. Smoking Stogie lights up a Behike 54. Cigar Inspector fires up a Graycliff Chateau Gran Cru. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Paradigm 262. Stogie Fresh smokes the Davidoff Puro D’Oro.

6) Deal of the Week: Now is a great time to check out CitizenCigar.com, a new Tennessee-based retailer that is introducing itself with a sitewide sale. Everything is currently 10% off with free shipping. Click here to peruse their selection.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr