Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CXCI

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) Yesterday, Cigar Rights of America announced the “Smoke the Vote Grassroots Network,” an effort to inform smokers of their candidates’ stances for office on critical cigar issues. CRA Executive Director Glynn Loope described the initiative an email to members: “For the last twelve months, we have all been working to build the needed infrastructure to get to this moment. Now, CRA has members in all 50 states, we have CRA member tobacconists in 47 states, and membership is up 98% from this time last year. We need to build upon that success, learn from other interest groups that also exert their political muscle, and work to build new coalitions with other like-minded groups and allies.”

2) In a rare victory for cigar smokers, yesterday Massachusetts lawmakers voted to prohibit local health departments from banning smoking in cigar shops. The vote was a response to Boston’s law that would have forced all of the city’s cigar bars to close in ten years.

3) Inside the Industry: For the first time, Macanudo is designating a Maduro “Vintage” with the release of the Macanudo Maduro Vintage 1997, which features a distinctive metal band. Father-son team Guillermo and George Rico have reunited to create Azteca, a four-size line utilizing Mexican San Andreas wrapper and binder tobaccos. Reports cite that Arturo Fuente is expanding the sizes in the Rosado Magnum line at the upcoming IPCPR Trade Show in August.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the Caliber 58. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Alec Bradley MAXX Traditional. Keepers of the Flame fires up an Oliva Connecticut Reserve. The Tiki Bar kicks back with a 262 Paradigm. A Cigar Smoker smokes the La Aurora 1495 BME. Perfect Draw tries a Cuban Stock Royal Selection.

5) Deal of the Week: Cuban Crafters is having an unpublicized Memorial Day Sale. Boxes of the Cupido Criollo and Cubano Claro (both rated 4/5 stogies) have dropped in price to just $60. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Stogie Guys