Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CCIV

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) Behike, the new ultra-exclusive extension of the Cuban Cohiba brand, is now on sale in Canada. Three sizes are available with MSRPs ranging from $35-40 apiece. Canada’s outrageous taxes, however, make individual cigars as much as $100 and ten-count boxes as much as $1,100. As we reported in April, Behike uses a rare “medio tiempo” leaf and is being advertised as the new standard among smokers worldwide. High demand and low supply make black markets likely in countries where Cubans are legal—and almost certain in the U.S. thanks to the trade embargo.

2) One of our favorite boutiques, the Tesa Cigar Co., is hosting a special event at its Chicago lounge at 7pm on Friday, September 10. Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate and Glynn Loope of Cigar Rights of America (CRA) will be on hand. The event will feature beer, food, a raffle, and specials on Drew Estate products and CRA memberships. Mark your calendars if you plan to be in the area.

3) Inside the Industry: Berger & Argenti is capitalizing on the success of Entubar with a new Jalapa-wrapped “Entubar Quad Maduro.” Famous Smoke Shop has released La Floridita Fuerte, the third line extension in the retailer’s exclusive series made by Nestor Plasencia. Partagas is holding a contest to give away a Napa Valley trip filled with wine, cigars, and gourmet food.

4) Around the Blogs: Smoking Stogie smokes the Avo Heritage. Cigar Fan fires up a Berger & Argenti Entubar. Cigar Inspector inspects an Opus X Lost City Lancero. A Cigar Smoker sparks a PDR 1878 Cubano Especial Capa Madura. Casa Fumando reviews the CAO La Traviata Maduro.

5) Deal of the Week: Here’s a solid deal on a sampler that includes 20 sticks for a tidy $60, including free shipping. For just $3 per stick you get cigars from Rocky Patel, CAO, Graycliff, Padilla, 5 Vegas, Don Diego, H. Upmann, Romeo y Julieta, Montecristo, and a handful of others. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr