Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CCX

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) It was announced on Monday that Swedish Match and the Scandinavian Tobacco Group had merged to create a new tobacco giant (under the latter’s name). The company now controls an estimated 30% of the premium cigar market in the U.S. with such popular brands as CAO, Macanudo, Cohiba, Dunhill, Punch, and La Gloria Cubana. The global venture is expected to manufacture 2.5 billion cigars per year—second only to the Imperial Tobacco Group, Altadis’ parent company.

2) An anonymous stogie-wielding golf fan has quickly become an internet sensation. The so-called “Cigar Guy” was captured in this photo of Tiger Woods at last week’s Ryder Cup in Wales. The Wall Street Journal reports that the image has been widely distributed and parodied across the web “both for the drama in the image (the ball is heading straight at the camera) and for the mystery of the cigar-chomping spectator.”

3) Inside the Industry: The Montecristo Relief Foundation contributed funds for 110 wheelchairs for victims of storm-ravaged areas of Honduras. Drew Estate launched its new online store. You might have missed it, but in the spring General Cigar released a new size of its Rare Corojo blend: the corona-sized Elite. After many months without a functioning web presence, Tatuaje has relaunched its website including a list of retailers receiving “The Face” limited edition cigars.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews a Toraño Noventa. Tiki Bar kicks back with a Guillermo León by La Aurora. Cigar Fan fires up a Mi Barrio. A Cigar Smoker smokes the Tatuaje Pork Tenderloin. Nice Tight Ash checks out the CAO La Traviata Maduro. Cigar Inspector inspects a Prometheus Angelenos.

5) Deal of the Week: Like CAO? With multiple blends achieving high ratings, what’s not to like? If you’re looking for a great way to try CAO’s various highly-rated blends this CAO Sampler is the way to go. For just $70 you get the 10 highest rated vitolas from CAO. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: ST-Group