The Stogie Guys

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Advisory Committee created to give recommendations about FDA regulation of tobacco, including cigars, is under fire for multiple conflicts of interest among some of its members.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a watchdog group, sent a letter earlier this week to the inspector general of the Dept. of Health and Human Services asking for an investigation into appointments made by the FDA to the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC).

TPSAC was created under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act which puts tobacco products under FDA oversight. Last Fall the FDA sought comments on expanding its authority to include cigars. A recommendation by the TPSAC would be the likely first step towards regulation of cigars, which would be extremely damaging for the cigar industry and the choices of cigar smokers.

In its letter to the inspector general, CREW raised issues about Drs. Neal Benowitz and Jack Henningfield, two members of the committee who have financial conflicts of interest based on their ties to pharmaceutical companies that make smoking cessation products. Both have also made substantial money as expert witnesses in cases against the tobacco companies who they are now charged with regulating.

CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan noted, “TPSAC panel members are barred from having financial ties to cigarette companies. Common sense dictates they shouldn’t have ties to pharmaceutical companies that make smoking cessation products either.”

In a statement to the New York Times, an FDA spokesman responded to the charges by noting “tobacco cessation drugs are not regulated by the Center for Tobacco Products.” But that doesn’t address the conflict raised due to Benowitz and Henningfield’s financial interest in getting smokers to quit smoking and use the products they stand to profit from.

In addition, the doctors conflict of interest suggests that both are in violation of President Obama’s highly-touted ethics policy, signed immediately after he took office. That policy bars “every appointee in every executive agency” from participating in “any particular matter involving specific parties that is directly and substantially related to [the appointees’] former employer or former clients, including regulations and contracts.”

The FDA ethics office did not respond to multiple questions from StogieGuys.com about whether the apparent conflicts of interest constitute a violation of the Obama executive order on appointees’ ethics commitments.

–Patrick S

photo credit: FDA

It shouldn’t surprise you when I say that my colleagues and I aren’t fans restrictive smoking bans and excessive tobacco taxes. Many cigar producers, as we are, have become outspoken advocates against anti-tobacco zealotry. But few wear their freedom flag on their sleeve like Revolution Cigars.

Revolution Cigars is the maker of 262 Paradigm, a blend that honors the date (February 1962) that JFK hypocritically bought a shitload of his favorite Cuban cigars before signing a trade embargo against the communist isle. “Now you can smoke the legacy with 262 Cigars, post-revolution seed with pre-revolution flavor,” says Revolution’s website.

The website also comes complete with a “262 Manifesto” in defense of the freedom to smoke cigars. “Our voices must be heard,” it reads. “Our goals must be accomplished, not solely for the sake of our immediate cause, but for the many other liberties which are, even now, hanging in the balance.”

What better way to strike a blow against tyranny than to manufacture a cigar with the capability to captivate? That, it seems, is the goal of Revolution Cigars, and the reason for launching 262 Paradigm. This blend features a Brazilian wrapper, Honduran binder, and a filler blend of seco and ligero tobaccos from Estelí and Jalapa paired with Cuban-seed cubito leaves from Colombia.

Three vitolas are available: Torpedo, Robusto, and a box-pressed Toro that measures six inches long. I sampled three of the latter for this review. Handmade in Honduras by Alec Bradley, each Toro included a white band across the foot, a dark and toothy wrapper, and potent, mouthwatering aromas of espresso and dark chocolate.

With such a delightful pre-light fragrance, I am thankful the foot lights easily and evenly with a single wooden match. Soft flavors of creamy nut and milk chocolate follow for the first several puffs. Then, after about an inch, these classic Brazilian tastes are augmented by a heartier backdrop of leather, black coffee, and spicy wood. Mighty delicious.

As the white ash continues to layer sturdily off the foot, I can’t help but draw comparisons to some of Padrón’s higher-end cigars. Sue me. Before you do, though, I challenge you to smoke a few Toros and tell me that you don’t notice striking similarities: a dark box press, a profile reminiscent of moist chocolate cake, subtle woody spices, and superb construction.

So all politics aside, I am very impressed with this savory newcomer. It tastes great to the nub, smokes like a champ, and is priced fairly at less than $9 apiece. I love cigars that look and smell great only to completely live up to or exceed pre-light expectations. The 262 Paradigm Toro from Revolution Cigars does that in spades, earning a well-deserved four and a half stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

What may be the strangest cigar news in recent weeks came from California. The state with the most anti-smoking laws in the country and a staggering budget shortfall estimated at more than $26 billion is actually lowering its tax on cigars.

It’s not a huge cut—41.11% to 33.02%, to be exact. And, since its paid by distributors, the reduction may not even be noticeable by the time the retail price is set. But, hey, in this economy anything helps, right? Of course, it’s hard not to wonder why: Why would the state cut cigar smokers and users of tobacco products other than cigarettes a break?

Well, it turns out there was no choice. “The formula demands it,” said Anita Gore, spokeswoman for California’s five-member Board of Equalization tax panel that approved the change without discussion at a May meeting for July 1 implementation.

Gore explained to me that the rather arcane requirements of state tax law are based on the cigarette tax. (For tax purposes, she said, California recognizes only two categories: cigarettes and other tobacco products.)

The state law requires that the tax percentages on other tobacco products match that levied on the wholesale price of a single cigarette. So, with cigarette prices going up and the per-pack tax remaining the same, the percentage drops. And that means the percentage applied to other tobacco products must be lowered as well. Necessary adjustments are made annually.

Gore said that the tax for other tobacco products is levied on the value of whatever amount the distributor buys, whether it’s a truckload or a single stick. Remember, at that point cigar prices are often half or less than retail.

I’m not sure it’s fair that cigar smokers are paying less simply because cigarette smokers are paying more. But that’s the way it is, at least in the Golden State.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Aging cigars is no guarantee that you’ll improve them. While years, or even decades, in the humidor can create magnificent smokes, it can also result in virtually tasteless tobacco long past its prime.

This particular Padilla Series ’68 Robusto had been in my humidor since fall 2007. I didn’t really know what to expect. I’d enjoyed a few of these more or less fresh and was hoping it would be at least as good. What I got was much better.

The prelight aroma was delicate with shades of tea and earth. From the start, the smoke was full and thick, the taste balanced, complex, and smooth.

I lit it outside on a beautiful spring afternoon, expecting to read and drink coffee while enjoying the cigar. Soon, though, I had abandoned my book and let the coffee go cold. I was lost in the pleasure of this rich cigar.

Of course, it’s often difficult to separate the cigar from the cigar experience. And the time and attention I devoted to smoking the five-inch Nicaraguan puro were amply repaid.

In this case, though, I couldn’t help but wonder whether what was clearly a good cigar—my colleague awarded it three and a half stogies when he reviewed it—became a great one because I was so attuned to it. With aged cigars, I believe there’s frequently a favorable mindset before the flame is struck.

These are the kind of questions I imagine Plato and Aristotle would have pondered if they had access to good cigars. I may be able to continue my philosophical explorations as well, since I think I have one or two of these left. I hope they are good as this one, which earns five out of five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here. A list of other five stogie-rated cigars can be found here.]

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

I had been hanging on to this Cuban icon for over two years, finally deciding this weekend that it was overdue for a date with the flame. I was right. While the physical properties were improved, particularly the stability of the ash, the flavor was slightly sourer and a bit less flavorful. Time may have withered away some of the almond and oak. I still recommend purchasing this 6.1-inch cigar—just remember not to wait too long to fire it up.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

A Don Pepin Garcia production for Forcade Cigar, this stick is strong, with some of the pepper characteristic of Garcia’s creations. But Giralda lacks the complexity and interlaced flavors of his best. The line does show promise, and I plan to keep an eye on Forcade, although I can’t recommend this one.

Verdict = Hold.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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) The Church of Scientology paid about $7 million to buy what was once the world’s largest cigar factory, built in 1886 by the man who founded Tampa’s Ybor City. The three-building complex has housed offices since the 1970s. Scientologists propose using the buildings for offices, gatherings, and Sunday service. Although the church says that it plans to honor the building’s historical significance in its plans, the move is not without controversy. “Some business and civic leaders in Ybor City worry about the potential loss of property tax revenues due to the church’s tax-exempt status and the potential denial of alcohol licenses to future businesses opening within 1,000 feet of the church’s property,” writes the Tampa Tribune.

2) Ever dream of owning an un-smoked cigar from Winston Churchill’s personal collection? Well, here’s your chance: A Cuban that was given to the prime minister in 1963 is up for auction in London. The AFP reports the cigar is expected to fetch upwards of $2,100. Its current owner, Steve Forbes, is also auctioning off Churchill’s wartime diary and some of his letters.

3) Inside the Industry: Cuban Cigar Distributor Habanos S.A. announced its first-ever “Regional Edition” for Cuba, the La Gloria Cubana Deliciosos—a robusto-sized smoke that comes in an ornate porcelain jar. A new 58-page book, 27 Lessons To Help You Become A Cigar Expert, was recently published and made available through Amazon. CigarReader.com observes that Twitter followers of Eddie Ortega might have gotten a hint at the coming EO-Rocky Patel merger a month early by noting Ortega’s constant visits to Rocky’s headquarters on the location-based networking site Foursquare.

4) Around the Blogs:  Stogie Review reviews the Man O’ War Virtue. Keepers of the Flame lights up a Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta. Cigar Inspector inspects a Tatuaje J21. Smoking Stogie smokes an E.P. Carrillo Short Run. The Tiki Bar kicks back with a Liga Privada T-52. Nice Tight Ash checks out a Casa Magna Colorado.

5) Deal of the Week: We noticed a price drop in this Don Pepin Elite Selection sampler, featuring some of the legendary cigar maker’s finest smokes. Included are two each of the Tatuaje Havana, 5 Vegas Miami, Cuban Classic, and San Cristobal—all for just $40. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr