Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CCXXXV

As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other items of interest. Below is our latest Friday Sampler.

1) Regulation of premium cigars by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration promises to bring decreased innovation, stifled free speech, and other maladies to the handcrafted tobacco industry. We’ve been writing about this threat since it became apparent in 2007. But a new resolution, introduced in the House of Representatives, would keep premium cigars out of the reach of FDA regulators. Called the “Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act” (House Resolution 1639), the measure is principally sponsored by Bill Posey (R-FL), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Tom Cole (R-OK), and Candice Miller (R-MI). Its importance cannot be overstated. “We can assure you, nothing could rip the soul of the cigar industry apart like FDA actions,” reads a press release from Cigar Rights of America. “CRA looks forward to working with IPCPR and other industry allies to advance this legislation.”

2) An Associated Press article, widely syndicated on Wednesday, discusses how cigar enthusiasts are becoming increasingly motivated to act against smoking bans—especially those that criminalize smoking in businesses dedicated solely to the enjoyment of premium tobacco. “After years of victories, there are signs that anti-smoking forces are encountering some resistance,” reads the article.

3) Inside the Industry: Saints and Sinners, a “members-only society” for Tatuaje fans, is set to launch May 1 with annual membership fee of $150. The list of participating retailers for Miami Cigar & Company’s second annual Nestor Miranda Day promotion can be found here (purchase any cigar at one of these retailers on May 6 to receive a free smoke from Nestor Miranda).

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the entire Cigar.com Exclusive line. Cigar Fan lights up the Punch Rare Corojo 10th Anniversary. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Cuba Libre One. Smoking Stogie smokes the La Aurora Broadway. The Cain F Lancero jumps into the top ten at YourCigarRatings.com.

5) Deal of the Week: Fans of mild Dominican cigars should check out this special. $29 gets you five each of the Macanudo Hyde Park and Cusano Cuvee Blanc; or pick up ten of each for just $50.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: FDA