The 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.”

The Punch Gran Puro Rancho (5.5 x 54) is a Honduran puro. The wrapper and binder leaves are sun-grown and the cigar is constructed well. It burns medium- to full-bodied in strength with core flavors of cinnamon, pepper spice, and an earthy sweetness. While not extraordinary, it is a fine selection for the golf course.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick M

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. Below is our latest Friday Sampler.

1) As usual, a number of tax hike and smoking ban proposals threaten to damage cigar rights in a variety of states. In Indiana, the Senate needs to reject the statewide smoking ban that has been adopted by the House. In South Carolina, versions of a statewide ban are under consideration by both legislative bodies. In Texas, lawmakers continue to pave the way for a statewide ban through backroom negotiations. In Nebraska, a new bill would boost cigar excise taxes. And in Kentucky, politicians are aiming for a statewide ban and higher cigar taxes. Be sure to contact your state representatives if you live in any of these states, and be sure to check the CRA and IPCPR websites often for legislative  action alerts, petitions, and ways to stand up for your cigar rights.

2) General Cigar is introducing a new blend called the Punch Rare Corojo 10th Anniversary. The cigar (5 x 50) features a proprietary Connecticut corojo wrapper around a Connecticut broadleaf binder and long-filler tobaccos from Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. It will sell for around $6.50.

3) Inside the Industry: The Rocky Patel Decade Edición Limitada is now available in select locations. La Aurora has announced Para Japón, a special blend that will debut later this month and benefit relief efforts in Japan.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the Monte Pascoal. A Cigar Smoker fires up the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Smoke Inn exclusive. Smoking Stogie lights up the San Lotano Habano. Over on YourCigarRatings.com, the Liga Privada T-52 breaks into the top ten.

5) Deal of the Week: Citizen Cigar is featuring 10-15% off all Nicarguan smokes. Included in the sale are cigars from Drew Estate, CAO, Oliva, Don Pepin Garcia, and even Padrón. A full list of discounted cigars can be found here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Cigar Rights of America