Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 240

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) A bill is moving its way through the Nevada legislature that would decriminalize smoking in bars that serve food and are only open to patrons over the age of 21. Its supporters cite a 17% drop in revenue and a 10% drop in employment at taverns since the state’s so-called “Clean Indoor Air Act” went into effect in 2006. Cigar Rights of America issued an email news alert this week calling for Nevada cigar enthusiasts to contact their state representatives and encourage them to “restore some freedom, improve the local economy, and send a message to other states considering similar legislation.”

2) Jose Oliva, CEO of the Oliva Cigar Co., won a primary election on Tuesday, securing the Republican nomination for Florida’s House District 110. “Technically, the race on Tuesday was a special primary election,” reports the Miami Herald. “But the results are considered a de facto victory because there is no Democrat on the ballot in the general election on June 28.” Oliva is a “founding sponsor” of Cigar Rights of America and an advocate of lower taxes, smaller government, and business-friendly policies.

3) Graycliff has appointed the Toraño Family Cigar Company as its official distributor in the U.S. “After many years of doing our own distribution, we decided that it was best if we partnered with Toraño to handle that part of our business, so we could focus on the production side,” said Paolo Garzaroli, president of Graycliff, in a press release. “We chose Toraño for the similarity in our family values and because our respective cigar brands will complement each other very well.”

4) Inside the Industry: Sam Leccia, known for creating Cain and Nub, has started his own company called the Sam Leccia Cigar Company, which will introduce a three-vitola “Debut” blend using tobacco from Nicaragua, Honduras, Ecuador, and Santo Domingo. Paul Garmirian is launching a three-vitola, full-bodied blend called Artisan’s Passion. El Tiante Cigars is reinventing itself with new blends made at Don Pepin Garcia’s My Father factory.

5) Around the Blogs: Smoking Stogie smokes a Viaje C-4. Cigar Fan lights up a Macanudo Cru Royale. Stogie Review reviews a Punch Rare Corojo 10th Anniversary. Tiki Bar kicks back with an E.P. Carrillo Elencos. Cigar Inspector inspects the Man O’ War Armada.

6) Deal of the Week: This weekly special features ten full-bodied smokes for $35. It includes five Rocky Patel Sungrown Torpedos and five Camacho Select Super Robustos.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr