Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 244

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) With so many state and local governments passing laws that restrict the rights of smokers, it’s nice to report that one state is repealing anti-smoker restrictions. Last Friday, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval signed a law rolling back the statewide smoking ban that was originally passed in 2006. Now, owners of free-standing bars and taverns (even those that serve food) can decide for themselves whether they want to allow smoking on their property as long as they prohibit anyone under 21 from entering.

2) In another move towards increased cigar rights, the New York State Senate passed bill S. 3410, which places a cap on the state’s highest-in-the-nation 75 percent tax on handmade cigars. The modest, but critical, cap would limit that tax to $1.00 per cigar. As we reported last week, despite the tax hike, the state has been losing revenue as consumers buy cigars online or through mail-order from lower tax states. The New York Tobacconist Association is now pushing for the State Assembly to take up the bill and encourages New York residents to contact the leadership in the Assembly and their representatives in support.

3) Inside the Industry: Yesterday’s interview with Ed McKenna revealed that CAO’s new cigar due out at next month’s IPCPR trade show will feature a Honduran wrapper. Miami Cigar Co. tells StogieGuys.com that at the July trade show (not on July 4th as reported by Cigar Aficionado) it will be debuting its new Casa Miranda cigar made at Miami’s El Titan de Bronze, which is run by Willy Herrera. Herrera also made news this week by announcing that he would be joining Drew Estate. In other El Titan de Bronze news, the company will be making a re-launched Padilla 8 & 11 cigar that is due out at the trade show. Longtime sales director and spokesman for La Aurora, José Blanco (who we interviewed here), last week announced his retirement from La Aurora after 30 years with the company.

4) Around the Blogs: Cigar Fan lights up the Padilla 1948 Limitada Robusto. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Macanudo Cru Royale. Stogie Review reviews the Grimalkin by Emilio Cigars. Patrick Mize (now writing for Smoking Stogie) smokes a EPC Short Run 2011. Your Cigar Ratings rates the Grimalkin by Emilio a 97.

5) Deal of the Week: Seconds of the highly-rated Alec Bradley Tempus and Family Blend are selling for $50 for bundle of 20.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Wikipedia