Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 252

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) J. Glynn Loope, executive director of Cigar Rights of America, is calling for a “National Cigar Town Hall” to make local politicians more aware of cigar-related issues. “[Lawmakers] need to see that cigars are not marketed to youth; that you’re enjoying a luxury product that’s not addictive and only contributes to your peace of mind and relaxation. They need to note the artisan nature of cigars, and that the walk-in humidor is not some evil death trap…” he writes. “This is our moment to use the democratic process and our grassroots movement to advance legislation needed now, more than ever.”

2) In July’s “Question of the Month,” we asked readers how they felt about the 2011 IPCPR Trade Show. “Excited about forthcoming releases” came in tops with 50% of the vote, followed by “worried about brand over-extension” (34%), “like I didn’t try many 2010 releases” (10%), and “curious about industry consolidation” (6%). Be sure to weigh in on this month’s question by voting in the sidebar to the right. And feel free to contact us if you’ve got a suggestion for a future month’s poll.

3) California’s Crush & Roll West cigar and wine festival has some major additions this year, including a one-year membership in Cigar Rights of America as part of the $125 entry fee. Besides lots of wine and cigars, the Sept. 16-17 fete at the Paso Robles Fairgrounds includes a poker tournament, entertainment, auctions, and educational seminars. Internet cigar fans will know the event from the involvement of Doc Stogie and his Stogie Fresh podcast, which helped launch the event three years ago.

4) Inside the Industry: Another new release from Altadis introduced around the IPCPR Trade Show is the “Casa de Ortez,” a value-priced ($1.50-1.83 per stick) Nicaraguan featuring an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. Habanos SA, the government-controlled Cuban tobacco monopoly, is releasing a new thick Partagas called the Serie E No. 2 (5.5 x 54).

5) Around the Blogs: Tiki Bar kicks back with an El Titan de Bronze Redemption Maduro. Nice Tight Ash checks out the My Father El Hijo. Smoking Stogie smokes a Room 101 Namakubi. Stogie Review reviews a Carlos Toraño Brigade. Cigar Fan fires up El Triunfador.

6) Deal of the Week: This Toro Madness deal from Corona Cigar features ten tasty toros. $35 gets you five each from Patel Bros. and Corona Gold Limitada, or double up for $25 more.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: CRA