Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 255

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) Cigar Rights of America (CRA) reports that the filed federal legislation that would exempt premium cigars from FDA regulation has picked up new sponsors, placing the current number at 45 members of the House. A companion bill in the Senate has also been introduced, and CRA Board President Jeff Borysiewicz and Rocky Patel have met with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and presented him with a letter on the impact FDA regulation could have on premium tobacconists and their customers, as well as the positive economic impact the cigar industry has for travel, tourism, and convention business in Nevada. Now CRA is calling on cigar enthusiasts to sign House and Senate petitions that urge federal lawmakers to protect cigars from harmful regulations.

2) A recent USA Today article highlights Cigar City Brewing, a Tampa-based operation that’s aging beer in Spanish cedar to bring about cigar-related aromas and flavors. “It just blew me away because when I smelled it, it was like waking down 7th Avenue in Ybor City, walking past a cigar shop,” said the brewery’s owner. “It was a win/win. It was good and it really pinpointed it on the map as coming from my city.” Cigar City Brewing’s growing distribution now spans Florida and includes Alabama, Philadelphia, and New York City.

3) Around the Blogs: Tiki Bar tries the new Toraño Loyal. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Julius Caeser. Smoking Stogie fires up an Oliva Serie V Maduro. A Cigar Smoker smokes the CAO OSA Sol. Puffing Cigars reviews the Cusano 18 Gordo.

4) Deal of the Week: Corona Cigar has some deep discounts on five-packs. Our favorites include the CAO Brazilia, Toraño Signature, Don Pepin Blue Label, and Oliva Connecticut.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr