Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 263

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) The House of Representatives bill to protect premium cigars from regulations imposed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has broken 100 cosponsors. At least 102 representatives from both parties have signed on (including Guam’s, who unfortunately has no vote on the floor). This is good news for cigar smokers but no time to quit. It’s still fewer than half of the 218 that will be needed to get the bill approved and to the Senate. If your rep hasn’t signed on, get in touch now and urge passage of HR1639. Remember: FDA regulation of cigars would likely lead to decreased industry innovation and the restriction of marketing efforts.

2) To help the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) fight for cigar rights and against tobacco taxes and bans, Altadis U.S.A. has made a “significant contribution” to the group’s legislative efforts. “IPCPR has been particularly active on a variety of state and federal legislative issues – past and current. We wanted to show our support of those successful strategies and actions,” said Javier Estades, general manager of premium cigars for Altadis, in a press release.

3) Inside the Industry: Rocky Patel is introducing a new seasonal blend called the Summer Collection 2012. The cigar features a Habano wrapper, dual binders from Costa Rica and San Andreas, and filler from Nicaragua and Panama. The cigar, which comes in three sizes (robusto, toro and torpedo), will ship December 5th.

4) Around the Blogs: Tiki Bar reviews the Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial LE. Smoking Stogie smokes a Cremo Excelsior. Cigar Inspector inspects a Tatuaje Fausto. Cigar Explorer tries a My Father 9/11 Commemorative Blend. Stogie Fresh lights up a Toraño 1916 Cameroon.

5) Deal of the Week: This deal features 10 cigars for just $30. Included are five La Gloria Cubanas and five Chateau Reals.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr