Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 279

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 price of premium cigars increased by 25 cents per stick in Chicago yesterday. The president of the Cook County Board, Toni Preckwinkle (pictured), had originally proposed a 30-cent tax on cigars in November. When she did, Bill Spann, chief executive officer of the IPCPR, fired back in a press release. “This is wrong on so many levels,” he said. “First of all, Cook County and Chicago residents and consumers are already paying high taxes on all tobacco products. If the County Board or City Council increase those taxes, consumers will take their business elsewhere. In addition, bootlegging of tobacco products will be encouraged, as will their purchase over the internet, neither of which generates taxes.”

2) As the 2012 Habanos Festival rolls on, Cuban officials have released figures that show a 9% increase in sales in Cuban cigars in 2011, adding up to over $400 million. Spain remains the top listed market with emerging markets like China, Russia, Brazil, and the Middle East gaining pace. The U.S. is the world’s consumer of cigars, though it is difficult to tell how much money Americans spent on Cubans last year since the 50-year-old trade embargo relegates those purchases to the black market.

3) Inside the Industry: Only available for a few months, General Cigar is releasing the Punch Rare Corojo and Punch Rare Corojo 10th Anniversary in limited quantities. Tickets to the Midwest Smoke Out, held on April 19 at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, are being sold here for $150 apiece.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews a Paul Stulac Angel. Cigar Brief smokes a La Gloria Cubana Retro Especial. Cigar Obsession obsesses over a St. George Sumatra. Cigar Fan fires up a Casa Magnus Domus Magnus Limitada. Cigar Inspector inspects a Juan Lopez Maximo (RE Switzerland).

5) Deal of the Week: This “Petite Elite Sampler” features ten corona-sized cigars for just $25. Included are two-each of the Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserve, Punch Elite Natural, Carlos Toraño 1916, Cielo Eros, and Puros Indios.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Examiner