Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 281

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 Alerts: Legislation has been proposed in Kansas that would increase the state tax on cigars by 30%, and proponents concede the move has little to do with increasing revenue and much to do with discouraging the use of tobacco among consenting adults. Meanwhile, in Maryland, the Senate passed a bill that would criminalize smoking in cars that carry passengers younger than the age of eight. And at the College of DuPage, a two-year community college outside Chicago with a student population of 30,000, administrators are considering a campus-wide smoking ban.

2) The Beach Cigar Group has officially changed its name to the Gurkha Cigar Group to reinforce the connection between the company name and its cigars. “This is a natural and progressive move for the company as we link our identity even more with the Gurkha brand,” said Gary Hyams, president of Gurkha Cigar Group. “The new name is also appropriate to further signal the positive direction the company is taking and will be a tremendous help as we position the Gurkha brand internationally.”

3) Inside the Industry: Two Guys Smoke Shop in Nashua is now the 55th Diamond Crown Cigar Lounge in the nation and the first in New Hampshire. The Midwest Smoke Out, an event planned for April 19 at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, announced a partnership with Cigar Rights of America. La Aurora is expanding its popular 107 line with a new Salomon (7.25 x 52) vitola.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews a La Flor Dominicana Double Claro No. 42. Cigar Inspector inspects a Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto. Cigar Explorer explores a Quesada Q D’Etat Molotov. Cigar Fan fires up a Rocky Patel Edicion Unica 2011.

5) Deal of the Week: This weekly special features ten top Dominican smokes for just $3 per cigar. In addition to five Montecristo Platinums, you get five Hammer & Sickle cigars, which are made by Davidoff master blender Henke Kelner.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Stogie Guys