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Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 288

4 May 2012

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) A recent government report found smokers in the U.S. have shifted away from cigarettes and towards cigars and pipes over the last three years. The trend follows federal tax increases on cigarettes in 2009. Even though cigar taxes have been on the rise at the state and federal levels, cigarettes are still taxed at a higher rate. “The shift [away from cigarettes] cost the federal government $615 million to $1.1 billion in uncollected tax revenue from April 2009 to September 2011,” according to USA Today. From January 2009 to September 2011, “monthly sales of large cigars more than doubled, from 411 million pounds to more than 1 billion pounds.”

2) With the recent petition drive to stop FDA regulation of premium cigars, it seemed like a good time to check in on HR1639, the legislative proposal to do the same. George Cecala in the office of U.S. Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL), the author, said they continue working on it and anticipate more cosponsors, with under 50 now needed for a majority. Typically, narrow bills like this are attached to broader measures, and that remains a possibility. Another possibility is that, in the face of massive House opposition, the FDA will drop its plan. Either way, now’s not the time to decrease pressure. If your representative or senator isn’t signed on, get in touch and urge them to support this vital legislation.

3) Inside the Industry: Aging Room is introducing two new cigars: Sumatra Cuatro (notable for an aged Indonesian binder) and Havao (Dominican). Toraño has announced a Master Blend Maduro featuring a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper.

4) Around the Blogs: Tiki Bar tries the Rodrigo La Fortaleza Elegante. Cigar Brief smokes the Swag Lavish Robusto. Cigar Explorer explores a Nat Sherman Timeless. Cigar Inspector inspects a God of Fire. Stogie Review reviews a Partagas 1845.

5) Deal of the Week: This “Two Dons Make Ten” sampler scores you 10 robustos for just $30. You get five Don Pepin Black Cuban Classics and five Don Tomás Sungrowns.

The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr

5 Responses to “Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 288”

  1. George E. Friday, May 4, 2012 at 6:25 am #

    The GAO report is just another great example of why HR1639 is so important. While the story might initially sound like cigarette smokers are switching to cigars, it doesn't involve premium cigars but rather machine-made little cigars that are being redone to meet a new definition and a lower tax rate. I believe getting a legal definition and FDA exemption for premium hand-rolled all-tobacco cigars is critical to their survival.

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