Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 295

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) Anti-tobacco lawmakers and groups have been trying to pass a comprehensive statewide smoking ban in Indiana since 2007. In March, Governor Mitch Daniels finally signed a ban into law that criminalizes smoking in most workplaces in the Hoosier State, and that law goes into effect on Sunday. But it’s safe to say the anti-smoking zealots are less than satisfied since the law provides exemptions for bars, cigar shops, private clubs, and gaming facilities. They’d prefer smoking to be banned outright. So keep an eye on Indiana, as the new law expressly allows local governments to enact more stringent smoking regulations.

2) On the heels of the defeat of Prop. 29, more good news out of California. A bill that would have criminalized smoking in cigar shops and private clubs that are licensed to sell alcohol has died in committee. “Working with our state lobbyist, key area IPCPR retailers, and the Cigar Association of America, we worked with and educated the committee chair and leadership on this issue,” reads a press release issued by the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association. “The chair of the committee will not bring this bill back up for further consideration.”

3) Inside the Industry: La Aurora is producing another 20,000 cigars in the 100 Años blend in three sizes. Cigar Aficionado has announced its 17th Big Smoke Las Vegas will be held November 9-11 at the Mirage. Oliva’s newest line, the Serie V Melanio, will be the most expensive Oliva yet at $8 to $14 per cigar, and it will hit U.S. tobacconists in September.

4) Around the Blogs: Cigar Fan fires up an Oliva Serie V Lancero. Stogie Review reviews the Inferno by Oliva. Cigar Inspector inspects a Montecristo No. 4. Cigar Brief smokes the Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne Noir. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Arturo Fuente Solaris Microblend.

5) Deal of the Week: Here’s a rare Tatuaje blend that Tat fans should grab up before it (inevitably) sells out. The limited edition cigar features a dark San Andreas wrapper and sells for for $108 for a 15-cigar bundle, or $40 for a 5-pack.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr