Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 296

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 rights of consenting adults to enjoy a premium cigar are under constant threat by politicians and anti-tobacco zealots. Mounting smoking bans, ever-increasing tobacco taxes, and the potential of stifling FDA regulations make now a critical time for all cigar smokers. That’s why the staff of StogieGuys.com so vehemently supports (and belongs to) Cigar Rights of America. CRA, as you know, is a consumer-based non-profit that lobbies for cigar rights at the local, state, and federal levels of government. If you aren’t a dues-paying member, please consider joining CRA today. And if you are, please help convince your fellow cigar enthusiasts to sign up as well. The critical work of CRA is made possible only by our support.

2) Dr. Michael Siegel, author of the Tobacco Analysis blog, is a tireless truth-teller and debunker of the bad science often used to support anti-tobacco efforts. Unlike us, Siegel does support some smoking bans (like those in workplaces), but unlike many of his colleagues he isn’t willing to use bad science to promote his goals. Two recent posts on his site are particularly noteworthy. First, he notes that a study of the effect of graphic posters required in New York at places that sell tobacco shows that the posters have no effect on people’s decision to quit smoking. Then, in a follow up, he catches the anti-smoking forces explicitly stating their bias for creating research to support the goal of promoting the ugly, graphic, and apparently ineffective posters.

3) Inside the Industry: The East India Trading Company, a subsidiary of Gurkha, will be releasing an Ecuadorian rosado-wrapped line called “Red Witch” at next month’s industry trade show. Also expected at the show is the highly anticipated La Palina Maduro blend, which will be sold in four sizes. And Reinado has announced the introduction of Grand Empire Reserve, a box-pressed Nicaraguan in the Elegidos size (5 x 55, $9.95).

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the Viaje Roman Candle. Cigar Fan fires up an Oliva Serie V Lancero. Cigar Explorer explores an Alec Bradley American Sun Grown. Cigar Brief lights up an Illusione Ultra OP No. 4. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Crowned Heads Headley Grange.

5) Deal of the Week: Need convincing to become a CRA member? Here are two ways to join CRA and score some really excellent smokes at the same time. The newest CRA Sampler includes a one-year membership along with 10 top-notch super-premium sticks for just $100. You should also check out this $40 “Let Freedom Ring Sampler” with six of our favorite cigars from Ashton, Tatuaje, My Father, and Padrón that includes a six-month membership. Why not buy them both and be a full member for 18 months?

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: CRA