Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 299
10 Aug 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) ABC News published an article yesterday about the potential for FDA regulation of premium cigars, which features input from Arthur Zaretsky, who operates the online retailer Famous Smoke Shop. It’s worth a read. We’ve written extensively about the dangers of FDA regulation—including how ingredient disclosure, testing, and marketing restrictions would stifle the development of new cigar blends, eliminate events where cigar makers pass out free samples to cigar shop patrons, and make limited edition cigars a thing of the past. This article brings two other terrible consequences to mind, and both hit close to home for all cigar enthusiasts. The first would be the criminalization of buying or selling cigars online. The second would prevent consumers from strolling into walk-in humidors to select their purchases; instead, if the FDA has its way, humidors would be off-limits to patrons, and cigars would instead be selected from a list.
2) A majority of the U.S. House is now co-sponsoring H.R. 1639—the bill to exempt premium cigars from FDA regulation. StogieGuys.com joins all cigar smokers in thanking the CRA and IPCPR for their efforts to reach this milestone. But there’s still a long way to go. S. 1461—the companion bill in the U.S. Senate—currently has 12 co-sponsors. Both bills are referred to committee, meaning they would still have to be passed by Congress and signed by the president before becoming law. Be sure to contact your senators and representative if they have not already pledged their support for these legislative efforts to protect cigars.
3) Contest Reminder: There’s still time to enter our contest to win a three-pack of El Centurion Robustos signed by none other than Don Pepin Garcia. Click here to make yourself eligible to win this fantastic prize, and good luck!
4) Around the Blogs: Cigar Fan fires up a Vallejuelo. Cigar Brief reviews the Perdomo 20th Anniversary Sun Grown. Cigar Inspector inspects the One Shot One Kill. Tiki Bar kicks back with an Epicurean Gonzo. Cigar Explorer explores the Illusione Singulare 2012. Stogie Review tours the IPCPR after-parties (see if you can spot the Stogie Guy).
5) Deal of the Week: Just introduced a week ago, Cuenca y Blanco by Joya de Nicaragua is quickly becoming a highlight from the show. Corona Cigar is offering free shipping on the new cigar, and any box purchase lands you a free ashtray and hat.
photo credit: FDA
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
Just a weekend comment: I tried 2 different sizes of the Illusione Ultra and both were excellent higher end cigars. They were in $11-12 range but a really great smoke. If you want to try a treat cigar, these are really nice!
I haven't had any of the Ultras, but from my experience, Illusione doesn't produce anything but terrific cigars. I look forward to smoking them. Thanks for giving them an endorsement.
Look forward to your review, or whoever from site writes it. Even if it doesn't agree with my own opinion of course!
You guys are up on the politics of the House bills, does the majority mean that the bill would at least now be brought up by congress? If so, what do you feel are it's chances of passing, and then not being vetoed by the president?
Chris – For the bill to be brought to the House floor, basically the GOP leadership would have to schedule a vote. It's somewhat unlikely, though not impossible, that will occur because it's never been considered in committee. Another way for it to be approved would be to have it attached to a broader bill, a frequent maneuver for such targeted "small bore" legislation. If it's passed by the House, it would have to get approval in the Senate before going to the president. My opinion, for what it's worth: I think that if it gets to the House floor in any form it will pass this session. The Senate might be a little tougher, but I believe it would get approved as well. Honestly, I can't see it getting vetoed if it were to pass, in whatever form, in this session. But if it doesn't get through before the new Congress comes in next year, it could be a new ball game.