Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 339

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 latest trend in smoking bans may not necessarily come at the hands of federal, state, or local government officials. In major cities, property management companies may start preventing renters from smoking without government intervention. The most prominent example is New York City’s Related Companies, which is beginning to ban smoking within its 40,000 rental units—both inside and out. “New tenants will sign a contract agreeing not to smoke anywhere in the building (that includes private terraces and balconies.) Breaking the rules could lead to eviction,” reports NBC. “Tenants already renting won’t have to sign until they renew their lease. But with a turnover rate of 10,000 a year, all apartments could be smoke-free in just a few years.”

2) Chris Edge’s Dona Flor brand, reintroduced to the American market in 2012 after a hiatus, is once again making the Alonso Menendez line available in the U.S. “Alonso Menendez made his name in Cuba creating the Montecristo No. 2 while operating the largest cigar factory in the country. The line of Brazilian puros that carry his name has become extremely popular in European countries, largely due to the increased Mata Norte in the blends,” reads a Dona Flor press release.

3) Inside the Industry: Toraño has announced a second addition to their Vault line, the D-042, which will hit shelves in August and is being made in three sizes for $7.20-8.50.  J. Grotto has announced that their Reserve Lancero will become a regular release after initially being limited to just 1,000 cigars. Davidoff announced The Griffin’s Casino as limited release in boxes of 21 cigars (MSRP $252), with 17 featuring the “Casino” secondary band (with an Ecuadorian wrapper) and four mystery blends with a “Joker” band.

4) Around the Blogs: Cigar Fan tries the Oja Anniversary. Stogie Review reviews the J. Fuego Edición de Familia. Stogie Fresh smokes the Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve. Robby Ras lights up the Four Kicks “Mule Kick” LE. Cigar Inspector inspects a Black Market.

5) Deal of the Week: This “Best of Dominican Sampler” features some real gems from the Dominican Republic. Only $27 gets you an E.P. Carrillo Elencos, a Four Kicks by Crowned Heads, a Montecristo Platinum, a Pinar del Rio Habana, and an AVO Maduro No. 2.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr