Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 372

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) Arguably the most celebrated family in the cigar industry today has announced a new cigar that’s slated for release before the end of 2014. The Garcias, including patriarch Don Pepín Garcia (pictured), are planning a line called La Antiguedad (Spanish for “the antiquity”). It will feature an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper around double binders (Nicaraguan Criollo and Nicaraguan Corojo). The filler tobaccos will also be Nicaraguan, and it will be made at the heralded My Father Cigars factory. All five sizes will be box-pressed and the prices will range from $6 to $10.

2) “Hire the trio, experience the quartet.” Such is the marketing pitch for the new Avo Quartet, a four-pack of Avo robustos that’s sold for the price of three. Included in the $30 pack is the Avo Heritage, Signature, Lounge Edition, and a new Avo Mystery Blend. Avo is considering turning the Mystery Blend into a regular line based on feedback it receives via a special website that solicits consumer opinion from those who purchase the Avo Quartet.

3) Inside the Industry: Sam Leccia is, according to a press release, “looking to put the cigar industry in a headlock” with a new blend called Luchador (Spanish for “wrestler”). The four-size line is expected to be released on Cinco de Mayo. It will feature a Mexican wrapper around an Ecuadorian Habano binder with filler from Nicaragua, Pennsylvania, and Honduras. “I wanted to create something fun, yet different and exciting,” said Leccia. “With Luchador being a combination of exotic blends and flavors with a Mexican wrapper, I thought it was time to tap into my childhood fascination of Mexican pro wrestling. Fun branding aside, the Luchador is a seriously unique blend that goes from sweet to spicy in 0 to 60.”

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Fresh smokes the Padrón Family Reserve No. 85 Maduro. Stogie Review reviews the J. Castañón Mareba. Cigar Fan fires up the Legado de Pepín. Cigar Inspector inspects the Avo 80th Anniversary. Tiki Bar tries the Casa Miranda Chapter 2.

5) Deal of the Week: Here’s a sampler with some high-end, highly-rated cigars. Only $77 gets you one each of the following: La Jugada Habano Robusto, Drew Estate Nica Rustica, Illusione Rothchildes, L’Atelier Extension de la Racine, My Father El Centurion Belicoso, Nat Sherman 1930 Corona Grande, Leccia Black Robusto, Crowned Heads J.D. Howard Reserve Robusto, L’Atelier Maduro 54, and Drew Estate Herrera Estelí Lonsdale.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: My Father Cigars