Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 380
25 Apr 2014
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) Yesterday the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued its long-awaited rule deeming cigars, e-cigarettes, and other types of tobacco to be regulated by the agency. The rule, if enacted in its current form, will require new tobacco products to get pre-approval from the agency before being sold. One promising aspect of the proposed regulations was that the FDA proposed two options for cigars, with the second being an exemption for premium cigars based on the lack of public health need for such regulation. Unfortunately, that proposed exemption is extremely narrow and would fail to exempt most handmade cigars, including any sold for less than $10. The next step is a public comment period on the proposed rule before the agency finalizes its regulations. Check back with StogieGuys.com next week for more extensive coverage of this important issue.
2) Site friend Jacob Grier, an Oregon-based freelance writer, has a good rundown of the rule and its impact on cigars. In his article he observes that even if the FDA decides to exempt cigars under the better of the two options, “the price will rise to $10 a stogie. Cuban cigars are pretty alluring already! If you enjoy the company of your local tobacconist, savor the next few years you have together. Their store may not be around much longer.”
3) Room 101 has launched Daruma Gold, a five-vitola line that features a Mexican wrapper around a Brazilian binder and a filler blend of Dominican and Honduran tobaccos. The sizes include Papi Chulo (4 x 42), Roxxo (4 x 48), Mutante (7 x 38), Sucio (7 x 48), and Monstro (5 x 60). “The modifications you will experience in this particular blend are the by-product of our evolution and growth working within the premium tobacco craft,” says Room 101.
4) Deal of the Week: This sampler lands you five premium (although not according the FDA; see above) cigars for just $20, including free shipping. Included are the Gurkha Status Maduro Torpedo, Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Torpedo, Chateau Real Gran Templar by Drew Estate, Gran Habano Vintage 2002 Robusto, and Oliva Serie G Toro.
photo credit: FDA
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Where did you see the part of the proposal where only cigars priced $10 and up might be exempted? I did not read through the document yet, but all the articles I did see only referred to defining "premium cigars" as being fully handmade and nit having any characterizing flavors — sorry Drew Estate.
The CRA had a pretty positive press release about the proposal.
I see now where the $10 price point comes in. That's not good. I'd expect that to come out, one way or another. From a health standpoint, there is nothing magical about a $10 handmade cigar vs. a $5 one, which I am sure both advocates and proponents of the rules will point out.
Where does you optimism about proponents of the rule supporting changing that come from? they dont know or understand what premium cigars are all about. They think they are just a different form of nicotine delivery, and will fight against any exemption, and in the alternative will fight for as high of an exemption as possible.
I think changes are likely because regs like this are often modified and lobbying by groups like CRA already led to FDA considering exempting some cigars. The final rules are still a ways off — possibly years. Much could change.