Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 394

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) Gran Habano this week issued a press release claiming the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has taken issue with the company’s name. The government says “the brand name ‘Gran Habano’ is misleading the public to think we are selling cigars from Cuba. We all in the cigar industry know that this is not true… All retail locations know that Gran Habano products are not manufactured in Cuba and are grown in Honduras and Nicaragua, as all labels on Gran Habano cigars state.” Gran Habano is asking retailers and customers to send in their comments to help the company dispute this claim. If you would like to help, please email us, and we’ll provide you with the Word document form that declares you understand Gran Habano is not a Cuban cigar company.

2) There is no tomorrow to oppose to the FDA’s attempt to effectively regulate new handamde cigars out of existence. Leave your comment here. (Need help figuring out what to say? See our tip here.)

3) Contest: StogieGuys.com readers who register at CigarsFor.Me this week will once again be registered to win a free five-pack of cigars. CigarsFor.me specializes in recommending customers the perfect premium cigars without having to go through endless hours of research. Users simply fill out their quick Palate Profile and instantly they’re shown cigars that they’ll love. It’s fun, easy, and this week you can win free smokes. Click here. Congrats to last week’s winner: Aaron Brough from Atascadero, CA.

4) Inside the Industry: The Macanudo Estate Reserve is returning to its Jamaican roots. Only 1,800 boxes per size will be released starting this September in three sizes (Robusto, Belicoso, and Churchill), each in 10-count boxes that will retail for $160-180. The blend uses a Connecticut shade-grown wrapper, Mexican binder, and filler from Jamaica.

5) Deal of the Week: This sampler deal features five top-notch cigars for just $26. For over 40% off retail price you get one each of the Room 101 Master Mutante, Fausto Avion 2011, Padilla Connecticut Double Toro, La Gloria Cubana Retro Club, and Schizo Robusto.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Gran Habano