Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 442

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) This week CBS news looked at what will happen if and when the Cuban embargo ends and Cuban cigars can be legally imported to, and purchased in, the United States. The article, which interviews U.S. cigar experts, global experts, and cigar makers in Cuba, suggests that if Cuban cigars become legal “the Cuban tobacco industry believes it would dominate the $6.7 billion U.S. cigar market, predicting a 25 to 30 percent share in the first year, and in time, a 70 percent share.”

2) StogieGuys.com was in New Orleans recently and visited Harrah’s Casino. So it is no surprise to us that Harrah’s says the smoking ban is hurting business. This article states that profits at the company are down 31% due largely to the ban. While it is easier for big employers like Harrah’s to quantify the lost business, the often tight margins of smaller businesses likely means that many New Orleans businesses are hurting even more.

3) Inside the Industry: The Nicaragua Tobacco Association has announced the dates of its 2016 cigar festival, Puro Sabor. The event, which is entering its fifth year, runs from Tuesday, January 12, 2016 through Saturday, January 16. The festivities start in Managua, Nicaragua, and include a visit and tour of the Flor de Caña rum distillery and wrap up in Esteli where the majority of the country’s cigar factors are located and will be open for tours.

4) Deal of the Week: Tatuaje  Pudgy Monsters is a 10-pack of cigars featuring each of the past Tatuaje Monster Halloween blends plus two upcoming blends. Cigar Place currently has the 10-count box on sale for just $90. It’s a must-have for any Tatuaje fan.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr