Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 450

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) U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI, pictured) this week introduced legislation to raise the national minimum tobacco purchase age to 21. His bill has nine cosponsors, all of whom are Democrats: Dick Durbin (IL), Sherrod Brown (OH), Ed Markey (MA), Barbara Boxer (CA), Jack Reed (RI), Elizabeth Warren (MA), Mazie Hirono (HI), Richard Blumenthal (CT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (RI). A companion bill is being introduced in the House. “We know that the earlier smokers begin their unhealthy addiction to nicotine, the more likely they are to suffer from tobacco-related diseases or die,” wrote Senator Schatz on his website. “This year, Hawaii became the first state in the nation to raise the minimum smoking age to 21. It was an historic public health achievement that we should adopt nationwide. By raising the minimum tobacco age of sale to 21 across the country, we can cut the number of new smokers each year; build a healthier, tobacco-free America; and save lives.” The current national minimum age to buy tobacco is 18, though Hawaii and several counties have already raised the age to 21.

2) Carlos Fuente Sr. is commemorating his 80th birthday by releasing his private blend, the Don Carlos Personal Reserve, which is expected to be available later this year. A Robusto (5 x 50), the cigar will retail for $14 and feature a Cameroon wrapper around Dominican tobaccos. Arturo Fuente is also introducing the Eye of the Shark (5.75 x 52, $12) but has not yet made public that cigar’s makeup.

3) Cigar Giveaway: Congrats to the five winners of our recent cigar giveaway. Darrylyn B. of Hickory, North Carolina; Jarrod L. of St. Augustine, Florida; Mark V. of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Tim M. of Buffalo, New York; and Chase A. of Saginaw, Texas. Each will be receiving a five-pack of cigars courtesy of Acme Cigars.

4) Deal of the Week: My Father fans should check out this deal from Cigar Place. Just $50 lands you six cigars—two each of the original My Father blend, My Father Le Bijou, and My Father Connecticut, all in a belicoso size—plus a lighter, cutter, and My Father Cigars ashtray in your choice of blue or red.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: MauiNow.com