Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 462
15 Jan 2016
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) Embattled second-term Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proposed a new tax hike on cigars, which is intended to pay for orientation programs for public school students. “Emanuel’s new tobacco tax package will be introduced to the City Council this week. It calls for a 15-cent tax per ‘little cigar’… [and] a 90-cent tax on larger cigars,†reports the Chicago Tribune. “Emanuel has frequently targeted tobacco when he wants to raise revenue, trying in the process to position himself as a crusader against youth smoking and the evils of Big Tobacco.†In a separate editorial, the Tribune criticized Emanuel’s proposal: “Chicagoans see their city mired in scandal and dysfunction, yet hear their mayor constantly looking for ways to change the subject and declare victory: Sure, your beyond-broke school system may collapse, but want to see my new transition program for freshmen?â€
2) For the first time since General Cigar began selling Macanudo in 1968, the brand is getting a makeover. “Beginning on January 15, 2016, Macanudo Café, Macanudo Maduro, Macanudo Crü Royale, and Macanudo 1968 and will feature the brand’s new look,†reads a press release. “The Macanudo logo has evolved to a more contemporary design, and packaging has been updated for visual consistency throughout the portfolio,†said Alan Willner, vice president of marketing for General Cigar. “The changes will make Macanudo even more appealing on the shelf and more relevant to current and new cigar smokers.†The Macanudo blends are not expected to change.
3) Inside the Industry: Scandinavian Tobacco Group, the Danish cigar industry giant whose holdings include General Cigar and Cigars International, this week announced plans for an upcoming initial public offering that would lead to a stock market listing in Copenhagen. Larry Palombo, formerly vice president of tobacco at Altadis, has joined Oliva Tobacco Co. and will be working at the NACSA factory in Nicaragua.
4) From the Archives: Increased contact with Cuba, mentioned by President Obama just this week in his State of the Union address, continues to create interest in Cuban cigars. In 2014, we took a look at the then-new changes, writing the rules “allow officially licensed travelers to import $100 worth of Cuban cigars or Cuban rum into the U.S…†We also explored the image of Cuban cigars: “The best Cuban cigars are without a doubt some of the finest cigars in the world. But many Cuban cigars are not world-class, and a significant percentage of Cubans are not even particularly good.†You can read our full commentary here.
5) Deal of the Week: Want an easy way to try some of the hottest new blends? Check out this five-cigar sampler. Included are one each of the Flor de D’Crossier Selection No. 512, Camacho American Barrel-Aged, El Güegüense by Foundation Cigar Company, Drew Estate Undercrown Shade, and Steke Saka’s Sobremesa. Use our exclusive coupon “Stogie10” to knock the price down to just $41.
photo credit: Wikipedia