Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 463

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, Sam Leccia took another turn along his winding work path, announcing a split from General Cigar and hinting at major new releases in the future. Leccia had been working with General since it took over distribution of his brands in late 2014. “It just wasn’t a good fit,” Leccia wrote on his Facebook page. “Things really shouldn’t change all that much for Leccia Tobacco. The cigar brands have always been made at the same factories since day one, and that will continue. I have always maintained 100% ownership of the Leccia Tobacco brands and trademarks, so the only real change is how the cigars will be delivered to the retailer.” He’s scheduled to appear at a tobacconist tonight not far from his Pittsburgh home and said “it’s business as usual.” Leccia told StogieGuys.com in an email that he plans to announce a new distributor in the coming weeks. “As far as new projects,” Leccia added, “I have been working tirelessly on several projects. Some line extensions, some limited release vintage cigars, and a ‘game changer’ that will create a new cigar category.”

2) The fate of the premium cigar industry is firmly in the grasp of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), as OMB officials decide whether to proceed with the FDA draft cigar regulations, which would have a devastating impact on the industry, or request more changes. As we await action, the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products has announced a request for unpublished information pertaining to “psychosocial predictors of uptake and continued use of tobacco products.” Glynn Loope, executive director of Cigar Rights of America, took to Facebook on Tuesday to say this is “further proof that our government has too much time and money on their hands… Because decisions are supposed to be based upon ‘science,’ and now they have to resort to ‘unpublished science.’”

3) From the Archives: Cigar smokers spend lots of time deciding which cigars to select, but maybe they should spend a little more time selecting their cigar shop. Back in 2009, we wrote about what you should look for in a cigar shop, including four specific items: a good owner, a well-kept stock, neatness, and variety of selection. Read the whole thing here.

4) Deal of the Week: Famous Smoke Shop features 100 deals (with free shipping included on most items) as part of its Cigar Monster promotion. Deal-seekers should consider stacking one of these coupons (which get you free cigars or cigar accessories with a purchase of $50 or more) with a few five-packs from Cigar Monster to maximize your savings.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Leccia Tobacco