Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 483

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) Starting yesterday, the legal age to purchase tobacco in California rose from 18 to 21, and e-cigarettes were banned from public places like restaurants and bars. Military personnel will still be able to buy tobacco at 18, however. Hawaii is the only other state to employ an age requirement of 21. “I think California is taking a leadership role in curbing tobacco use and tobacco products,” said Senator Ed Hernandez, author of the bill. “Hopefully, all states in the United States will eventually move to 21 and reduce smoking even more.” A separate bill recently passed by the state Senate would criminalize smoking at 280 California state parks and beaches, punishable by a fine of up to $250.

2) Drew Estate has launched a Drew Diplomat app to enable users to “easily keep up with daily breaking news from Drew Estate, earn points for chances to win one-of-a-kind pieces of art from Subculture Studios, and invite friends to experience the ‘Rebirth of Cigars.’” According to a press release: “The Drew Diplomat app replaces the current Drew Estate app. The previous app will no longer be updated and users are encouraged to delete it and start using the Drew Diplomat app. While the old Drew Estate app was innovative in its day, the new Drew Diplomat app expands on the functionality to include the ability to check in and post photos of cigars users have smoked and RSVP for Drew Estate Events, all while earning points within the app.” Jonathan Drew calls the it “the bridge between a social network and Cigar Safari trip rolled up into one incredible app.”

3) Inside the Industry: Drew Estate announced a new blend within its Herrera Estelí line that will be available exclusively for online retailer Small Batch Cigar, also known as Maxamar Ultimate Cigars. The new Herrera Estelí Inktome comes in a box-pressed corona gorda vitola  (6 x 46) and will be packaged in 10-count boxes with a price of $12 per cigar. The blend uses  filler from the Estelí and Jalapa, a Honduran binder, and a higher priming Ecuadorian Habano wrapper than the core Herrera Estelí line.

4) From the Archives: People spend a lot of time thinking about which cigars to smoke. Maybe they should think more about picking the right cigar shop first. In this tip from 2009, we suggest four things to look for in a quality tobacconist.

5) Deal of the Week: Move quick on this Weekly Special sampler. Just $30 lands you 10 cigars, including such favorites as the Aging Room F55 Vibrato, La Terrazza Maduro Churchill,  Ortega Wild Bunch Wild Bill, Tatuaje La Casita HCBC, and the Viaje Aficionado.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr