Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 501

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) President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines—best known for his internationally condemned violent campaign against drugs that has left 3,600 dead since he took office in June—has his sights set on banning public smoking. Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial “said Mr. Duterte wanted a 100 percent smoke-free environment in public places, as in the southern city of Davao, where he was formerly mayor,” according to the Associated Press. “The measure would restrict smoking to designated outdoor areas away from the public, and would include e-cigarettes as well as traditional cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Ms. Ubial said there was no reason for smokers and tobacco companies to oppose the ban. ‘We’re not stopping them from smoking,’ she said. ‘We are just telling them not to smoke around nonsmokers.’”

2) Not shying away from its reputation as a super-premium brand capable of commanding high prices, Davidoff has announced two Royal Release cigars—a Robusto and a Salomones—with MSRPs of $80 and $100 per cigar, respectively. The blend features an “Aromatica Dominicana” wrapper that’s exclusive to this release, a Habano Ecuador binder, and a variety of Dominican filler tobaccos. “The seeds themselves were created, germinated, and planted especially for this purpose,” according to a Davidoff press release. “The heritage and pedigree of today’s Royals can be traced back to the harvest of 2004/5, a year of near perfect growing conditions and ideal rainfall.” In addition to the cigars, which are sold in boxes of ten, Davidoff is also releasing a Royal Release lighter by S.T. Dupont ($970) and an ashtray made of handblown glass from Murano, Italy ($290).

3) Inside the Industry: Meier & Dutch, the distribution arm affiliated with Cigars International, which is owned by  the Scandinavian Tobacco Group (which is also the parent company of General Cigar), has announced the introduction of Lucious Lyon. Inspired by the FOX television program Empire, Lucious Lyon is named after the show’s lead character, portrayed by Terrence Howard. The cigar is made in Honduras in three sizes and features a Connecticut wrapper, dual Connecticut Broadleaf and Mexican binders, and filler from four countries: the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico. Along with the cigar, Meier & Dutch is also releasing a line of accessories made up of a crystal ashtray, a high-gloss humidor, and a cutter and lighter by Xikar.

4) From the Archives: Coffee and cigars go together about as well as any pair we can think of. Whether you’re a fan of light roast or prefer thick, sweet café Cubano, there’s sure to be a cigar to fit your preference. StogieGuys.com has been making recommendations and offering coffee advice for years. Check it out here, here, and here.

5) Deal of the Week: Crowned Heads fans will want to jump on this deep discount (50% off) on the two limited edition Mason Dixon releases. Both the North and South blends are in stock for $99 for a box of 20. Add coupon code “StogieDeal” and get a free triple-flame table lighter (good on any purchase of $75 or more).

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr