The Stogie Guys

Michigan is now one step closer to a statewide smoking ban. Last week, in a surprise move, the Senate quickly passed the statewide ban that had been languishing in committee.

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm praised the bill’s passage, saying it “sends a strong message across Michigan and the nation that we place a high priority on the health of our citizens” and promised to sign any smoking ban that came across her desk. Never mind that the science doesn’t support the contention that smoking bans help non-smoking citizens.

Business groups, particularly restaurants and bars, argued against the legislation:

The Senate action was an unexpected setback for opponents of the ban, led by the Michigan Restaurant Association. The group’s spokesman, Andy Deloney, called a statewide smoking ban unwarranted government regulation that hurts Michigan’s business climate.

Deloney said nearly 5,100 Michigan restaurants and taverns – about one of three – prohibit smoking, an increase of 130% in the last 10 years. He said owners made the switch to accommodate customers.

In other words, there is no shortage of completely smoke-free establishments, not to mention the fact that many places have non-smoking sections.

The leading advocate for the smoking ban was state Senator Ray Basham, who has been trying to pass a statewide ban for a decade. Basham’s leadership on the ban is noteworthy because he has proven himself to be completely idiotic on the issue of smoking (and particularly cigars).

Last month Michigan Sheriff Michael Bouchard confiscated thousands of counterfeit Cubans that turned out to be high quality non-Cuban cigars. Rather than simply destroy them, he sent them to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Altadis and General Cigar also chipped in thousands of cigars for the troops.)

In response to Sheriff Bouchard’s generous act, Basham had this to say: “It is sad that troops are being killed in Iraq, but it’s even sadder that someone would send cigars, which is also a killer.”

Anti-smoking activists in Michigan couldn’t have a better spokesman: Basham is another example of an anti-tobacco activist so dedicated to controlling the lives of others with his smoking ban that he would ignore scientific evidence, common sense, and even basic decency.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

The Arturo Fuente Anejo No. 77, better known as “the shark,” is one of the most sought after cigars currently in production. It is easily identified by its unique shape: a tapered pyramid that morphs from a round head to a sharply box-pressed foot.

Following on the success of their super-premium Opus X line, the Fuentes created this blend featuring a Connecticut maduro wrapper with a Dominican binder and filler. Like the Opus X, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for the Anejos – over $20 for a single stick and upwards of $30 for the “shark.”

Not content to employ a simple maduro wrapper, Fuente ages the Connecticut maduro wrapper five years, including a special aging process utilizing cognac barrels. The oily maduro is nearly veinless and the color is darker than most maduros – almost a pure jet black.

Before lighting, I notice earth, chocolate flavors, a hint of fruit, and, not surprisingly, cognac. Perhaps due to the unusual shape, the cigar felt light and not very solid in my hand. Once lit, the Anejo 77 starts off with an uncommon burst of sweetness. It then proceeded to settle into a medium-bodied smoke with chocolate and hints of black pepper spice.

The draw is easy on this five and 7/8 inch pyramid (the ring gauge is 50 by the head before widening out to 64 at the foot). As the cigar progressed it unveiled a solid white ash that held for a full inch at a time.

Around the midway point, “the shark” seemed to accelerate from medium to very full-flavored. Earth and burnt cedar notes were overflowing, along with more maduro sweetness and even hints of cinnamon. The cigar’s phsical properties continued to be impressive, with only a slightly uneven burn being a small blemish on otherwise flawless construction.

Ultimately, I found this to be a most impressive cigar. With excellent construction and rich intense flavors, particularly an abundance of sweet burnt sugar and fruit, the Anejo 77 is the ultimate maduro.

While I’d never consider a cigar with a $30 price tag to be a bargain, the cigar’s decadent flavors match the high price. For that decadence, packed into such a unique shape, the Arturo Fuente Anejo 77 earns a rating of four and 1/2 out of five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here. Cigars for this review were provided by CigarsDirect.com, and can be purchased here.]

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

StogieGuys.com will be featured on the Livin’ Large with Geoff Pinkus radio show on WIND 560 AM in Chicago today. The show runs from 5-7 pm CST (6-8 EST) and Patrick A is scheduled to be on around at 5:30 CST (6:30 EST).

Geoff’s show is about “cigars, cars, spirits, wine, beer, restaurants, music, sports, hot chicks, jets, Harleys, guns, bikes, and fishing.” You can even call in at 877-560-WIND to ask a question on the air. If you’re not in the Chicago area, you can listen live here (and if you miss it, a podcast will be available here). You can listen to previous appearances here.

–The Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

A while back, I picked up a sampler pack offering a variety from Altadis’ numerous H. Upmann lines. Overall, I found them to be OK, but nothing particularly notable. This 50 ring gauge by five inch stick features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a Connecticut broadleaf binder, and filler from Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua. A mild cigar, it produced lots of smoke and no bite. A straight tobacco taste predominated, accented with some leather and wood.

Verdict = Hold.

–George E

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

This lighter-bodied Dominican has what I call the typical Fuente taste: woody with enough spice and vanilla to keep things interesting. Salt is also dominant, so be sure to have a trusty beverage handy for this six and ¾ inch by 50 ring gauge journey. You may have to touch up the burn every now and again, but construction is fairly solid.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and reader-friendly as possible, each Friday we’ll post a selection of quick cigar news and stogie-related snippets. We call ‘em Friday Samplers . Enjoy.

1) The intense competition to craft the world’s longest cigar is alive and well in the Caribbean. Aiming for his fourth Guinness world record, Cuban José Castelar is set to unveil a 98-foot monstrosity with 93 pounds of “top-quality” tobacco. He is expected to fall short of last year’s record of 135 feet set by Patricio Peña of Puerto Rico.

2) Inside the Industry: Small quantities of the new Rocky Patel Summer Blend 2008 go on sale in two weeks. Rocky described the Sumatra-seed Ecuadorian-wrapped blend to Cigar Aficionado as “medium to full in body, with a spicy, peppery flavor.” The four vitolas will sell for $6.50- $8.50 apiece.

3) Greece announced plans to ban smoking in public places yesterday. The move comes after previous smoking laws in bars and restaurants went ignored by one of Europe’s heaviest smoking populations.

4) Around the Blogs : Cigar Jack checks out the CAO Brazilia Gol. Keepers of the Flame smokes a La Flor Dominicana El Jocko. Stogie Baby lights up an Old Henry. Stogie Review smokes the Split Decision Double by ITC.

5) Deal of the Week : La Tradicion Perdomo Reserve was named "cigar of the year" by Robb Report . If you haven’t tried it yet, this La Tradicion Perdomo Reserve Sampler is a great way to introduce yourself to this popular and often hard to find line at a reasonable price: $39.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: The Telegraph

I was reading the other day about a new movement in travel: “slow travel .” Like the earlier “slow food” approach, the aim is to savor and enjoy your experience, not just get to the end. Rather than rush through a trip with a lengthy list of places to see and things to do, slow travel advocates tend to focus on less rapid movement, no checklists, and getting off the beaten path.

I wonder how many people who are exploring a slower lifestyle enjoy cigars? It may be the ultimate slow experience. So much so that it doesn’t need another name. “Slow cigar smoking” would be redundant.

Of course, it’s possible to do all sorts of things while you’re smoking a cigar. But it’s difficult to multi-task and truly enjoy a cigar. Activities that complement the pleasure of the smoking experience include reading, good company, music, nice drinks, daydreaming, etc. Most wouldn’t enojy running, especially a marathon.

You might rush to your local shop to pick up a new release, but it’s a cinch you won’t rush through the stick just so you can move to another one. I can’t imagine a great cigar experience while fiddling with a Blackberry.

Without waxing too poetic, cigars offer an amazing opportunity to enjoy something that results from a rare combination of hard labor, artistic flair, ancient craft, modern commerce, and international cooperation.

Why, you could even spend a half-hour or so mulling all that over as you carefully consider the wafting smoke you’re creating with that lovely cigar.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys