The Stogie Guys

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) Earlier this month, Mitch Zeller, director of the Center for Tobacco Products, hosted a webinar on the topic of reducing the burden of regulation on tobacco. A recent newsletter from Cigar Rights of America reports the “webinar focused almost entirely on the prevention of youth usage initiation, ways to encourage cessation of tobacco usage, the reduction of product harms and addictiveness, and new developments of science based regulatory regimes for tobacco.” However, Zeller did acknowledge “the position of the premium cigar industry” and has “received the message that premium cigars are different.” The Center for Tobacco Products is a subset of the Food & Drug Administration that oversees forthcoming tobacco regulations—regulations many consider the greatest threat to the premium cigar industry.

2) The 2014 Midwest Smoke Out will be held on April 24 at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana. Six yet-to-be-announced cigar industry legends will be making an appearance at the event, meeting with attendees who purchased VIP tickets (which go on sale January 1). Proceeds will benefit Cigar Rights of America. Only 20 VIP tickets will be sold at a price of $200; regular admission tickets will be $150.

3) Inside the Industry: Pete Johnson (sort of) announced the makings of a Tatuaje Lancero sampler for 2014. As mentioned earlier, new cigar trademarks are increasing.

4) Deal of the Week: Cigar Place has a variety of cigars on sale with brand-specific coupon codes. Most notable is 30% off Cusano, 20% off Drew Estate Undercrown, and 20% off Oliva.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: FDA

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) Rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z has made his first foray into the premium cigar industry, partnering with General Cigar to launch a new Cohiba line called Comador. Available in one size, a Toro (6 x 52), Comador is a project two years in the making that includes a Connecticut Havana wrapper and will be sold in a humidor of 21 cigars ($999), a travel humidor of 7 cigars ($350), or a box of 7 cigars ($210). “I worked with Cohiba because I knew they’d take my vision of a luxury cigar and bring it to life in the right way,” said Jay-Z. “We took our time working on this, to get the blend to exactly where I wanted it to be. Comador looks and tastes the way I think a cigar should.”

2) You still have time to bid in Xikar’s charity auction for the 1,000th Xi3 Fossil Mammoth Ivory cigar cutter with free inscription and induction into the Xikar for Life Hall of Fame. It’s to support the company’s relationship with Cigars for Warriors, which collects and disperses premium cigars to U.S. military personnel serving in a designated combat zones. All auction proceeds will go to the project, and you can bid here.

3) Inside the Industry: Illusione announced its Singulare 2013 is now shipping to retailers. In a tweet, Illusione owner Dion Giolito describes the cigar as “sweet hickory, black cherry, mild spice, and leather through the nose. Complex as hell.” We’ve reviewed past Illusione Singulare cigars from 2010, 2011, and 2012.

4) Deal of the Week: Looking for a last-minute cigar Christmas gift, or just something to treat yourself? Please consider purchasing it from one of our retail sponsors, each of which has a number of holiday specials: Smoke Inn, Signal Cigar, Corona Cigar, Emerson’s Cigars, or Cigar Place. Thank you for your support.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Comador

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) La Sirena, a brand that has been under the Miami Cigar & Co. umbrella since it was created in 2009, will be independently owned and operated in 2014. Arielle Ditkowich will remain head of La Sirena. “Ditkowich is extremely grateful for everything Nestor Miranda and the entire Miami team has taught her during their partnership and will always look at the Miranda family as an extension of her own,” reads a press release. “La Sirena Cigars will continue to work with the Garcia Family at My Father Cigars and Guillermo León at La Aurora Cigars to make the current Sirena and Merlion Blends, respectively.” More news about the future of La Sirena is expected to be announced soon.

2) States will take in about $25 billion in tobacco-related taxes and settlement funds from tobacco in 2014, but will spend only about $481 million on programs to reduce or eliminate use, according to news reports. Many states allocate much of the money for other programs, such as Medicaid, and only two—Alaska and North Dakota—will meet federal tobacco-reduction spending recommendations that total $3.7 billion for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

3) Inside the Industry: Drew Estate’s Herrera Estelí line is adding a Lancero size. For the first time ever, Padrón is shipping its highly-acclaimed 1926 blend in four-packs. Boutique Blends/Aging Room is releasing a new box-pressed Dominican puro called the Quattro T59 that’s described as similar to the Aging Room Quattro F55, but with an eight-year-old Dominican Criollo wrapper.

4) Around the Blogs: Cigar Inspector inspects the Punch Sir John. Stogie Review reviews Nica Rustica. Tiki Bar kicks back with the Nomad S-307. Stogie Fresh lights up the Casa Fernandez Miami Maduro. Cigar Fan examines the San Cristobal Elegancia.

5) Deal of the Week: E.P. Carrillo is offering a sampler that includes two never-before-released cigars through the subscription service Bespoke Post. Included is a special edition of the 2013 Limited Edition with a natural Ecuadorian wrapper (as opposed to the regular San Andreas wrapper), a five-year-old Inaugural Limitada 2009, and a cigar called “Family Blend #809” that has an Ecuadorian wrapper, Dominican binder, and Nicaraguan filler. You also get a wooden ashtray, a candle, a cutter, and cedar spills, all for just $45. To get your hands on these exclusive cigars sign up here, then select their “Churchill” box. (After you receive your E.P. Carrillo cigars, you can pass on future boxes you don’t want, or simply cancel.)

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: La Sirena Cigars

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) The third annual Nicaragua Puro Sabor festival is slated for January 15-17 and will be held in Managua and Estelí. The event is organized by the Nicaraguan Cigar Association (NCA), which exists to promote the recognition of cigars produced on Nicaraguan soil. It will “gather personalities, investors, buyers, and aficionados who will share experiences and industry know-how, showcasing the attributes and qualities of our land and our people, while enjoying international award-winning cigars,” said NCA President Nestor Plasencia in a press release. Included will be Nicaraguan cuisine, cigar and rum tastings, and visits to tobacco plantations and cigar factories. Tickets are being sold here for $640-690 apiece until December 15.

2) The Hill reports that the impending FDA regulation of cigars is currently under review at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). “OIRA routinely hosts meetings with industry groups and other stakeholders while it reviews new regulations,” reads the article. “The events are typically one-sided; representatives from businesses and other organizations make their cases, but rarely do administration officials give clues to reveal the expected contents of the pending regulation.” More details are expected to emerge before the end of the month. StogieGuys.com has been writing about this for years, and considers the FDA regulation of premium cigars to be the single greatest threat facing cigar rights.

3) Inside the Industry: General Cigar Senior Vice President and respected cigar ambassador Benji Menendez is retiring this year. General Cigar will release a new Partagas Benji Homage 62 cigar in two sizes, to commemorate Beji’s 62 years in the cigar industry.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews Don Pepin Garcia 10th Anniversary. Nice Tight Ash checks out Bonita 18th Anniversary Blend. Tiki Bar kicks back with Revere 262 Lancero. Cigar Inspector inspects Tatuaje Havana VI. Stogie Fresh fires up an AKA Respect.

5) Deal of the Week: Emerson’s has a bevy of holiday samplers. You’d especially want to consider the Montecristo four-pack for $20 or the Romeo y Julieta four-pack for just $15.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Nicaragua Puro Sabor

With football on the TV, turkey in your stomach, and family gathered, Thanksgiving is a great day to enjoy a fine cigar (or several). So, as we have for the previous six years, today the StogieGuys.com team tells you what cigars we’ll be firing up after our big meals.

Patrick A: In year’s past, my Thanksgiving selection has often been a cigar that came out in the same year—and 2013 is no exception. Tomorrow, my plan is to fire up a Leccia Tobacco White 650 and a cup of black coffee after the big meal. Hopefully that combination will rescue me from what’s sure to be an epic food coma. The toro (6 x 50) should cap off the afternoon nicely with a plethora of medium-bodied holiday flavors, including coffee, nuts, milk chocolate, and cream.

Patrick S: Like my colleague, I’m a fan of the new Joya de Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco. Created to celebrate 45 years of Joya Cigars, the large box-pressed toro is a hearty, full-flavored cigar, which is just what I’ll want after a large Thanksgiving meal. It has plenty of flavorful ligero, but also a balanced, rounded profile with sweetness and complexity. It will go great with a strong cup of coffee.

George E: I’ve smoked several more Eiroa Toros since I first tried the blend in October, and thoroughly enjoyed each one. A full-bodied, beautiful smoke, this Honduran puro is guaranteed to cut through the most extravagant Thanksgiving meal. At about $10, the 6-inch, 54-ring gauge stick might seem a little pricey, but it’s worth every penny, especially for a holiday treat.

Previous cigars the StogieGuys.com team designated as Thanksgiving smokes include:

Not a bad list, eh? If you’re so inclined, feel free to let us know what you’ll be smoking tomorrow in the comments below. And be sure to have a safe and joyous Thanksgiving.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: N/A

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) Our friends at Smoke Inn Cigars are hosting a toy drive to benefit the Kids Cancer Foundation, a Florida-based charity that provides a wide variety of support services for children diagnosed with cancer, and their families. All of us at StogieGuys.com encourage you to mail a new, unwrapped toy to the following address before Saturday, December 7: Smoke Inn Casa de Montecristo, Attn. Lady M., 1030 Gateway Blvd., Boynton Beach, Florida 33426. All those who do will receive one raffle ticket per gift donated, and have a chance to win one of six amazing prizes: a 48-count box of Liga Privada Parejos, a box of 2012 Tatuaje Little Monsters, a box of Room 101 Big Delicious, a box of Oktoberfest Dunkel, a 5-pack of Tatuaje Anarchy from 2010, and a Prometheus Ashtray. The grand prize is a 10-pack of 1999 Padrón Millenniums in a special box (value of $1,500). You do not have to be physically present to participate or claim your prize. Thank you for considering a donation to this important cause; your help can brighten this holiday season for a child in need of support.

2) While some cruise companies have become less friendly to smokers, others are emphasizing cigars with fancy cigar lounges and plenty of premium cigars available. USA Today lists the cigar smoking options on eight of the largest cruise companies. More than one company calls their cigar lounges “Churchills.”

3) Inside the Industry: The Oliva Tobacco Company, a grower that produces tobacco for some of the best-known cigar brands, has established a new farm in Ecuador to meet increasing demand for Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. The 325-acre operation is currently focused on Havana 2000 and Corojo plants. Oliva Tobacco is unrelated to the Oliva Cigar Company.

4) Around the Blogs: Cigar Inspector inspects the Hoyo de Monterrey Grand Epicure 2013 LE. Cigar Fan fires up a Cult Classic. Stogie Fresh smokes the San Lotano Oval Maduro. Stogie Review reviews the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2. Tiki Bar kicks back with a Havana Sunrise Reserve.

5) Deal of the Week: Let’s not kid ourselves. The Gobble Gobble Sampler is a bit of a crap-shoot, but odds look good you’re getting a good deal. Only $80 gets you 40 cigars (just $2 per stick). And while the specific cigars aren’t specified, the brands represented are all reputable: La Aurora, Alec Bradley, Camacho, Rocky Patel, Toraño, Padilla, Quesada, Cubao, Martin Cigar, Xikar HC, CAO, El Tiante, and Onyx.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Smoke Inn

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) Our friends at Cigar Rights of America—the national advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the rights of the consumer, retail tobacconist, and manufacturers of premium cigars—are hitting the road with four upcoming events. These events are a great opportunity to join CRA, renew your membership, become more involved, or just share a smoke with like-minded cigar enthusiasts. On November 23, CRA will be at the Tampa Cigar Festival. On December 5, the organization will be at Cigar Aficionado’s Big Smoke in New York City. And on December 7 and 14, CRA will be in Miami at Smoke This! and Cigar Extravaganza, respectively. StogieGuys.com encourages all cigar smokers to join CRA and take a stand against tobacco taxes, smoking bans, and harmful regulations.

2) It may soon be illegal to smoke cigars on outdoor bar and restaurant patios in Toronto. That’s because officials in Ontario are considering a proposal that would criminalize those activities, and also ban smoking on playgrounds and sports fields. The Health Minister also “announced a ban on sales of tobacco on college and university campuses and the doubling of fines for stores that sell cigarettes to minors,” according to CTV News.

3) Site News: Regular visitors may have noticed that the site has been a little sluggish over the past few weeks, especially during peak hours. To fix the problem, we’ve upgraded servers once again and you should now be able to access all the great StogieGuys.com content quicker than ever.

4) Inside the Industry: Toraño has started shipping its new Vault D-042. “Vault Red,” as Toraño has nicknamed it, features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan filler, along with a Pennsylvania filler leaf. The cigar comes in four sizes: Robusto (5 x 52), Toro (6 x 50), Torpedo (6.1 x 52), and BFC (6 x 60).

5) Deal of the Week: This “Black and White” sampler features 10 cigars for just $30. You get five Don Pepin Garcia Series JJ Natural Robustos
and five CAO MX2 Robustos.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: CRA