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) The latest trend in smoking bans may not necessarily come at the hands of federal, state, or local government officials. In major cities, property management companies may start preventing renters from smoking without government intervention. The most prominent example is New York City’s Related Companies, which is beginning to ban smoking within its 40,000 rental units—both inside and out. “New tenants will sign a contract agreeing not to smoke anywhere in the building (that includes private terraces and balconies.) Breaking the rules could lead to eviction,” reports NBC. “Tenants already renting won’t have to sign until they renew their lease. But with a turnover rate of 10,000 a year, all apartments could be smoke-free in just a few years.”

2) Chris Edge’s Dona Flor brand, reintroduced to the American market in 2012 after a hiatus, is once again making the Alonso Menendez line available in the U.S. “Alonso Menendez made his name in Cuba creating the Montecristo No. 2 while operating the largest cigar factory in the country. The line of Brazilian puros that carry his name has become extremely popular in European countries, largely due to the increased Mata Norte in the blends,” reads a Dona Flor press release.

3) Inside the Industry: Toraño has announced a second addition to their Vault line, the D-042, which will hit shelves in August and is being made in three sizes for $7.20-8.50.  J. Grotto has announced that their Reserve Lancero will become a regular release after initially being limited to just 1,000 cigars. Davidoff announced The Griffin’s Casino as limited release in boxes of 21 cigars (MSRP $252), with 17 featuring the “Casino” secondary band (with an Ecuadorian wrapper) and four mystery blends with a “Joker” band.

4) Around the Blogs: Cigar Fan tries the Oja Anniversary. Stogie Review reviews the J. Fuego Edición de Familia. Stogie Fresh smokes the Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve. Robby Ras lights up the Four Kicks “Mule Kick” LE. Cigar Inspector inspects a Black Market.

5) Deal of the Week: This “Best of Dominican Sampler” features some real gems from the Dominican Republic. Only $27 gets you an E.P. Carrillo Elencos, a Four Kicks by Crowned Heads, a Montecristo Platinum, a Pinar del Rio Habana, and an AVO Maduro No. 2.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr

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) Big changes are afoot at Camacho Cigars, a Florida-based cigar manufacturer known for producing full-bodied cigars that has been owned by the Davidoff Group since 2008. For starters, the brand is embracing its reputation for strength with a new scorpion logo and distributing marketing materials that trumpet “bold is back with a vengeance” and “the world’s leader in bold cigars.” It is also revealing new branding that’s a major departure from Camacho’s older, more traditional look. It has hired Mike Ditka, Matt Booth of Room 101 Cigars (Room 101 has always been made by Camacho), and screenwriter Rob Weiss to be on the “Board of the Bold.” And it is narrowing its portfolio of 11 blends down to 6—Corojo, Corojo Maduro, Connecticut, Criollo, Triple Maduro, and Diploma—most of which will be entirely re-blended. We hear some prices may also drop as part of the reboot. This reinvention will be celebrated at a national release party in Dallas on June 20, and the new cigars will go on sale following the 2013 IPCPR Trade Show.

2) Hendrik Kelner, Jr., son of Henke Kelner of Davidoff fame, is releasing his own brand called Smoking Jacket Cigars. This inaugural release is the first cigar created in Kelner, Jr.’s newly opened Kelner Boutique Factory in Santiago. The cigar is a blend of Dominican, Brazilian, Peruvian, and Nicaraguan tobaccos and will be available in 4 sizes for $7-10 apiece.

3) Inside the Industry: Kristoff is introducing a new line of four blends called the Galerones Series, all of which will be made at Abe Flores’ factory in Tamboril. While still available from some online sellers, Cubao (now distributed by Espinosa Cigars), which has not been made since 2010, will be relaunched with slightly changed packaging. Miami Cigar is debuting the My Father Cigars-made Casa Miranda Chapter Two.

4) Around the Blogs: Cigar Fan fires up a Guayacon Torpedo. Stogie Review reviews the Fuente Don Carlos Lancero. Doc Stogie lights up the Quesada Selección España. Halfwheel smokes the Fonseca Singature Series TAA. Robby Ras checks out the 7-20-4 Lancero. Cigar Inspector inspects the Casa Magna Colorado Corona.

5) Deal of the Week: Because of the forthcoming changes detailed above, now is an excellent time to stock up on discount original blend Camacho cigars. Corona Cigar Co. is featuring 42-45% off a large selection of Camacho boxes (plus you get a Camacho hat and free shipping on your entire order). Get your cigars here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Camacho

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) Pennsylvania has had a statewide indoor smoking ban over most “public” locales for almost five years. But now certain politicians are aiming to expand that regulation over establishments that are currently exempt, including bars, private clubs, and casinos. Interestingly, according to the Patriot News, these politicians also want to target tobacco manufacturers, wholesalers, and processors. Pennsylvania is home to significant cigar-related industry because of its unique ability to yield premium tobacco. The state also has a favorable tax climate for cigars, which is why huge internet retailers like Cigars International and Famous Smoke Shop are located there.

2) Time published a short feature about national smoking bans in which we learn some interesting information about anti-tobacco efforts overseas. For example, China’s nationwide indoor smoking ban, imposed in May 2011, has witnessed inconsistent enforcement. Some speculate this may have to do with the fact that “the government body in charge of carrying out national anti-smoking laws was also running the world’s largest cigarette maker.”

3) Inside the Industry: After we received hints from Drew Estate that the company will be making a cigar for Swisher’s new premium cigar division, Royal Gold Cigars, Cigar Insider confirmed the news and added the new smoke is scheduled for October and will be limited to 70,000 cigars in 2013. Espinosa Cigars announced a limited release addition to it’s 601 La Bomba line called “Warhead” that features a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper.

4) Deal of the Week: There are nine days until Father’s Day, and if you’re planning on getting dad cigars or a cigar-related gift, we’d appreciate it if you’d consider purchasing that gift from one of our retail advertisers (Signal Cigars, Smoke Inn, Corona Cigar Company, Mike’s Cigars or Emerson’s Cigars). Their support helps us dedicate the time and resources necessary to bring you our unique, independent daily articles about all things cigars. Many are currently featuring specials for Father’s Day. Thanks!

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr

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) It’s the last day of May, and that means we’re set to reveal the the winners of the seven fantastic prizes we’re giving away to celebrate the seventh anniversary of StogieGuys.com. In case you missed the announcements, the prizes are epic, and they come courtesy of some of our favorite cigar makers, including CAO, Dante, Drew Estate, La Palina, Paul Garmirian, Prometheus, and Tesa. If you’re one of the 2,400+ who registered for this contest, keep an eye on your email in the coming days. We’ll be using our free email newsletter to announce the seven randomly chosen winners in short order. Best of luck to you all.

2) In our most recent sidebar survey, we found 42% of StogieGuys.com readers resolved to try more new cigars, 26% resolved to smoke better cigars, 26% resolved to smoke more cigars, and 6% resolved to smoke fewer cigars. To participate in our current survey, please do so in the sidebar to the right. And if you have an idea for a future survey, please contact us.

3) In honor of Memorial Day, Fox News ran a story about the oldest living U.S. veteran: Richard Arvine Overton, a Texan who served in World War II and is 107 years young. His secret to longevity? Up to 12 cigars per day and whiskey in his morning coffee.

4) Inside the Industry: Gurkha Cigars announced the release of The Rogue, the third release in its East India Trading Company line, made with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Ecuadorian binder, and filler from Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican. Davidoff is releasing the new golf-inspired Davidoff Masters Edition Club House Toro, a limited release of just 7,000 boxes of 10 with individual cigars selling for $22 each.

5) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the Tatuaje TAA 2012. Robby Ras reviews the CyB Lancero. Stogie Fresh rates La Flor Dominicana Cameroon Cabinet Chisel. Cigar Inspector inspects a Davidoff Puro d’Oro.

6) Deal of the Week: This “Around the World Sampler” features five cigars for $5 a stick. It includes such popular cigars as the Oliva Master Blend 3, Four Kicks, Alec Bradley Family Blend, and CAO Brazilia Lambada.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Stogie Guys

All of us at StogieGuys.com would like to wish you a very happy Memorial Day. Aside from remembering the brave men and women who have fought and died for our country, we’re taking the day off to barbeque, relax, and smoke a few cigars. We suggest you do the same.

In the meantime, feel free to sign up for our seventh anniversary cigar giveaway (details here). We’re giving away seven fantastic prizes to seven different readers. We’re announcing the winners at the end of the month, so there’s still time to make sure you have a chance to win.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: flickr (CC)

This month marks the seventh anniversary of StogieGuys.com as a daily web-magazine devoted to cigar rights, reviews, tips, and news. To celebrate, we’re giving away seven spectacular prizes over the course of seven days to seven different readers. All of the prizes have been generously furnished by some of our favorite cigar makers.

Today’s prize comes courtesy of our friends at Tesa, a Chicago-based boutique run by Chris Kelly with a portfolio of blends that have long been favorites of StogieGuys.com. We’re giving away a box of 13 Tesa Series Gran Cru cigars. This is a “stout, refined blend” with a criollo ’98 maduro wrapper around Nicaraguan tobaccos.

To enter to win this prize, visit this page and register. You’ll get additional entries for following StogieGuys.com on Twitter and Facebook. You can also get more entries by Tweeting about the contest (once per day) and by commenting on the posts (like today’s) announcing the prizes (one entry per day, please).

In addition, in order to be eligible you must be signed up to our free email list, where we’ll be announcing the seven winners at the end of the month.

Special thanks to Tesa and the other six participating cigar makers for making this seventh anniversary giveaway possible. And thank you for your loyal readership of StogieGuys.com. We wish you the best of luck!

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Tesa Cigar Co.

This month marks the seventh anniversary of StogieGuys.com as a daily web-magazine devoted to cigar rights, reviews, tips, and news. To celebrate, we’re giving away seven spectacular prizes over the course of seven days to seven different readers. All of the prizes have been generously furnished by some of our favorite cigar makers.

Today’s prize comes courtesy of our friends at Prometheus. It includes a Prometheus 20th Anniversary Magma T White Lacquer Lighter (MSRP $89.95) and a box of 10 God of Fire Serie B Robusto cigars (MSRP $210.00). (See our review of the Double Robusto here).

To enter to win this prize, visit this page and register. You’ll get additional entries for following StogieGuys.com on Twitter and Facebook. You can also get more entries by Tweeting about the contest (once per day) and by commenting on the posts (like today’s) announcing the prizes (one entry per day, please).

In addition, in order to be eligible you must be signed up to our free email list, where we’ll be announcing the seven winners at the end of the month.

Special thanks to Prometheus and the other six participating cigar makers for making this seventh anniversary giveaway possible. And thank you for your loyal readership of StogieGuys.com. We wish you the best of luck!

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Prometheus