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. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Wisconsin becomes the 28th state to enact a smoking ban starting on Monday. Passed over a year ago, the law criminalizes smoking in workplaces throughout the Badger State, including  bars and restaurants. But the new regulation is anything but clear-cut. Politicians in Madison worded the bill so poorly that questions still remain over enforcement and exemptions—a nightmare scenario for business owners who are uncertain about their options.

2) Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell’s proposal for a 30% tax on cigars was voted down on Tuesday. A disproportionate number of online cigar wholesalers call Pennsylvania home, including Famous Smoke Shop, Holt’s, and Cigar’s International—a company that threatened to move if the tax passed. This isn’t a coincidence. Along with Florida, the Keystone State is the only one without a cigar tax. Cigar Rights of America attributed the victory to CRA members who contacted lawmakers.

3) Inside the Industry: In our talks last week with Tatuaje creator Pete Johnson, he revealed two interesting nuggets: (1) the Vintage line will be arriving at retailers in the next few weeks and (2) he’s working on a new project called “Fausto” named after an old Cuban brand that took the name from a famous literary character.

4) Around the Blogs: Smoking Stogie smokes a Punch Diademas Extra. Keepers of the Flame fires up a Reyes Family Vintage. Stogie Fresh lights up the Quesada Tributo. Stogie Review reviews the Zino Platinum Crown Series 2010. Cigar Inspector inspects a Fuente Hemingway Work of Art. Nice Tight Ash checks out the La Flor Dominicana Limitado IV.

5) Deal of the Week: Sunday is July 4th, which means an Independence Day Sale is going on at Cuban Crafters. There are plenty of discounts, but our favorite deal is a box of the Cubano Claro Lonsdales for just $70. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr

Completing our coverage of the 2010 Cigar Expo, an event hosted by Famous Smoke Shop at their headquarters in Easton, Pennsylvania, today we feature our joint interview of Pete Johnson of Tatuaje and Jesus Fuego of J. Fuego Cigars. Both discuss their newest creations, among other things.

Thank you to Famous Smoke Shop for a wonderful event and to all the cigar makers who made time for us. We look forward to next year’s Cigar Expo.

–The Stogie Guys

video credit: Stogie Guys

Today we continue our coverage of the 2010 Cigar Expo, an event hosted by Famous Smoke Shop at their headquarters in Easton, Pennsylvania. Here’s the discussion we had with Abe Flores about his lineup of Pinar del Rio cigars.

We’re also pleased to feature our interview with Eddie Ortega, who spoke about his new partnership with Rocky Patel, changes to the various 601 blends, and a new cigar trademark he just registered for “Hardcore.”

Visit StogieGuys.com again tomorrow for our final video from the 2010 Cigar Expo: a colorful chat with Jesus Fuego and Pete Johnson.

–The Stogie Guys

video credit: Stogie Guys

Today we continue our coverage of the 2010 Cigar Expo, an event hosted by Famous Smoke Shop at their headquarters in Easton, Pennsylvania. The Expo featured dozens of top cigar makers, lots of cold beer to help beat the heat, the world’s largest “smokable” cigar, and a CAO-sponsored fireworks display. A great time was had by all.

We’re pleased to now feature our conversation with Tim Ozgener, president of CAO cigars, who told us about the new La Traviata Maduro and his involvement with Cigar Rights of America.

Rounding out our two-fer Tuesday, here’s our interview with Ernesto Perez-Carrillo of E.P. Carrillo Cigars, who spoke about the debut of his new core blend.

Be sure to check StogieGuys.com tomorrow for more interviews from the 2010 Cigar Expo.

–The Stogie Guys

video credit: Stogie Guys

On Saturday, one half of the StogieGuys.com team attended the 2010 Cigar Expo, an event hosted by Famous Smoke Shop at their headquarters in Easton, Pennsylvania. The Expo featured dozens of top cigar makers, lots of cold beer to help beat the heat, the world’s largest “smokable” cigar, and a CAO-sponsored fireworks display. A great time was had by all.

Our first interview was with José Blanco, La Aurora’s marketing director. He told us about the success of the 107 launch, the fight to protect cigar freedoms, and hinted at a new La Aurora release:

Be sure to check StogieGuys.com throughout the week for more video interviews with the world’s best cigar makers.

–The Stogie Guys

video credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

This Cuban cigar features a smooth golden wrapper and classic robusto proportions. It is a roller coaster of flavors and construction. It starts with tangy sour notes of orange peel, overpowering the cedar and paper tastes. This continues along until nearly the final third, when more balanced honey and nut flavors finally emerge. The construction is similar, with multiple touch-ups needed on an uneven burn that finally settles down in the final 20 minutes. I’m hoping some serious aging will improve this cigar because it does show some potential but, despite a pleasant finish, this particular roller coaster is not a fun ride.

Verdict = Sell.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we?ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

When I reviewed the Series JJ Belicoso back in December 2008, I found it to be somewhat disappointing. I’ve kept a Selectos (5 x 50) in my humidor since then to determine how the blend would perform after 18 months of aging. Not much had changed. The full-bodied flavor of dry wood, leather, and black pepper remained – nice but lacking in balance – and the physical properties were still below average for a $7-8 cigar. While I don’t dislike this Nicaraguan puro, it just isn’t quite my cup of tea.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys