The Stogie Guys

It’s been a few months since the StogieGuys.com team published a new list of Gold Star Smokes. As you might recall, this special designation celebrates cigars that we feel are worthy of strong recommendations. They don’t necessarily have to be five stogie-rated—just commendable smokes we turn to time and again.

Co-Founder & Editor in Chief Patrick A

One smoke that I can’t recommend enough is the new Entubar by Berger & Argenti. If you’re the kind of cigar enthusiast who enjoys balanced, traditional-tasting tobacco and brilliant combustion qualities, you can’t afford to pass up this outstanding experience.

Co-Founder & Publisher Patrick S

Frankly, I’d be shocked if the new CAO La Traviata isn’t featured in Cigar Aficionado‘s top 25 list. It certainly makes my list of top cigars in 2009. This Ecuadorian habano-wrapped stick is medium-bodied and thick with leather, cedar, and roasted flavors. Best of all, in these tight economic times, all of the La Traviata’s three vitolas are available for less than $6 apiece.

Tampa Bureau Chief George E

I suggest you pick up one of Pete Johnson’s Cabaiguans. They’re pricey, but I find them terrific medium-strength smokes. The Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut shade wrapper mixes with the Nicaraguan filler to create a thick, rich experience.

Contributing Reviewer Patrick M

In 2009 I probably smoked at least two boxes of the Tatuaje Havana VI Angeles. With consistently great construction and combustion, this corona-sized cigar is a great value at about $5 per stick when purchased by the box. Featuring flavors of leather, earth, and cedar with a good amount of peppery spice, the Angeles has good complexity and balance. For all of these reasons this cigar will continue to be in heavy rotation for me and I suggest you try one or a dozen for yourself.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Stogie Guys

The other day a workman came by to do some adjustments on a project that had been previously installed at my house. He was here for only a few minutes, and I puzzled over what to do. A tip didn’t seem exactly appropriate for the small job, but something seemed in order.

As he was packing up, I went to my humidor, grabbed a stick and dropped it in my pocket. Before he got to the door, I asked whether he ever smoked cigars.

“Sometimes,” he replied. “Great,” I said. “I think you’ll enjoy this one.” I pulled the cigar out of my pocket and dropped it in his.

And with that simple act, I decided I have established my own new tradition: New Year’s cigars. For the next couple of weeks I’m going to look for opportunities to present someone with a cigar as I wish them Happy New Year.

What better way to spread some cheer and happiness than with a cigar? Oh, I’m sure I’ll run into a tobacco Grinch or two. Honestly, though, I think most people see the gift of a cigar as a friendly gesture. It seems to hearken back to a more civilized time. After all, who ever got in a fight after one too many cigars?

So, may I invite you to join me in giving the gift of cigars? Maybe we can make it a lasting New Year’s ritual.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

This is the time of year for looking back. Lists of the best this or that, the top whatever, or the biggest disappointments are everywhere. For cigars, that usually means compilations of the premier smokes and new releases. I can’t even begin to compile something like that. There are just too many cigars I haven’t seen, much less smoked, to make my opinions worthwhile.

But I’ve been so impressed by the actions of one industry leader that I feel compelled to bestow at least my own recognition. So, I’m creating the Cigar Smokers’ Friend award and bestowing the first one to the J.C. Newman Cigar Co. for its release of more high-quality cigars at a reasonable price. The Brick House line follows the late 2008 shipment of its well-received El Baton.

Many cigar blenders and manufacturers create excellent sticks that tip the scales at $9 or more. Putting consistently good cigars on the shelf in the $5 to $6 range–some even less– s quite a trick. Newman’s performance with these two lines qualifies as near magic.

Though it’s among the oldest U.S. cigar companies, J.C. Newman rarely gets the attention of, say, Fuente, its business partner. With brands like Cuesta-Rey and Diamond Crown, Newman has long had a reputation for producing high-quality smokes on the lighter side of the scale. Perhaps its most public venture of late has been the creation of snazzy Diamond Crown lounges at smoke shops throughout the country.

With El Baton and Brick House, both names restructured from years ago, Newman has moved to both Nicaraguan tobacco and stronger blends. I’ve smoked quite a few El Batons and did a positive Quick Smoke earlier this year. I’ve only had a couple from the Brick House line since its recent introduction. It is another fine cigar, perhaps a shade lighter than El Baton, but its equal in quality construction, burn, and flavor.

Newman also moved from its traditional producer, Fuente, for these cigars, and created separate websites for each (ElBaton.com and BrickHouseCigars.com).

While the company’s response to smokers’ desire for a stronger cigar isn’t unusual, I think the way Newman went about it is. For starters, the cigars aren’t simply strong; they’re anything but nicotine bombs. They can be enjoyed by a wide variety of smokers.

Then there’s the price. With a struggling economy and many people having to watch their money, that’s nothing to ignore. By bringing out two lines at reasonable prices, Newman has shown respect and concern for customers.

And that’s why I say J.C. Newman is the Cigar Smokers’ Friend.

–George E

photo credit: JNewmanOTB

A common complaint among cigar smokers is that elected officials and government leaders don’t listen to them. Well, here’s a chance to easily get your thoughts before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as  the  bureaucracy considers how to implement its recently granted control over tobacco.

The process is relatively simple. Just go to this page and follow the instructions to input your comments. Before doing that, though, you should read about the process. That’s easy, too. Visit this page on FDA.gov and you’ll find links to the notice in the Federal Register and commentary from the FDA on tobacco regulation.

The IPCPR, in a recent release, had “talking points” you might find helpful. I’ve reproduced them below, with permission. Cigar Rights of America has also issued talking points for cigar smokers, but I urge you not to copy your comments from another source.  Use your own words to express your own opinions. Thoughtful, polite, and concise individual comments always carry more weight. The deadline for public comment is Dec. 28.

You might also want to send a copy of your comments–with a brief explanatory note–to your Senators and Representative. You’ll find their contact information here and here. Even though they’re not currently directly involved, I think it’s good to take every opportunity to let them know how you feel. When it comes to elected officials, personal letters are more effective than emails.

One point to remember is that the current law does not explicitly include cigars and pipe tobacco. To do so would require hearings, though it wouldn’t require new legislation. But one of the aims is to attack under-age smoking, and “little” cigars and mass-produced cigars–particularly flavored ones–are often enmeshed in that effort. So, it couldn’t hurt to voice your views now.

IPCPR Suggested Talking Points

— Congress recognized the fact that cigars and pipe tobacco do not pose the same public health concerns as the tobacco products outlined for regulation. FDA needs to recognize this important distinction as it implements the Tobacco Act.

— Flavored cigarillos are manufactured and marketed to only adults, as is premium cigar tobacco, and should remain as a legal adult choice product.

— Kids don’t smoke tobacco pipes; pipe smoking is an adult activity; there has not been a single study that has indicated any issue with kids smoking tobacco pipes.

— Cigar and pipe consumers have the right to purchase and enjoy flavored premium products just as they have the right to purchase and consume flavored alcoholic spirits and other flavored alcoholic products.

— Because of their artisan nature, origin, and construction, cigars are far different from cigarettes and are not consumed in the same way.

— Cigars are a mature, adult social experience.

— As most cigar and pipe tobacco businesses are owned and operated by small business owners and their families, further regulation will prove burdensome and overwhelming.

— Simply because a product is flavored does not mean it is intended for, or marketed to, children.

— For centuries, pipe tobacco has been flavored to create a wide variety of taste profiles enjoyed by adults.

–George E

photo credit: FDA.gov

The seasons bring on many changes. For me, those changes admittedly alter my otherwise consistent cigar smoking routines.

This time of year, for example, I generally find myself smoking fewer cigars. There just seems to be less time. The days are shorter. The holidays keep me busy with travel. And there are always an awful lot of gatherings and other functions to attend, many of which aren’t cigar-friendly.

When I do find the time to smoke, the cold weather makes it less enjoyable. It’s a big production to put on a pot of coffee, set up the space-heater, and bundle up with hats, gloves, and heavy coats. Well, maybe it’s not a big production. But you have to agree that summer smoking is a lot easier, which requires little more than a cutter, shorts, an adult beverage, and matches.

Speaking of matches, that’s another change that comes along with winter: I find myself less patient outside, forgoing my regular old wooden matches for a butane torch. I guess I’d rather just get things going quickly and spend less time enjoying the sights, sounds, and aromas of slowly toasting the foot.

As my colleague wrote almost three years ago, “to brave inclement weather shows true dedication to the wonderful hobby that is cigars.” Agreed. But these days I’d rather not be out there too long. So the weather also determines the size of cigars I smoke, making it less likely I’ll fire up a Churchill and more likely I’ll select a short stick from my humidor.

In addition to these changes, winter also makes me even more pissed off about the prevalence of government-imposed smoking bans in private places. While I hate such regulations year-round, I do most of my smoking on my patio and—until the temperatures start to drop—don’t mind being outside.

Now, though, I’d rather be indoors. And this year will be worse than last because Virginia, where I reside, recently criminalized smoking in restaurants and bars. So I’m cut off from many of my previous cold-weather sanctuaries (and those sanctuaries are cut off from my business).

But the show must go on. It will go on. I have the honor and privilege of reviewing cigars for this website. And, like many of you, I have the resolve to laugh in the face of Jack Frost…at least as long as I have a steady supply of warm coffee.

In a few months, football season will be ending and spring training—along with warmer temperatures and a return to cigar normalcy—will be here. For me, those changes can’t come soon enough.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Flickr

[Editors’ Note: Tomorrow, Virginia’s smoking ban goes into effect. The following guest commentary was originally published in January 2008 when Virginia Governor Tim Kaine began pushing for the statewide smoking ban, but the reasons it gives for opposing the smoking ban remain just as valid today.]

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine recently announced that he’ll renew his fight to ban smoking in all Virginia bars and restaurants. He defended this push by citing the dangers of secondhand smoke, saying, “The scientific evidence about the health risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke is clear and convincing. Recognizing the negative health effects and high public costs of secondhand smoke, Virginia must act to protect the workers and consumers in its restaurants.”

We’re pleased the governor has such command of the epidemiologic literature. Usually, when politicians make such statements, they have little if any familiarity with scientific research. Kaine should cite the empirical studies showing the health effects of bar and restaurant patrons’ occasional exposure to tobacco smoke. We’re not aware of any such studies; even the much-cited recent surgeon general’s report on secondhand smoke offered no statistical evidence of diminished health from occasional exposure. The findings on health effects that we’ve seen involve people who are chronically exposed to secondhand smoke—people such as the spouses and children of smokers who’ve had decades of regular, concentrated exposure.

The governor further claims that he has “clear and convincing” scientific evidence that a ban would decrease health risks and reduce “high” public costs. Can he tell us what those costs were and how they were calculated? How much will Virginia’s current trends in mortality and morbidity change as a result of his prohibition? Will he promise to repeal the law if no such change materializes?

Of course, people have a right to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, no matter what studies show. But they don’t have the right to force everyone else to live according to their preference. Fortunately, the world can accommodate their desires along with those of people who don’t mind tobacco smoke, just as it can accommodate people who like Chinese food and people who prefer hamburgers. Restaurant and bar owners want to make money, and they do so by catering to different market niches. In Northern Virginia, many restaurants and bars advertise that they are smoke-free, while others cater to a smoking crowd. This offering of many different choices is a virtue of open markets. So why would Kaine override the smoking choices of different people and instead impose his preference on all Virginians?

The governor noted his concern for the health of hospitality workers, who may have more exposure to secondhand smoke. But when bar and restaurant owners set their smoking policies, they must consider the preferences of their staff or else they’ll find themselves facing rapid turnover and paying higher wages. Why should all Virginia bar and restaurant workers be forced to work in a nonsmoking environment that only some of them demand?

Liberal societies allow people to make decisions that others don’t like. If some Virginians want to eat and drink in an establishment that allows smoking, and some workers want to work there, and some entrepreneur wants to finance that business, why does the governor think he should overrule them?

–Tom Firey and Jacob Grier

[Tom Firey is editor of Regulation magazine, which is published by the Cato Institute. Jacob Grier, formerly of Cato, is a friend of StogieGuys.com. He blogs at JacobGrier.com.]

photo credit: 50states.com

We spend a good amount of space writing about bad news. Whether it’s smoking bans and tobacco taxes or cigar companies suing each other instead of focusing on making cigars, there is a lot of news about cigars that’s downright frustrating.

But it’s important to remember the good. Particularly since, on balance, there’s a lot more good news than bad. To that end, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, here are five things cigar smokers should be thankful for:

5) Fighting for Cigar Rights: It may have taken awhile, but the cigar industry is finally realizing that sitting on the sidelines while anti-tobacco activists tax and regulate cigars away just isn’t an option. Through the IPCPR, CAA, and the CRA, which seeks to energize cigar smokers in the fight against anti-cigar legislation, we’re seeing renewed vigor in the vital cause that is defending our hobby. That’s important and it’s something to be thankful for.

4) Next Generation Cigar Makers: Now is a great time to be a cigar smoker, and no small reason for that is a younger generation of cigar makers that are hitting their prime. Pete Johnson of Tatuaje, Dion Giolito of Illusione, Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate, Christian Eiroa of Camacho, Erik Espinoza and Eddie Ortega of EO Cigars, and others are part of a new generation of cigar makers. They are dispensing with some of the stuffy formalities while they focus on making great, interesting, innovative cigars.

3) Helpful Cigar Shop Keepers: Some of the most generous and knowledgeable people around are cigar shop owners and employees. They are passionate about their business in a way that you’ll never find in a shoe store or convenience shop. I’ve had store owners spend hours talking with me about cigars, knowing that at the end of the day I’m not likely to buy more than a few sticks. It’s one of the reasons that so many people aren’t simply cigar smokers, but cigar enthusiasts.

2) Experienced Cigar Veterans: Sure, the new guys are getting tons of press these days, but it’s the older generation that makes it possible. Today there are so many living legends still making cigars: Henke Kelner of Davidoff, Avo Uvezian, José Seijas and Frank Llaneza at Altadis, Benji Menendez of General Cigar, Ernesto Perez Carillo, Guirellmo León of La Aurora, Don Pepin Garcia, the Fuentes, the Padróns, and so many others. We are lucky to be cigar smokers at a time when so many masters are still going strong.

1) Fellow Cigar Smokers: There may be many living legends making the cigars we smoke, but we don’t spend a lot of time smoking with the Carlos Fuente’s of the world. More often we’re lighting up a cigar with our fellow brothers (and sisters) of the leaf. Fortunately, they’re a friendly and generous bunch of people. As cigar smokers, we instantly share a bond, and we’re eager to share our tobacco treats. That’s why the camaraderie we share with fellow cigar enthusiasts is still the aspect of smoking that I am most thankful for.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Vagalous