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) This week U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) became the 14th cosponsor of S. 1461, a bill that seeks to protect cigars from harmful FDA regulations. The companion bill of S. 1461 in the House of Representatives, H.R. 1639, currently has 219 cosponsors. Senator Heller is a welcome addition to the growing list of legislators who understand how disastrous FDA regulation would be to premium cigars. The consequences of such regulation could include banning walk-in humidors at cigar shops, restrictions on advertising, and blending requirements that would render limited edition productions essentially impossible—and make it more difficult for small-batch producers to compete with larger manufacturers. If your representative or senators have not yet taken a stand for cigar rights, please contact them today.

2) More than 100 years ago, baseball players knew how to celebrate. In a recent Wall Street Journal story about teams commemorating major victories, baseball historian John Thorn said that when the Philadelphia Athletics won the 1910 World Series, they celebrated with champagne and 1,000 cigars on their train ride home.

3) Inside the Industry: Crowned Heads is releasing a limited edition of Four Kicks called the “Mule Kick” that will feature a darker wrapper and more ligero.

4) Around the Blogs: Nice Tight Ash checks out a Nicaraguan Cigar Co. Condega Serie F. Stogie Review reviews a Pinolero by A.J. Fernandez. Cigar Inspector inspects an El Rey del Mundo RE No. 1. Tiki Bar kicks back with a J. Fuego Origen Maduro. Casa Fumando smokes an Illusione 888 Maduro.

5) Deal of the Week: This “Silver Tray Special” features ten top cigars (with free shipping) for $50. Included are five each of the Oliva Master Blend 3 and Rocky Patel Renaissance.

–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 was announced this week that the Oliva Cigar Company will take over the domestic and international distribution of Padilla Cigars. The move is expected to increase the sales and availability of Padilla. “This latest alliance between Padilla and Oliva is one of many collaborations among both companies, which have sporadically teamed up together almost since the inception of the Padilla brand,” reads an Oliva press release. “Currently, Oliva manufactures the new Padilla Reserva and Reserva Maduro. Padilla also teamed up with Oliva to create the highly rated Padilla Limited Edition Studio-Tobac…The Padilla Cigar Company will continue to focus on creating premium cigars by working not only with Oliva, but also with other respected cigar factories such as El Titan de Bronze…”

2) This fall, Prometheus will commemorate its 20th anniversary with three limited edition God of Fire assortment boxes, each individually serial-numbered. The 5-cigar box will retail for $113, the 9-cigar box for $205.95, and the 20-cigar box for $419.75. Only 1,000 5- and 9-cigar boxes will be made, and only 500 20-cigar boxes will be made.

3) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews a Guayacan by Noel Rojas. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Torcido Lancero. Cigar Explorer explores the Reinado Gran Empire Reserve. Cigar Fan fires up a Gurkha Seduction. Cigar Brief smokes the Nestor Miranda Gran Reserve 2012. Cigar Inspector inspects the J. Fuego 777 Maduro.

4) Deal of the Week: If you’re looking to pick up a box of Alec Bradley cigars, you’ll want to jump on this deal. Purchase any box of Prensado, American Classic, American Sun Grown, Family Blend, or Black Market and get a free five-pack, plus an Alec Bradley hat.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Padilla 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 spread of government-imposed smoking bans is not limited to only North America and Europe. In Lebanon, smoking was criminalized in restaurants and bars starting on Monday. “Restaurant owners and employees have staged a sit-in to protest the new smoking ban in closed public places,” according to the Washington Post. “A recent study showed about half of Lebanon’s adults are smokers,” though most choose cigarettes or water pipes over cigars. Nonetheless, the issue of smoking freedom is expected to become a more prevalent discussion at the global level over the coming years, especially as the populations of emerging market economies start to amass the disposable income required to smoke cigars.

2) An interesting article in the New York Times this week profiled Ana Pérez, a Cuban-born 26-year-old based in New Jersey who works part-time as a cigar roller. “She is one of eight young and attractive cigar-rolling women employed by a company called Cigar Dolls (website here), which is based in Miami,” reads the article. “Though its roots are in Cuba, cigar rolling is big business in New York, Florida, and many places around the world where Cubans have popularized the craft at Cuban restaurants, weddings, and other events.”

3) Inside the Industry: Avo is adding a “Special Toro” to its Heritage line, although it will only be available in limited quantities. The cigar will be 6 inches long with a 60 ring-gauge, a first for the Heritage blend, and will sell for just under $10. Like the other four Heritage sizes, the Special Toro will use Dominican ligero, Dominican seco, and Peruvian seco fillers, along with a Dominican San Vicente binder and a Cuban-seed wrapper from Ecuador.

4) Around the Blogs: Cigar Fan fires up an Aging Room M356. Nice Tight Ash checks out a Bonita Smoke Shop Time Warp. Cigar Brief smokes a La Perla Habana Black Pearl. Stogie Review reviews a Herederos de Robaina. Cigar Inspector inspects a Fuente Fuente Opus X. A Cigar Smoker smokes the Hoyo de Tradición.

5) Deal of the Week: Here’s a deal literally created just for Stogie Guys readers. The “Stogie Guys Cigar Sampler”—offered by longtime supporter Corona Cigar—contains seven cigars for just $29.95 (plus free shipping on your entire order). The sampler includes limited edition cigars from Avo and Davidoff, plus cigars from by Rocky Patel, J.C. Newman, Casa Fernandez, and two Corona “house” blends. Pick yours up here.

–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) Fresh off of hosting the 2012 Summer Olympics, London is considering banning outdoor smoking in the city’s public parks. A meeting between officials and interested citizens has been scheduled for October, though the Community Services Committee has already “overwhelmingly endorsed” the idea. “I am sure you can appreciate this will be a big change for a lot of people,” said Ward 2 Councillor Bill Armstrong. “I am talking about the distance people will have to go for a cigarette. In some cases, they will have to get in their cars and go off the property.” If a ban is passed, London would join New York City and over 500 municipalities in the U.S. that criminalize outdoor smoking in parks.

2) Speaking of outdoor smoking bans, Cigar Cigar, a private club in Sugar Land, Texas, is being forced to close its outdoor patio area for members due to a lease change by its property management company that prohibits outdoor smoking in certain areas. According to the Houston Chronicle, cigarettes are fine, but pipes and cigars are not. Cigar Cigar is currently trying to prevent enforcement of the ban as it pursues litigation.

3) Inside the Industry: Emilio Cigars gives a sneak peak of the upcoming Carpe Noctem, a blend that will be made by A.J. Fernandez featuring a maduro wrapper and “plenty of Estelí ligero in the filler.” Tobacconist University has now certified over 800 tobacconists from 350 different stores nationwide.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the Montecristo Epic. Cigar Coop smokes the new CLE Corojo. Cigar Explorer explores the Toraño Salutem. Cigar Fan fires up an Illusione Maduro cg4. Cigar Inspector inspects a Cohiba Robusto.

5) Deal of the Week: Hitting the golf course or just got two hours to relax with a fine cigar? Check out this sampler of ten double corona- and Churchill-sized cigars (for just $3.50 a piece) featuring cigars from Hoyo de Monterrey, La Gloria Cubana, Arganese, Rocky Patel, and Berger & Argenti.

–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) Despite global economic turmoil and a reduction in cigarette consumption, cigar smoking increased significantly in the last decade, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control. Between 2000 and 2011, “large cigar” consumption rose 233% (and pipe smoking increased 482%), compared to a 27.5% reduction among all tobacco products over the same time period. This rise in cigar smoking came against major headwinds like drastic increases in federal tobacco taxes (remember SCHIP?) and the further spread of smoking bans. Expect anti-tobacco zealots to use this report as justification for even higher taxes and dangerous regulatory measures from the FDA.

2) Woodford Reserve is celebrating 200 years of bourbon distilling with a series of events at its distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. Included are tours, picnics, an “1812 Bourbon Feast” with dishes from surrounding farms, and a special 200th anniversary bottle. Click here to check out the events.

3) Cigar Giveaway Result: We have a winner in our latest Stogie Guys contest. We selected Chris from Illinois at random from about 100 entrants, all of which we appreciate. Chris is a fan of Nicaraguan cigars whose favorite brands are Tatuaje and Liga Privada. He says he’s been smoking cigars for six years and is a newcomer to StogieGuys.com. He’ll receive the special three-pack of cigars from Don Pepin Garcia in a signed box. Again, congrats Chris.

4) Upcoming Cigar Gievaway: Macanudo is holding the Ultimate Round Contest to give one winner and three friends a trip to the 2013 Masters, including round-trip airfare and spending money (and we bet plenty of cigars). In that spirit, they’ve given us a golf-themed prize (a Callaway golf towel, club head cover, and a box of Macanudos) to giveaway to a reader. To be eligible to win, you need to be subscribed to our free email newsletter. We’ll announce the winner in an upcoming newsletter. (Fine print here.)

5) Deal of the Week: Lovers of large ring gauge cigars (and even those who normally prefer smaller ring gauges) may want to try the new Inch by E.P. Carrillo. Emerson’s is one of the first to have them in stock, and if you’re not sure if you’re ready for a whole box, check out the four-cigar sampler that includes both the Maduro and Sumatra blends.

–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) We’ve written extensively about the dangerous threat of the FDA regulating premium cigars, but never from the perspective of how the issue might impact the upcoming presidential election. Scott Gottlieb—a physician who has served in a variety of capacities at the FDA and is currently a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute—wrote on Wednesday that cigars could play a big role in the election. “Stogie-gate is capturing lots of headlines in Florida—a state that’s home to a vibrant cigar industry,” and one that promises to play a pivotal role in the election, writes Gottlieb. “The administration may decide it’s politically wise to table its regulation until after the November election, rather than risk a backlash. But the president’s regulators have already shown their cards…”

2) It was announced that four retailers were bestowed with Golden Band Awards by Davidoff in recognition of merchants who have “done the most to sustain the premium cigar industry and to advance the industry’s agenda in legislation, regulation, and the community.” The winners were John Anderson, owner of Draper’s in Washington; Craig Cass, owner of The Tinderbox in Charlotte; Jeff Borysiewicz, owner of Corona Cigar Co. in Orlando; and Christian Hutson, owner of Just For Him Cigars in Springfield, Missouri. StogieGuys.com joins Davidoff and the IPCPR in congratulating these outstanding champions of cigar rights.

3) Inside the Industry: Drew Estate announced that Michael Cellucci has been promoted to the position of president. Steve Saka, who previously held that title, has been named chief executive officer of Drew Estate. The company also reported that they are expanding their facilities. In addition existing plans to build a new large leaf processing facility across the street from their existing factory in Estelí, they are now in the design stages for a new factory to meet growing demand.

4) Contest: There are still a few more days to enter for a chance to win a 3-pack box of My Father Special S cigars signed by master cigarmaker Don Pepin Garcia.

5) Deal of the Week: Here’s a good way to try some new smokes from the recent IPCPR Trade Show without having to go in for a full box. At just $30, this sampler includes two each of the new Merlion by La Sirena, Fernando León Family Reserve, Liga Undercrown Toro by Drew Estate, Romeo y Julieta Havoc, and Rocky Patel Hercules.

–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) ABC News published an article yesterday about the potential for FDA regulation of premium cigars, which features input from Arthur Zaretsky, who operates the online retailer Famous Smoke Shop. It’s worth a read. We’ve written extensively about the dangers of FDA regulation—including how ingredient disclosure, testing, and marketing restrictions would stifle the development of new cigar blends, eliminate events where cigar makers pass out free samples to cigar shop patrons, and make limited edition cigars a thing of the past. This article brings two other terrible consequences to mind, and both hit close to home for all cigar enthusiasts. The first would be the criminalization of buying or selling cigars online. The second would prevent consumers from strolling into walk-in humidors to select their purchases; instead, if the FDA has its way, humidors would be off-limits to patrons, and cigars would instead be selected from a list.

2) A majority of the U.S. House is now co-sponsoring H.R. 1639—the bill to exempt premium cigars from FDA regulation. StogieGuys.com joins all cigar smokers in thanking the CRA and IPCPR for their efforts to reach this milestone. But there’s still a long way to go. S. 1461—the companion bill in the U.S. Senate—currently has 12 co-sponsors. Both bills are referred to committee, meaning they would still have to be passed by Congress and signed by the president before becoming law. Be sure to contact your senators and representative if they have not already pledged their support for these legislative efforts to protect cigars.

3) Contest Reminder: There’s still time to enter our contest to win a three-pack of El Centurion Robustos signed by none other than Don Pepin Garcia. Click here to make yourself eligible to win this fantastic prize, and good luck!

4) Around the Blogs: Cigar Fan fires up a Vallejuelo. Cigar Brief reviews the Perdomo 20th Anniversary Sun Grown. Cigar Inspector inspects the One Shot One Kill. Tiki Bar kicks back with an Epicurean Gonzo. Cigar Explorer explores the Illusione Singulare 2012. Stogie Review tours the IPCPR after-parties (see if you can spot the Stogie Guy).

5) Deal of the Week: Just introduced a week ago, Cuenca y Blanco by Joya de Nicaragua is quickly becoming a highlight from the show. Corona Cigar is offering free shipping on the new cigar, and any box purchase lands you a free ashtray and hat.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: FDA