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) Anti-smoking zealotry isn’t confined to the present and future. Some do-gooders are actually trying to change the past. Such is the case at a museum in London, where curators have airbrushed a cigar right out of Churchill’s mouth in a famous photo.

2) Massachusetts is gearing up to post pictures of human organs, purportedly damaged by smoking, in 9,000 locations where tobacco is sold. The effort is financed by a federal stimulus grant of $316,000. “That hardly contributes to job creation and economic recovery in the state,” reads an IPCPR press release. “First the federal government expands the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and expects increased tobacco taxes to pay for it. Then it gives hundreds of thousands of dollars to support efforts to reduce smoking,” said Chris McCalla, IPCPR legislative director. “Talk about mixed messages!”

3) According to reports, the Treasury Department office responsible for enforcing the ban on Cuban cigars may have been busy, but not with infractions of the Cuban Embargo. So far this year, only one penalty has been imposed for violating the ban on Cuban cigars: a $525 fine announced in early March.

4) Inside the Industry: The next Montecristo Cup, a pro-am golf tournament which benefits the Montecristo Relief Organization, will be held at the Atlantis resort in December. With inspiration from a famous song, Newman Family Cigars is expanding its Brick House line with a new size called the Mighty Mighty (6 x 60).

5) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews a D’Crossier Golden Blend. Tiki Bar kicks back with a 13th Floor Foundation Series. Smoking Stogie smokes a Fuente Flor Fina 858 Rosado. Cigar Inspector inspects a Punch Small Club RE. Nice Tight Ash checks out the La Escepción 2009.

6) Deal of the Week: With full-bodied spice and Cuban-like depth, people are turning to Nicaraguan smokes more and more, and this Nicaraguan Blends Sampler shows why. Included are two each from Padilla Habano, Man O’ War, Rocky Patel Fusion, and Gurkha Park Avenue, all for under $30. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: 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) Facing a budget shortfall of nearly $9 billion, New York Gov. David Paterson wants to double the state’s wholesale tax on cigars. The move, which would also impact other non-cigarette forms of tobacco, would increase the tax from 46% to 90% of the wholesale price. Paterson’s administration claims the tax hike will bring an additional $40 million to state coffers. But not if, as WNYT reports, “no one is still in business.” Speaking at a gathering of concerned retailers near Albany, Eric Josten, owner of Queensbury Cigar & Pipe, said, “Even though we’re competitors we both know that we’re going to go down on this ship together if New York State has their way.”

2) Speaking of taxes, syndicated columnist Deroy Murdock highlights the connection between high tobacco taxes and terrorism in his latest column. As Murdock explains: “Tobacco taxes create a perfect arbitrage opportunity that radical Muslims exploit to collect money for terrorist groups that murder Americans and our allies.” Murdock then goes on to cite numerous examples of suspected terrorists financing their activities by smuggling cigarettes into high tax states and selling them with counterfeit tax stamps.

3) Inside the Industry: Gurkha has acquired Cojimar, an inexpensive flavored cigar brand from the Dominican Republic. Rocky Patel is celebrating 15 years in the business with his 15th Anniversary blend that features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos; it will be created with the entubar bunching method and a Cuban-style triple cap. Following the success of the Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill, Habanos has announced the newest Cuban Romeo: the “Wide Churchill” (5.1 x 55).

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews a La Reloba Selección Habano. Tiki Bar kicks back with a Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta. Smoking Stogie smokes a Padrón Legacy 110 Maduro. Keepers of the Flame fires up with a Troya Classico LXIII. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Cuban Punch Corona.

5) Deal of the Week: Fathers Day is coming soon, which means a Fathers Day Sale at Cuban Crafters. Boxes of the La Carolina are just $70, boxes of the Contraband are $50, and boxes of the Cubano Claro are $90. Grab yours 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. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) The Church of Scientology paid about $7 million to buy what was once the world’s largest cigar factory, built in 1886 by the man who founded Tampa’s Ybor City. The three-building complex has housed offices since the 1970s. Scientologists propose using the buildings for offices, gatherings, and Sunday service. Although the church says that it plans to honor the building’s historical significance in its plans, the move is not without controversy. “Some business and civic leaders in Ybor City worry about the potential loss of property tax revenues due to the church’s tax-exempt status and the potential denial of alcohol licenses to future businesses opening within 1,000 feet of the church’s property,” writes the Tampa Tribune.

2) Ever dream of owning an un-smoked cigar from Winston Churchill’s personal collection? Well, here’s your chance: A Cuban that was given to the prime minister in 1963 is up for auction in London. The AFP reports the cigar is expected to fetch upwards of $2,100. Its current owner, Steve Forbes, is also auctioning off Churchill’s wartime diary and some of his letters.

3) Inside the Industry: Cuban Cigar Distributor Habanos S.A. announced its first-ever “Regional Edition” for Cuba, the La Gloria Cubana Deliciosos—a robusto-sized smoke that comes in an ornate porcelain jar. A new 58-page book, 27 Lessons To Help You Become A Cigar Expert, was recently published and made available through Amazon. CigarReader.com observes that Twitter followers of Eddie Ortega might have gotten a hint at the coming EO-Rocky Patel merger a month early by noting Ortega’s constant visits to Rocky’s headquarters on the location-based networking site Foursquare.

4) Around the Blogs:  Stogie Review reviews the Man O’ War Virtue. Keepers of the Flame lights up a Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta. Cigar Inspector inspects a Tatuaje J21. Smoking Stogie smokes an E.P. Carrillo Short Run. The Tiki Bar kicks back with a Liga Privada T-52. Nice Tight Ash checks out a Casa Magna Colorado.

5) Deal of the Week: We noticed a price drop in this Don Pepin Elite Selection sampler, featuring some of the legendary cigar maker’s finest smokes. Included are two each of the Tatuaje Havana, 5 Vegas Miami, Cuban Classic, and San Cristobal—all for just $40. Grab yours 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. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Yesterday, Cigar Rights of America announced the “Smoke the Vote Grassroots Network,” an effort to inform smokers of their candidates’ stances for office on critical cigar issues. CRA Executive Director Glynn Loope described the initiative an email to members: “For the last twelve months, we have all been working to build the needed infrastructure to get to this moment. Now, CRA has members in all 50 states, we have CRA member tobacconists in 47 states, and membership is up 98% from this time last year. We need to build upon that success, learn from other interest groups that also exert their political muscle, and work to build new coalitions with other like-minded groups and allies.”

2) In a rare victory for cigar smokers, yesterday Massachusetts lawmakers voted to prohibit local health departments from banning smoking in cigar shops. The vote was a response to Boston’s law that would have forced all of the city’s cigar bars to close in ten years.

3) Inside the Industry: For the first time, Macanudo is designating a Maduro “Vintage” with the release of the Macanudo Maduro Vintage 1997, which features a distinctive metal band. Father-son team Guillermo and George Rico have reunited to create Azteca, a four-size line utilizing Mexican San Andreas wrapper and binder tobaccos. Reports cite that Arturo Fuente is expanding the sizes in the Rosado Magnum line at the upcoming IPCPR Trade Show in August.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the Caliber 58. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Alec Bradley MAXX Traditional. Keepers of the Flame fires up an Oliva Connecticut Reserve. The Tiki Bar kicks back with a 262 Paradigm. A Cigar Smoker smokes the La Aurora 1495 BME. Perfect Draw tries a Cuban Stock Royal Selection.

5) Deal of the Week: Cuban Crafters is having an unpublicized Memorial Day Sale. Boxes of the Cupido Criollo and Cubano Claro (both rated 4/5 stogies) have dropped in price to just $60. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: 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) With most of the country’s bars, restaurants, and workplaces regulated by prohibitive smoking bans, anti-tobacco activists are setting their sights on the great outdoors. An Albuquerque woman was recently sued—albeit unsuccessfully—for smoking in her own backyard. Her neighbor argued that her cigarettes are a health hazard. Meanwhile, in suburban Chicago, Kane County lawmakers are mulling the legality of an outdoor ban for residential neighborhoods. Illinois already has a restrictive statewide ban that criminalizes  smoking in indoor “public” spaces, enacted in 2008.

2) Inside the Industry: Perdomo is introducing a new value smoke called “Nick’s Sticks Little Havana Blend” that will come in Connecticut, Maduro, and Sun Grown varieties. Reyes Family Cigars has planted its first tobacco in Danlí, Honduras, on 50 acres of land. Macanudo is adding a large smoke to its Gold line which will be called the Gold Brick (6 x 60).

3) Around the Blogs: Smoking Stogie blind reviews a La Flor Dominicana Air Bender. Cigar Inspector inspects a Cubao Maduro. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Nestor Miranda 1989. Stogie Fresh smokes the La Aurora 107. Tiki Bar kicks back with a Camacho Liberty 2009. Keepers of the Flame fires up a Benji Menendez Masters Series. The Cigar Spy sparks a Gran Habano Corojo.

4) Deal of the Week: Cuban Crafters is having a Weekend Cigar Blowout. They’ve got deals on our favorites like the Cupido Tuxedo and the 1959 Miami Medina. The best bargain is a box of 25 La Carolinas for just $50. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: 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) This month marks the fourth anniversary of StogieGuys.com. Publishing daily since May 2006, our readership has grown steadily as we’ve brought you over 1,400 days of reviews, news, commentaries, tips, and interviews from the world of cigars. The entire StogieGuys.com team is extremely grateful for your loyal patronage and feedback. (To thank you for your continued readership, we’ll be giving away more great prizes to subscribers of our free email newsletter. If you aren’t already signed up, please do so here.) Here’s to four more great years!

2) Despite the efforts of anti-tobacco zealots, Kansas politicians failed to pass a tobacco tax hike that would have included a 300% tax increase on cigars. “This outcome may not have been possible without the earnest efforts of IPCPR’s Kansas retailers, an essential component of the overall lobbying efforts,” said a press release from the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association.

3) Forgetting politics, there’s one aspect of Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan’s résumé we can all get behind. A former cigarette smoker, Kagan said in the past that she smoked the occasional cigar, though recent profiles didn’t clarify whether she’s still a sister of the leaf.

4) Inside the Industry: La Flor Dominicana’s Air Bender is growing by two sizes: “Poderoso” (a corona) and “Villano” (a lancero). Angelenos, the cigar line made by Fuente for God of Fire/Prometheus, is expanding with the addition of a Gran Toro (6.5 x 52) and  a Double Robusto (5.75 x 52).

5) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the new E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2010. Smoking Stogie lights up a Behike 54. Cigar Inspector fires up a Graycliff Chateau Gran Cru. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Paradigm 262. Stogie Fresh smokes the Davidoff Puro D’Oro.

6) Deal of the Week: Now is a great time to check out CitizenCigar.com, a new Tennessee-based retailer that is introducing itself with a sitewide sale. Everything is currently 10% off with free shipping. Click here to peruse their selection.

–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. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger this week vetoed a bill that would have banned smoking in California’s parks and beaches. While he signed a regulation in 2007 that criminalizes smoking in cars with minors, the former action star called state politicians’ newest attempt to restrict tobacco “an improper intrusion of government into people’s lives.” He also said “there is something inherently uncomfortable about the idea of the state encroaching in such a broad manner on the people of California.”

2) Rocky Patel has purchased a 50% interest in United Tobacco, manufacturer of highly acclaimed brands like 601, Cubao, and Murcielago. The company will be renamed “EO Brands” in honor of co-founders Erik Espinosa and Eddie Ortega—both of whom will continue to oversee the venture. This move comes on the heels of last week’s announcement that United Tobacco is separating from Miami Cigar & Co. to lower its prices.

3) Inside the Industry: Following up on the success of La Traviata, CAO is set to introduce the La Traviata Maduro (pictured here) at this year’s IPCPR Trade Show in New Orleans. The three sizes of Behike (BHK 52, BHK 54 and BHK 56), the new ultra-exclusive extension of the Cuban Cohiba, will cost $41, $53, and $62, respectively, in London cigar shops.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the Liga Privada T-52. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Illusione 88. Smoking Stogie smokes the Montecristo “C” EL 2003. The Tiki Bar kicks back with a CAO La Traviata Maduro. Cigar Inspector inspects the Rocky Patel 1961. Keepers of the Flame lights up a Siboney Reserve.

5) Deal of the Week: This Torpedo Bomber Sampler is full of 20 tasty torpedos. For just $70 (including free shipping) you get four each of five quality smokes: Cuba Libre, Padilla Obsidian, Rocky Patel Sun Grown, 5 Vegas, and Graycliff 1666.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr