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) Inside the Industry: Late yesterday, a press release announced that Altadis and Tatuaje have “reached a mutually beneficial agreement resolving recent trademark disputes.” The two companies agreed to drop all pending lawsuits in a non-disclosed settlement. While it wasn’t clear from the initial statement, Altadis has since confirmed to StogieGuys.com that the settlement also includes all claims by Altadis against Don Pepin Garcia and his family company, My Family Cigars, Inc.

UPDATE: StogieGuys.com has confirmed that My Father Cigars will continue to hold the trademark on “Jose Pepin Garcia,” which was also at issue in the lawsuit.

2) A new study, conducted by the University of Georgia and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, claims outdoor secondhand smoke is a public health issue. “Secondhand smoke contains several known carcinogens and the current thinking is that there is no safe level of exposure,” said a study co-author. Such flawed “thinking” was examined in this 2007 commentary by George E.

3) Yesterday, the two largest universities in Kentucky became smoke-free. The University of Kentucky has banned all tobacco products on campus outright. Meanwhile, the University of Louisville is relegating smoking to certain “designated outside areas, with plans for a complete campus ban by next November.” While some doubt officials’ ability to implement the new policies, the intentions of these public institutions call into question the rights of adults to reasonably engage in an otherwise legal activity.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review and the Tampa Cigar Examiner light up a Murcielago. Keepers of the Flame smokes a Cabaiguan Maduro. Cigar Inspector inspects the Ashton Cabinet Selection. Velvet Cigar torches an Oliva Serie V.

5) Deal of the Week: Cuban Crafters is having a Thanksgiving Special with some great deals, including a humidor box of Cubano Claros ($99), a box of 25 Cuban Crafters Cameroons ($74), and a box of La Carolinas ($59). 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) Starting on December 1, most restaurants and bars in Virginia will be forced to prohibit smoking. But Morton’s is going out with style. The evening before the law takes effect, the high-end steakhouse chain will host special “Last Hurrah” cigar dinners at three of its four locations across the commonwealth. Events at the Arlington and Tysons Corner restaurants will feature Davidoff smokes and luxurious food and wine pairings. Not to be outdone, the Reston Morton’s dinner (already sold out) will boast Paul Garmirian cigars, including the world debut of the new PG Symphony 20th Connoisseur. Grab your tickets now for what will be a night to remember—and, like last year, you might even spot a member of the Stogie Guys crew.

2) Meanwhile, Florida-based brothers of the leaf should head over to Tampa on Friday, November 20, for “Light Up the Night.” This cigar street party will feature smokes, food, drinks, live music, and appearances by the likes of Carlito Fuente. Some proceeds will benefit the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation.

3) Inside the Industry: Partagas is launching a new limited cigar called the Benji Menendez Partagas Master Series Majestuoso. To celebrate the launch, they’re throwing special “Benji Menendez Social” events in five cities in the next several weeks, and StogieGuys.com has secured a limited number of invitations for our readers. Each event, which will take place at a “secret location” to be revealed the day before it takes place, is to feature the new limited Partagas cigar, as well as drinks from sponsors like Courvoisier, Dalmore Scotch, Mount Gay Rum, and Stella Artois. To attend the event near you, enter the RSVP code here.

Dallas, TX                      Nov. 17, 2009, from 6-8 p.m.         RSVP Code: 36498D8
Los Angeles, CA         Dec. 1, 2009, from 6-8 p.m.             RSVP Code: FFCEF8C
Las Vegas, NV             Dec. 3, 2009, from 6-8 p.m.            RSVP Code: AE1C593
Chicago, IL                   Dec. 8, 2009, from  6-8:30 p.m.    RSVP Code: DA31049
New York, NY             Dec. 15, 2009, from 6-8 p.m.          RSVP Code: 71852C9

4) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame breaks down five Arganese blends. Stogie Review fires up the Cuban Maduro. Nice Tight Ash lights up a San Cristobal Selección del Sol. Cohiba Club checks out the Sol Cubano Maduro. Cigar Choice reviews the Tatuaje Boris. Cigar Inspector inspects the Illusione 68.

5) Deal of the Week:  Ratings are a subjective thing, but there is no denying that this “Aficionado Rated 90+ Sampler” contains some top-notch smokes. You get a dozen cigars for just $60, including the Don Pepin Garcia Blue, Rocky Patel Sun Grown, Gurkha Legend, CAO Brazilia, La Aurora 1495, Camacho Corojo Limited, Oliva Serie G, and the Padilla 1932. Get yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Morton’s Steakhouse

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) Altadis, the world’s largest cigar company, is suing Tatuaje Cigars, Pete Johnson, and Don Pepin Garcia. The lawsuit alleges trademark violations, in part over the fleur-de-lis used to market the Montecristo and Tatuaje brands. Other issues cited in the complaint include Pepin’s use of the “Tabacalera Garcia” name (Altadis owns “Tabacalera de Garcia” in the Dominican Republic) and confusion between “Jose Pepin Garcia” and the late “Jose Pepe Garcia,” founder of Montecristo. Altadis argues that these and other similarities confuse consumers. But Johnson’s attorney, according to Cigar Aficionado, says Altadis is “trying to stifle good American competition by someone who is building a business.”

2) Officials in St. Louis County overwhelmingly approved a smoking ban on Tuesday. The law, which goes into effect in January 2011, currently excludes casinos. But many expect that exemption to be quickly rescinded.

3) Inside the Industry: The new PG 20th Anniversary will be  arriving at select stores soon after its debut at a special dinner on the last day before Virginia’s new restrictive smoking ban goes into effect. General Cigar has announced that Modesta Fondeur will retire from her position as executive vice president of tobacco and operations at the end of the year.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review lights up a Quesada 35th Anniversary. Keepers of the Flame torches an Alec Bradley Select Cabinet Reserve. The Cohiba Club herfs with a Ambos Mundos. Cigar Inspector inspects the Don Tomás Clasico. Stogie Fresh fires up a J. Fuego Delerium. Matt smokes the Cain Habano. Nice Tight Ash reviews the Diesel.

5) Deal of the Week: Depending on how big of a Nub aficionado you are, you’ll want to grab one of these two Nub samplers. Nub fans will like this sampler of six different Nubs for just $30. Bigger Nub fans will want to double up with this sampler of 12 assorted Nubs for just $50. Grab them here and 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) If you’re still looking for that last-minute Halloween costume, you might consider picking one that incorporates a cigar. For ideas, check out our list of the top 20 cigar-friendly costumes. And, no, we can’t recommend a cigar pairing for Snickers.

2) California is home to some of the most anti-tobacco municipalities in the U.S. In 1990, San Luis Obispo became the first city in the world to criminalize indoor smoking in all “public” places. More recently, politicians in Calabasas made outdoor smoking illegal. Now the Golden State’s largest city, Los Angeles, is tightening the screws. Officials there are moving to ban smoking in and around outdoor dining areas, such as restaurant patios, kiosks, and mobile food trucks.

3) Inside the Industry:  Regarding our October 14 report of rumors of an impending deal involving Pepin, La Aurora, and Miami Cigar & Co., we recently heard the following from a source that wishes to remain anonymous: Not long after reportedly returning from Nicaragua, Guillermo León of La Aurora and Rene Castañeda of Miami Cigar & Company were seen entering Pepin’s El Rey de los Habanos factory in Miami’s Little Havana. Less than an hour later, the two were spotted with Janny Garcia, Pepin’s daughter, and Miami-based cigar writer  and Pepin friend, Gary J. Arzt, at a Mexican restaurant a few blocks away. They were descibed as having what appeared to be a “serious business conversation.”

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review lights up a Room 101 by Camacho. Smoking Stogie really enjoys the Cohiba Gran Reserva. Cigar Reviews fires up a Montecristo No. 4. Keepers of the Flame reviews the Padrón 1964. Nice Tight Ash torches a My Father Cedros Deluxe.

5) Deal of the Week: Here’s another special unannounced sale over at Cuban Crafters, which includes price cuts you won’t find from their regular homepage. Deals include a humidor box of Cubano Claros ($89), a box of 25 Cuban Crafters Cabinet Selections ($74), a bundle of Don Kiki Greens ($34), and a box of La Carolina Torpedos ($75). 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) As North Carolina bars and restaurants brace for a statewide smoking ban in 2010, some Charlotte officials plan to go a step further: They aim to criminalize lighting up on sidewalks around a city community college. The move, according to one anti-tobacco extremist, would “propel the city into the forefront of antismoking efforts around the country” and establish a precedent for sidewalk bans in other cities.

2) Universal Studios’ “Land of the Lost,” a box office flop, is under fire for scenes of Will Ferrell holding a pipe. An arm of the American Medical Association claims the movie’s portrayal of smoking ranks worst among all of last summer’s flicks.

3) Inside the Industry: At a recent event, Don Pepin Garcia’s daughter, Jenny, reportedly told one attendee that next year he will put out a limited release cigar, and that all 20,000 will be personally rolled by Garcia. If the latest figures from tobacco giant Altria are any indication, the increase in federal taxes appears to keep boosting sales of “drug store” cigars—which rose 5% to 333 million in the third quarter.

4) Around the Blogs: A Cigar Smoker lights up the Nestor Miranda Ruky. Nice Tight Ash smokes the Declaration Iniquity by Jameson. Cigar Inspector fires up a Bolivar Belicoso Finos. Stogie Review reviews the Los Blancos Nine.

5) Deal of the Week: Last week we featured a great Halloween special, and this week we’re pleased to tell you about a full-bodied sampler that’s such a great bargain it’s scary. For just $30 you get two each of the Gurkha Park Avenue, Man O’ War, Padilla Habano,  and Rocky Patel Fusion. Get 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) While flavored cigarettes have been illegal in the U.S. since September, Canadian politicians outdid their American counterparts this week by passing sweeping anti-tobacco legislation. The new law bans most flavored cigarettes and cigars, prohibits print ads for tobacco products, and criminalizes the sale of single cigars. These measures, coupled with a nationwide smoking ban, place Canada among the least cigar-friendly nations on the planet.

2) New York City officials are aiming to expand on  FDA regulations by banning all flavored tobacco that isn’t intended for hookahs or pipes. The bill, now on Mayor Bloomberg’s desk, would make illegal flavored and infused cigars like Acid by Drew Estate, Flavours by CAO, and Java by Rocky Patel.

3) Inside the Industry: Frank Herrera’s 1608 La Caridad del Cobre cigars are set to debut on October 24 in Orange Beach, Alabama. Angelenos, a new cigar by Funete and Prometheus (who already partner to make God of Fire), will debut this fall.

4) Around the Blogs:  Stogie Review lights up a Perdomo Patriarch Maduro. Keepers of the Flame fires up a Verdadero Organic. Cigar Reviews samples the Berger & Argenti Entubar. Nice Tight Ash reviews a DPG Cuban Classic.

5) Deal of the Week: Via email, we got wind of these special Halloween deals over at Cuban Crafters, which you won’t find from their regular homepage. Included are boxes of the Don Kiki Green Label ($30), La Carolina ($75), Cuban Crafters Cameroon ($75), Cupido Tuxedo ($110), and a sampler of the 1959 Miami Medina ($30). 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) Michael Jordan drew the ire of San Francisco bureaucrats on Tuesday when photos emerged of him smoking a cigar. The former Chicago Bulls star, who is an honorary assistant for the U.S. at the Presidents Cup, was playing a practice round at Harding Park Golf Course. City officials subsequently asked the PGA Tour to remind Jordan of their ban on smoking on public courses.

2) Cuba’s government is reportedly slashing the amount of land on the island devoted to growing tobacco by 30%. The move comes in response to global economic woes, which have reduced sales of Cuban cigars by a whopping 15% in 2009. “Cuba is communist but depends heavily on luxury goods: tourism and tobacco,” said a Brookings Institution scholar. “The fortunes of the world’s wealthy set the fortune of Cuba.”

3) Inside the Industry: Tatuaje has released “Drac”—a $13 torpedo (6.75 x 52)—as part of its annual Halloween release. According to reports, the FDA is sending agents into cigar shops to explore the possible regulation of flavored cigars. The four sizes of the Davidoff Cubano Claro limited release are set to hit stores soon.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review checks out the new Illusione Nototros. Keepers of the Flame smokes a Cuchillos Cubanos. Cigar Inspector fires up a Cruzado. Cigar  Spy tourches up a Room 101. Tampa Cigar Examiner examines the Don José Correa.

5) Deal of the Week: We can’t emphasize enough what a bargain these deals are from Cuban Crafters: a box of 25 La Carolinas for just $59 and a box of 25 Cupido Criollos for just $55. Both blends have received 4.5 ratings, which is amazing considering you can get them for under $2.50 a stick. Get yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Los Angeles Times