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) Two powerful earthquakes rocked the South Pacific earlier this week, taking hundreds of lives and causing widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. A subsequent tsunami devastated the Samoas—“flattening villages and sweeping some residents out to sea”—and landslides on the Indonesian tobacco-producing island of Sumatra left “scores trapped in rubble.” Given the severity of the situation, the consequences of this tragedy on the cigar industry remain unknown and, for now, trivial.

2) While officials tried to criminalize smoking in Atlantic City’s 11 casinos last year, they ended up postponing the law once the recession hit. Now, as the economy continues to take its toll on the gambling industry, it looks like the ban may be deferred again. That would be welcome news for the business community and employment. When the casinos were accidentally forced to go tobacco-free in 2008, “several of the gambling halls said their revenue losses doubled.”

3) Inside the Industry: We’ve finally started to spot the new Fuente Special “T” tubo in stores, reportedly with the Fuente “Queen B”—a smaller version of the Rosado-wrapped King B torpedo. Fuente is also releasing their annual Fuente Fuente Opus X for the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation 2009 collection (priced at $950), which includes rare Opus X cigars. If you’re looking to tee it up with the pros (while smoking fine cigars), spaces for the Montecristo Cup Charity Pro-Am are still available, with a significant portion of the $5,000 entry fee going to the Montecriso Relief Organization. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, creator of La Gloria Cubana, has launched the website for his new cigar venture.

4) Around the Blogs: Tampa Cigar Examiner reviews Brick House. NiceTightAsh looks at the La Traviata. Cigar Inspector inspects an H. Upmann Magnum 48. Keepers of the Flame smokes a Casa Farnandez.  Stogie Review asks if we need to update our definition of full-bodied.

5) Deal of the Week: Cuban Crafters is having a sale with some real bargains on quality smokes. Our picks would be a box of 25 La Carolinas for just $59, a box of 25 Cupido Criollos cfor just $55, or a humidor box of the new Cubano Claro for just $89. Get yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: USGS

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) Manuel Zelaya, ousted as president in July, is back in Honduras, holed up within the Brazilian embassy. He had been in exile for seeking to change his country’s constitution to end presidential term limits, presumably so he could remain in power. According to Cigar Aficionado, his presence is disrupting cigar exports as officials seek to restrict movements across borders.

2) As the tobacco industry braces itself for the ramifications of the FDA’s new sweeping powers, the fallout for cigars remains ominous yet unclear. The Wall Street Journal reports the agency recently issued a memo claiming the new ban on flavored cigarettes “applies to all tobacco products that meet the definition of a ‘cigarette’ even if they aren’t labeled as cigarettes or ‘are labeled as cigars or some other product.’” One company, Kretek International, is suing the FDA to protect its “clove cigars.”

3) Inside the Industry: Tomorrow over 150 cigar shops are participating in the “Rock for Democracy Smoke Out” where smokers will be encouraged to join Cigar Rights of America and enjoy some giveaways. Be on the lookout for “Operation Hope” events at your local shop taking place to raise money for the Montecristo Relief Fund, which  supports victims of natural disasters. Following an industry trend, La Aurora is launching its first branded cigar lounge at Tobacco Plaza in Great Neck, New York. Fuente God of Fire is introducing two sizes in its 2007 line, the Don Carlos Toro and the Carlito Double Corona.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review sparks a Warped Private Blend. Cigar Inspector looks at a Griffins No. 500. Stogie Fresh smokes a Fuente Hemingway. Cigar Spy tries the 5 Vegas Relic. Keepers of the Flame fires up a Particulares Robusto.

5) Deal of the Week: Robustos are the most popular size in all of cigardom, and this “World Class Robusto Sampler” includes of ten them for just $45 (free shipping). That price gets you a Cohiba, Rocky Patel Vintage ’90, Don Pepin Cuban Classic 1979, Toraño 1916 Cameroon, CAO Gold, Gran Habano 3 Siglos, Padilla Hybrid, Fonseca, and others. 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) New York City bureaucrats, not satisfied with the metropolis’ six-year-old indoor ban, now hope to criminalize outdoor smoking in parks and beaches. Backed by anti-tobacco zealots and the City Council speaker, the measure would outlaw cigar enjoyment in 1,700 parks and 14 miles of shoreline in the Big Apple. Even the New York Times reports that the proposal “might be going just a step too far…on the road to a nanny state.”

2) Enjoy lighting up in a rental car on vacation or a business trip? Well, steer clear of Avis and Budget. These two companies’ North American fleets will go smoke-free next month and impose $250 charges on customers who violate their policies.

3) Inside the Industry: Altadis says it is pleased with the conviction of Lauro Perez for creating what he called “Cuban Replica” cigars.  The counterfeiting conviction held because  Perez was found to be violating the U.S. trademarks owned by Altadis, including Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, and Trinidad. Responding to the conviction, Eric Workman, Altadis’ senior vice president of marketing, said, “These are important victories for Altadis U.S.A., its distributors and consumers, as well as the entire industry.”

4) Around the Blogs: Regular Guy reviews a Centro Fino Sungrown. Cigar Inspector looks at an El Rey del Mundo RE Francia.  Keepers of the Flame lights up a Condega Corojo 1999. Stogie Review torches up a J. Fuego Corojo 777.

5) Deal of the Week: Sometimes a mild smoke is just what you need and, when that’s the case, this “Smooth and Mild Sampler” will hit the spot. For just $40 you get two each from Rocky Patel Connecticut, CAO Gold, La Princessa, 5 Vegas Gold, and Macanudo.  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) In a move that could prove disastrous for Washington tobacconists, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty plans to criminalize the sale of single cigars in the nation’s capital. His justification is to curb marijuana blunt consumption. But, as the proposed law is currently written, it doesn’t discriminate between premium cigars and cheap, machine-made sticks that are normally purchased at convenience stores and gas stations. “The bottom line is that this is bad legislation that won’t do what it is intended to do—stop the use of marijuana,” said Legislative Director Chris McCalla in an IPCPR press release. “The only thing it will do is irreparable harm to owners of cigar stores, their employees, and loyal customers who enjoy premium cigars.” A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for September 29.

2) Inside the Industry: Shipments of the new Padrón Family Reserve 45 Years are popping up at B&Ms across the country. Usually issued in the fall, this year’s lineup of Edición Limitada cigars from Cuba are on sale early.

3) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame lights up a Lempira Fuerte. Stogie Fresh tries a Hemingway Short Story. Stogie Review reviews the Padrón 45  Years. Cigar Spy investigates a Don Lino Africa. Cigar Inspector sparks a CAO Brazilia.

4) Deal of the Week: This “Blue Gold Sampler” features two outstanding cigars: Don Pepin Garcia’s Blue line (toro) and the Trinidad Maduro (Churchill). For just $50 you get five of each plus free shipping for your entire order. 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) Companies selling to the U.S. market haven’t been shy about naming their products after outlawed Cuban brands. Case in point: many of the lines made by General Cigar and Altadis. But as relations between Washington and the communist island nation slowly improve, trademark disputes in this gray area of the law are likely to intensify. The Associated Press sheds some light on what might ensue should America lift its half-century trade embargo on Cuba.

2) Officials in St. Louis recently announced that a county-wide proposal to ban indoor smoking will be on the ballot in November. The American Cancer Society and other anti-tobacco groups, however, were angered because they had hoped to pass a stronger, exemption-free law through the legislative process instead of via voter referendum. Meanwhile, in Kansas, Gov. Mark Parkinson indicated his desire to push for a statewide ban and increased tobacco taxes in 2010.

3) Inside the Industry: West Coast cigar enthusiasts should consider attending Cigar Con West, which takes place in Paso Robles, California, September 18-19. The event will feature many top cigar makers and over 250 winemakers.

4) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame lights up a Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserve. Stogie Review reviews a Casa Magna Colorado. Cigar Inspector inspects a CAO Gold Vintage. Stogie Spy investigates the Gurkha Triple Ligero.

5) Deal of the Week: Toro is one of most popular vitolas around, and this “Stellar Toro Sampler” contains some fine examples of the format. For just $40 (free shipping) you get 10 toros including smokes from Toraño,  Don Pepin Garcia, Rocky Patel, Perdomo, Partagas, and La Aroma de Cuba. 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) Ever wonder how tobacco would grow in your own backyard? Well, if Al Brierly’s plant is any indication, it might take to the soil better than you think. This 83-year-old is making headlines for a 10-foot-tall tobacco plant with “platter-size” leaves that he grew at his home in Belleville, Illinois. Recalling his days growing up on a Kentucky tobacco farm where his dad would roll makeshift stogies, Brierly, now an occasional cigar smoker, said, “It’s pretty strong stuff. It’ll make you sick if you’re not careful.”

2) Last month, on the heels of a study that proposed banning tobacco in the U.S. military, the Dept. of Defense announced it would not act on that recommendation. But new reports indicate Defense Secretary Robert Gates is still “reviewing the study by the Institute of Medicine, which provides independent advice to policymakers, health professionals, and the public, to see if steps can be taken toward having a smoke-free force some day.”

3) Inside the Industry: Looking for another reason to join Cigar Rights of America? Now, with a new membership (or the renewal of your current membership), you’ll receive two exclusive cigars. The sticks are from CRA’s new exclusive samplers, which feature never-before-released blends or sizes from such makers as Padrón, Fuente, Rocky Patel, La Gloria Cubana, La Flor Dominicana, Tatuaje, CAO, Ashton, and many more. Get all the details here.

4) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame lights up a Casa Fuego. Stogie Fresh tries the Vogel Green. Stogie Review herfs over the CAO La Traviata. Nice Tight Ash tries an Oliva Masterblends III. The Stogie Spy examines the Casa Fuente.

5) Deal of the Week: CheapHumidors.com recently launched this “Gurkha Insane Combo Deal,” which includes five Gurkha Factums, a travel humidor, torch lighter, and a double guillotine cutter for under $40. The best part? For every sampler sold, the website will donate a cigar to the troops. Get in on the action here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: BND.com

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) It was revealed this week by economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis that Illinois’ smoking ban, enacted in January 2008, is responsible for a 22% decline in business among the Prairie State’s nine casinos. That amounts to $400 million lost in revenue and another $200 million lost in tax payments last year. “And that’s just the tip of the iceberg,” said Chris McCalla, legislative director for the IPCPR. “Businesses everywhere are suffering from the economic downturn while those in Illinois have the added impact of this contemptuous legislated smoking ban.” McCalla criticized anti-smoking organizations for dismissing the economic impact of bans.

2) Inside the Industry: La Aurora’s 100 Años brand is coming to an end with the release of 15,000 lanceros (which will be featured in an upcoming quick smoke or review here on StogieGuys.com). Joya de Nicaragua is known for creating full flavored smokes, but the new Antaño Dark Corojo, released last week at the IPCPR Trade Show in New Orleans, is reported to be the most intense smoke yet.

3) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame sparks a Pinar del Rio Classic. Stogie Review tries the Padilla Dominus Petrus. Cigar Command fires up a Nub Maduro. Velvet Cigar smokes the Felipe Gregorio Moroccan Series Essaoura 40/60.

4) Deal of the Week: This “Full Bodied Sampler” includes some fine (you guessed it!) full-bodied smokes. Included for just $50 are two each from La Gloria Cubana Serie R, Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic, EO 601 “Red” Habano, Perdomo Lot 23, and Rocky Patel Vintage 1992. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr