The Stogie Guys

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and reader-friendly as possible, each Friday we’ll post a selection of quick cigar news and stogie-related snippets. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1. With the final episode of “The Sopranos” only two days away, many diehard fans are searching for a proper way to send off the family. As Cigar Aficionado explains, why not toast them with an official Sopranos cocktail? Drinks range from the feminine “Made Martini” and “Carmela Supreme” to the powerful “Bada-Bing” and the “Final Whack.”

2. Think fascist smoking bans in the U.S. are a pain in the ass? Just look at what our dentally-challenged cousins across the pond have to deal with. Starting July 1, smoking in London’s offices, bars, and restaurants will be illegal – no exceptions, even for the city’s 20 cigar bars. Some smoke friendly establishments are building rooftop patios, but it’s probably only a matter of time before the government bans outdoor smoking as well.

3. Around the Blogs: Cigar Fan reviews a CAO MX2. Leafy Times says Padrón is the best. Cigar Jack isn’t loving the Ashton VSG. Matt tries an A. Pontillo. Stogie Review has a Rocky Patel OSG. The Smoking Lounge reviews a Gispert Toro.

4. Deal of the Week: If you haven’t taken care of Father’s Day yet, you’d better pick up one of these samplers for pops: Powerhouse 22, Father’s Day Sampler, Super Sampler, Premium Sampler, Herf Sampler, or El Torito Sampler. All include ten or more quality smokes for under $30, so don’t blame us if you show up June 17th empty handed!

–The Stogie Guys

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and reader-friendly as possible, each Friday we’ll post a selection of quick cigar news and stogie-related snippets. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1. The Beverly Hills City Council on Tuesday unanimously gave preliminary approval for a Draconian smoking ban on outdoor sections of bars and restaurants. The city has already been covered by California’s indoor ban since 1998, but apparently even that’s too much freedom for posh Hollywood elitists. No word yet on what role Rob Reiner played to advance the outrageous regulation.

2. Those freedom-hating bureaucrats at the World Health Organization are calling for a worldwide ban on indoor smoking. As our friends at To The People note, despite the WHO’s current claims, this is just a step towards their ultimate goal: total global tobacco prohibition.

3. Around the Blogs: Cigar Jack reviews an elusive Fuente Anejo. Stogie Fresh reviews the Toraño Tribute 2003. Stogie Review got a face lift. Keepers of the Flame had a Saint Luis Rey Series G. StogieCast tries the CAO Gold. Terry smokes a La Aroma de Cuba. Velvet Cigar reviews a Gurkha Warlord. [Editor’s note: Around the Blogs is our new weekly recap of other cigar blogs.]

4. Cigar Aficionado has a video on the proper way to cut a cigar. Of course, you already know that.

5. Deal of the Week: If you haven’t taken care of you Father’s Day gift yet, you’ll want to scoop this up. For $29.95 you get 12 premium smokes (including Padrón, Hoyo, Cusano, Perdomo, Puros Indios, Toraño, Felipe Gregoria, Partagas, La Gloria Cubana, and Rocky Patel), a travel case, and hat. Buy yours here today!

–The Stogie Guys

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and reader-friendly as possible, each Friday we’ll post a selection of quick cigar news and stogie-related snippets. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Remember that high-profile cigar counterfeit case we’ve been talking about for over a year now? You know, the really complicated scenario where Altadis was controversially working hand-in-hand with the Miami-Dade police department to convict Juan Penton for alleged copyright infractions? Well, earlier this month the Miami New Times published a revealing exposé on the matter. It’s worth a read. As it turns out, Penton may not be as guilty as many previously thought.

2) If you’re looking for some new cigars, be sure to scroll down to Monday’s commentary on lesser-known boutique manufacturers. We got a great reader response with even more tantalizing prospects.

3) While everyone else seems to be making bigger and fatter cigars, boutique manufacturer Padilla Cigars has created its smallest cigar ever: the Padilla Signature 1932 La Perla. At four and 1/2 inches long with a 40 ring gauge, the Nicaraguan puro comes in cabinets of 50 unbanded cigars. Check it out at your local B&M.

4) Deal of the Week: Since we highlighted their Father’s Day Sampler last week, Tinderbox has been busy creating other great samplers. Each of these includes ten great sticks for less than $25, including all the big name cigar makers. So check out the Super Sampler, Premium Sampler, Herf Sampler, and the El Torito Sampler today. We’d love to hear which is your favorite.

–The Stogie Guys

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and reader-friendly as possible, each Friday we’ll post a selection of quick cigar news and stogie-related snippets. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) This week we celebrate the one year anniversary of StogieGuys.com, which officially launched May 15, 2006. We were considering a one-year retrospective article, but we figured we already did that with our year in review wrap-up in December. So to celebrate we’re just asking that our readers toast us with a fine cigar and a stiff drink sometime this weekend. That’s not too much to ask, is it?

2) Last week’s sampler noted that socialist filmmaker Michael Moore was in some trouble for an unauthorized trip to Cuba. That trip has now blossomed into a feud between Moore and unannounced Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson, who has been known to enjoy a Cuban cigar or two. In the latest shot in their argument over Cuban healthcare, civil rights, and cigars, former Senator Thompson released this video where he puffs on an unlit cigar while lecturing Moore.

3) It isn’t exactly Biggie and Tupac, but Tatuaje is pitting East Coast against West Coast with its next cigar release. Due out in late June, the Zona del Este is being released exclusively in the East while the Lado Occidental is only available on the Left Coast.

4) Congratulations to Draper’s Cigars! The DC cigar store is celebrating its 120th anniversary. Kinda puts our one year anniversary to shame.

5) Deal of the Week: Tinderbox has come up with a fantastic 10 cigar sampler for Father’s Day, but we wouldn’t be offended if you bought one for yourself. For under $20 you get two Rocky Patel Sun Growns, two Partagas Blacks, two La Auroras, two Tinder Box La Reservas, a CAO MX2, and a CAO Gold. These have a tendency to sell out so pick yours up here ASAP.

–The Stogie Guys

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and reader-friendly as possible, each Friday we’ll post a selection of quick cigar news and stogie-related snippets. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) In a bi-partisan show of stogie pride, former Congressman Tom Delay (who’s been known to enjoy a Cuban) was spotted smoking a cigar at a Capitol Hill bar, while Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Richardson declared his appreciation of a fine cigar. When asked what they would bring to a desert island, other White House wannabes chose their wife, a good book, or even a boat, but Richardson said he’d bring his “blackberry and a Davidoff cigar.”

2) Be on the lookout for these two new cigars. Altadis is releasing another line of Montecristos. The Serie C features a Cameroon wrapper grown not in Cameroon, but in the Central African Republic. Meanwhile, Habanos S.A. is releasing the H. Upmann Tacos Imperialés in limited edition humidors.

3) Controversial filmmaker Michael Moore recently found himself in some hot water with the US Treasury Department for a trip to Cuba for his latest movie. Perhaps if he had read our tip on visiting Cuba, such much trouble could have been avoided. Of course we’re pretty certain he was there for the communism, not for the cigars.

4) Deal of the Week: We thought this deal was sold out, but fortunately it isn’t. For just $10 you get eight cigars including a CAO Criollo, a Padron, a La Gloria Cubana, a Gurkha, a Cusano, and a Toraño Silver (plus 2 Thompson house brands). Grab yours today (limit two per person) by clicking here.

–The Stogie Guys

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and reader-friendly as possible, each Friday we’ll post a selection of quick cigar news and stogie-related snippets. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Last Tuesday we told you the Illinois State Senate passed a bill to ban smoking statewide in the Land of Lincoln. As the Chicago Tribune reports, on May 2 that bill was approved by the House – effectively prohibiting smoking in all bars and restaurants starting next year. Chalk another one up for the fascists.

2) From the Windy City to the Big Apple: The Manhattan Supreme Court yesterday rejected the city’s bid to close a cigar bar in accordance with New York’s smoking ban. The bar was operating legally because it was established prior to the draconian law. In order to circumvent the Constitution’s guarantee of ex post facto, the city’s Department of Health was straining to find technicalities to close the business. The judge rightfully found these attempts to be “arbitrary and capricious.”

3) La Flor Dominicana maker Litto Gomez has been coming up with some fantastic cigars lately, including the five stogie-rated Coronado by La Flor. In this video from Cigar Aficionado, Gomez explains how he creates his highly rated blends.

4) Deal of the Week: Here is a deal we’ve run before, but it is good enough to merit  another look. The Powerhouse S-2 sampler by Thompson sports our favorites like the CAO Brazilia, Punch, La Gloria Cubana, Hoyo, Romeo y Julieta, Partagas, and the Torano Exodus Gold. In all, the deal includes 12 quality cigars, a hat, and a very useful travel case – all for just $29.95. To grab yours, click here.

–The Stogie Guys

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and reader-friendly as possible, each Friday we’ll post a selection of quick cigar news and stogie-related snippets. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) The Cato Institute’s latest issue of Regulation includes an excellent article that exposes the flawed “science” behind the surgeon general’s latest report on secondhand smoke. It goes on to say that “people should feel offended by the complexity and sham paternalism of health authorities and of profitable tax-exempt charities” because “such an officially imposed tyranny has no place in countries that claim and presume to be free, enlightened, and just.” To read the article in its entirety, please click here.

2) Now that the Chicago Bulls are poised to win their first NBA playoff series since the Michael Jordan era, many people are wondering what MJ has been up to. According to the picture to the right (which made the rounds on several popular blogs on Monday), he’s been smoking cigars and grinding on chicks half his age in Cabo San Lucas. Isn’t that what you’d be doing?

3) We wanted to let you know that our friends over at Cigar Jack have a Battle of the Cigars currently in progress, a tournament-style stogie face-off where readers vote for their favorites. Be sure to check it out.

4) Deal of the Week: Our affiliate Tinderbox.com has been coming through with some great bargains, and this week is no exception. For just $24.95, you can pick up a ten-pack sampler with some real gems, including a Montecristo Platinum, an Ashton Classic, and a CAO Brazila Gol (which alone are worth the price). With other top notch cigars like Hoyo, La Gloria, Bolivar, Oliva, Romeo y Julieta, and Fuente, this is a must buy. To get yours, click here.

–The Stogie Guys