In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and informative as possible, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other snippets of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Kansas City may be the next metropolitan area to succumb to a government-mandated smoking ban. A local government board discussed “several smoke-free options” yesterday as the city’s newspaper of record inexplicably stated “there’s no economic disadvantage” for business owners.

2) It was announced on Wednesday that new brands of machine-made Cubans will be introduced at the Havana International Fair in November. The expansion is in response to increased global demand for sticks like the Guantanamera Compay.

3) Inside the Industry: Miami Cigar & Co. will take over the distribution of Felipe Gregorio cigars starting in September. George Gershel, Altadis’ Executive Vice President, will retire at the end of 2008 after 47 years with the company. The Fuentes and Newmans raised $75,852 in a recent Cigar Family Charitable Foundation online charity auction of rare cigars.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review tries the Avalon Juke Ebony. Cigar Inspector reviews the Tesa M3. Her Humidor smokes the Kristoff Criollo. Cigar Jack lights up a La Caya Brazil.

5) Deal of the Week: Not long ago, Jon N. praised the virtues of mild cigars. In that spirit, we present this sampler of ten top notch mild cigars. For just $34.99 you get two mild cigars each from Macanudo, Toraño, La Princesa de Cuba, Perdomo, and Rocky Patel, and free shipping is included on the entire order. Grab yours here.

- The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Wikipedia

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and informative as possible, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other snippets of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Cigar Rights of America kicks off its “Freedom Tour” on Tuesday in New York City. The national membership drive will also sweep into Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Orlando next week to raise awareness of CRA’s mission to combat the influential anti-smoking movement. Cigar celebrities like Rocky Patel, Tim Ozgener, Charlie Toraño, and Jorge Padrόn will be in attendance.

2) Despite a recent setback when a judge refused to temporarily stop enactment Iowa’s state smoking ban, a group of Iowans have formed Choose Freedom Iowa. The grassroots organization is leading the charge to repeal the ban that went into effect on July 1.

3) Around the Blogs: Her Humidor reviews the Arganese Double Wrap Churchill. Cigar Monkey lights up a Alec Bradley Tempus. Stogie Review smokes the VigilantE by Rocky Patel. Keepers of the Flame checks out the Reyes Family Premier. Cigar Jack tries the 5 Vegas Miami.

4) Deal of the Week: Here’s a special deal just for you StogieGuys.com readers: Duque Cigar Company is offering 5% off everything.  Just enter the discount code “stogieguys” at checkout. We’d particularly recommend using the code with this deal on the Oliva Serie G or this one on the Don Pepin “Black” Cuban Classic.

- The Stogie Guys

photo credit: CRA

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and informative as possible, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other snippets of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks this week proposed an ordinance banning smoking in almost all public places, including outdoor patios and outside office buildings. “If the City Council approves the ordinance, L.A. would become the largest city in the U.S. to adopt a comprehensive smoking ban for all public places, joining the cities of Beverly Hills, Burbank, Calabasas, and Santa Monica.”

2) Readers are encouraged to check out this online auction of rare and exclusive cigars, including original 1984 Arturo Fuente 8-5-8s and Opus X “troll” cigars. Proceeds benefit the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, which serves the impoverished children of the Dominican Republic by providing schools, health care, clean water, nutrition, and recreation.

3) Notwithstanding this shameless act of self-promotion, we would like to thank The Cigar Alliance for naming StogieGuys.com winner of the “Best Cigar Blog” category in the 2008 Cigar Alliance Media Awards. We would also like to congratulate the winners of the other categories, including Cigar Live, Stogie Review, DogWatch Social Club, European Cigar Cult Journal, and Stogie Fresh.

4) Inside the Industry: StogieGuys.com has received a tip that Carnival Cruise Lines is testing a new no cigar policy on some of its ships, including vessels with cigar bars. Alec Bradley is adding a new size to the Tempus line, a perfecto called the Magistri (6.5 x 53). Isla de Cuba’s two new lines, the Blend 376 and the Wango Tango, are set to hit stores in mid-September.

5) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame continues its vertical tasting of the Padrón line with the 4000. Stogie Review reviews the La Riqueza. Cigar Jack lights up a Gurkha G5. Cigar Command checks out the Live Green Label.

6) Deal of the Week: Here’s a great way to enjoy two of our favorite smokes. This Padrón Maduro vs. Rocky Patel ’92 sampler includes five cigars of each, all for just $45 (shipping included for the sampler and anything else purchased with it). Grab yours here.

- The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and informative as possible, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other snippets of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) With smoking bans sweeping the nation, the Tampa-based Mobile Cigar Lounge Co., founded by former NHL players Stan Neckar and Dave Andreychuk, saw a business opportunity. After winning the Stanley Cup Stan recalled that “half the team was standing outside having celebratory cigars and I was thinking, there has got to be a better way.” So the company transformed an Airstream mobile home into a luxury cigar lounge on wheels.

2) U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) this week proposed an end to federal arrests for most marijuana use, declaring that he did not “think it is the government’s business to tell you how to spend your leisure time.” He told reporters: “I smoke cigars. I don’t think other people should do that. If young people ask me, I would advise them not to do it.” He then voted for FDA regulation of tobacco.

3) Inside the Industry: Imperial Tobacco Group, the world’s fourth largest tobacco company and now owner of Altadis, said this week that U.S. and European cigar sales—particularly premiums—are being hurt by smoking bans and economic slowdown. London-based Imperial, whose cigars range from Montecristo to Dutch Masters, also has a 50% stake in Habanos S.A. Overall, the company said performance was in line with management’s expectations.

4) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame continues its vertical tasting of the Padrón line with the 4000. Stogie Review reviews the Java by Drew Estate. Cigar Jack lights up a Cuvee 151. Cigar Spy smokes the Carlos Toraño Tribute 2004.

5) Deal of the Week: Here’s a sampler that includes ten toros from some of the biggest names in the business for just $39.99. Included are cigars from Rocky Patel, Toraño, Perdomo, Partagas, Romeo y Julieta, Don Pepin and more. Grab yours here.

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Mobile Cigar Lounge Co.

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and informative as possible, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other snippets of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) It was announced on Wednesday that computer tycoon Bill Gates and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg are teaming up to “combat the global tobacco epidemic.” The pair is giving $500 million to developing nations to “implement proven policies and increase funding for tobacco control.”

2) Red tape is keeping struggling Maryland establishments from obtaining elusive exemption waivers to override the state’s oppressive smoking ban. So far only eleven have applied, and only three have been granted, because of the legal fees, accountants, and documents required to file, say business owners.

3) Correction and Amplification: In a review this week several readers commented on the prices listed for the Tatuaje Black and the Opus X. In response, George E did some follow up reporting and has written an update regarding the prices. It can be read here.

4) Inside the Industry: Drew Newman let us know that the Julius Caesar we referenced in last week’s Inside the Industry will not be part of the Diamond Crown Maximus line, but rather a new extension of the Diamond Crown line. Ashton Cigars is releasing a new Nicaraguan version of its La Aroma de Cuba line made by the prolific Don Pepin Garcia to be called the Edición Especial. Imperial Tobacco Group, the world’s fourth largest tobacco company and now owner of Altadis, said this week that U.S. and European cigar sales—particularly premiums—are being hurt by smoking bans and economic slowdown.

5) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame continues its vertical tasting of the Padrón line with the Churchill. Stogie Review reviews the CAO LX2. Cigar Jack lights up a Don Pepin Cuban Classic. Cigar Spy pans the Fuente Anejo Shark.

6) Deal of the Week: Cuban Crafters has more specials online. Particularly notable is the Don Kiki Brown Label Toros, which are available at the incredible price of $39.99 for a box of 25. See all the deals here.

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: NY Times

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and informative as possible, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other snippets of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Winston Churchill may be the all-time most towering individual in the world of cigars, but he’s got nothing on Jack Priestly. This English grandfather of six recently celebrated his 100th birthday—despite smoking ten cigars a day for 91 years. “Since his first puff in 1917 he has smoked 153,000 cigars and 715,400 cigarettes and drunk a shot of whisky in his morning cup of tea every day since the age of 24. He has not suffered any serious health problems related to smoking or drinking,” reports the Telegraph.

2) This is a final reminder to DC-area Stogie Guys to come out to Morton’s in Reston Town Center on Monday, July 21 for a special event with Paul Garmirian Cigars. For a mere $220, you’ll get five courses of Morton’s signature cuisine paired with fine wines and premium Paul Garmirian smokes—not to mention a chance to dine with Patrick A and Patrick S. See the Special Events tab for more details and to register. Patrick S spoke with Paul Garmirian’s son Kevork about the dinner at the IPCPR show in Las Vegas, and he promised an event you won’t want to miss.

3) Inside the Industry: Rocky Patel will be releasing a cigar called the Renaissance this fall (details are sketchy at this point, but look for a Stogie Guys review in the next few weeks). J.C. Newman Cigars is working with the Fuentes on a fuller-bodied Diamond Crown Maximus called the “Julius Caesar” to come out in 2009. For more industry news be sure to read StogieGuys.com’s coverage of this week’s IPCPR Trade Show.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the Ashton Aged Maduro. Cigar Jack smokes the Ashton ESG. Cigar Spy lights up a Cabaiguan. Cigar Inspector inspects an Oliva Serie V. Keepers of the Flame continues its vertical review of the Padrón line with the Panetela.

5) Deal of the Week: Try out the brand new Macanudo 1968 with this special offer from General Cigars. For just $9.95, including shipping, you get three different sticks from the blend. Grab yours here.

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: The Guardian

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and informative as possible, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other snippets of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) As if you didn’t already know, this weekend’s big cigar news begins and ends with the kickoff of the 76th Annual IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas on Sunday. Keep it right here at StogieGuys.com for live, on-the-ground coverage—including highlights of the new cigars that are expected to debut.

2) A petition to get an initiative on a ballot to exempt cigar bars from Washington’s oppressive smoking ban came up 12,000 signatures short this week. Now the downtrodden owners of cigar bars, stores, and private clubs in the Evergreen State are expected to lobby legislators in January in a last-ditch effort to save their livelihoods.

3) Inside the Industry: Select boxes of Rocky Patel cigars will be shipped with “custom-printed” Humidipaks starting late this summer. Last year’s Dominican floods are making shipments of the already scarce Opus X even rarer. General Cigars won a lawsuit confirming the company’s ownership of the U.S. Cohiba trademark.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review smokes the Tatuaje Cojonu 2006. Cigar Jack smokes the Kristoff Criollo Churchill. Matt lights up a Toraño Noventa. Cigar Command reviews the 5 Vegas Miami Robusto. Keepers of the Flame continues its vertical review of the Padrón line with the Ambassador.

5) Deal of the Week: This Medium Bodied Sampler includes ten top-notch cigars for just $39.99. It features Romeo y Julieta Viejo, Macanudo Maduros, Cocinero Liga Especial, Toraño 1916 Cameroon, and Oliva Serie O. The sampler also includes free shipping on the entire order. Grab yours here.

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Convention Hotels