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) Seattle politicians are considering a new law that would criminalize smoking in the city’s parks. Washington already has a restrictive statewide ban on indoor smoking and within 25 feet of doors and windows. But this outdoor ban is justified, say anti-tobacco zealots, for very familiar reasons: preference of the majority, junk science, and the notion of legislating away “bad” habits.

2) Ron Jaworski, former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst, held a cigar and Johnny Walker tasting party in Miami during last weekend’s Super Bowl. Mike Ditka, Jon Gruden, and other ESPN personalities were among the attendees, all of whom helped raise money for the United Way.

3) Inside the Industry: In its latest survey of retail members, the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association found that the best-selling cigar size was a toro and the best-selling average price for a cigar was $7.The IPCPR also chose a new lobbyist to represent cigar smokers’ interests in Washington.

4) Around the Blogs: The Stogie Guys, via The Daily Caller, feature the Davidoff Millennium Blend Robusto. Keepers of the Flame lights up the H. Upmann Reserve Maduro. Nice Tight Ash fires up a Grand Habano Cabinet Selection. Stogie Review reviews the Tatuaje Boris. Cigar Inspector inspects the La Aurora 1495 Robusto. Stogie Fresh checks out the Mombacho Long Robusto.

5) Deal of the Week: They call it the “Rare Air” sampler because it includes ten smokes that are hard to find  for just $35. Included are the Man O’ War Ruination, Rocky Patel Puro Cubano, Cocinero, La Princessa de Cuba, and Gurkha Micro-Batch VH-7. 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) Washington is eying new legislation that would restrict outdoor smoking in the nation’s capital. The proposal, currently under consideration by the city council, would criminalize sidewalk smoking within 25 feet of participating businesses. “If store owners don’t want smoking in their places of business, they have the right to declare their property smoke-free. And if these property owners don’t want people to smoke outside of their places of business, they have the right to ask people not to smoke there,” said Chris McCalla of IPCPR. “But enacting legislation that gives the government authority over these individual property rights we do not support. Not only is it not justified from a medical standpoint, it is not a justified deprivation of our personal rights from a constitutional standpoint.”

2) Other Smoking Ban Alerts: Los Angeles is banning smoking in outdoor dining areas and around “mobile food trucks.” Indiana lawmakers are hoping to make their state the 39th with some sort of statewide ban. Montana’s new indoor ban contributed to an 18% drop in gambling revenue.

3) Inside the Industry: CAO will soon release two new sizes of their La Traviata blend: a corona (5.6 x 46) called “Favorito” and a belicoso (5.5 x 52) called “Animado.” Joya de Nicaragua is releasing its fifth line, a bundle cigar called the Fuerte Serie B that will be made in fours sizes and sell in the $2-4 range.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review fires up a Zino Platinum Crown Series Emperor Edition 2009. Cigar Jack smokes a Toraño Exodus 50 Years. Nice Tight Ash looks at the E.P. Carrillo Edicion Inaugural 2009. Velvet Cigar reviews the Room 101 by Camacho. A Cigar Smoker and Lindsay Heller smoke the Opus X “Love Affair.”

5) Deal of the Week: Looking for a few good smokes and a new humidor? This set includes three cigars each from  Gurkha, Cocinero, Liga Especial, Perdomo, and Victor Sinclair, plus a quality humidor, humidor solution, a double guillotine cutter, and a humidification disc—all for $59 including shipping.  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) Shaking was felt throughout the Caribbean on Tuesday after a powerful earthquake struck Haiti. The tremor, measuring 7.0 on the Richter Scale, ravaged the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, leaving an estimated 50,000 dead, the capital of Port-au-Price in ruins, and survivors with severely limited access to medical attention. Much less significantly, while the quake could be felt in cigar-producing countries like Cuba and the Dominican Republic, no damage was reported and any impact on the cigar industry is expected to be trivial.

2) For those looking to make a charitable contribution to help the people of Haiti, the Montecristo Relief Organization and Altadis will match your contribution dollar for dollar and have pledged up to an additional $125,000. To have your donation matched, send a contribution to: Montecristo Relief Organization, Haiti Earthquake Relief c/o Altadis USA, PO Box 407179, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33340-7166.

3) Our StogieGuys.com Best of 2009 lists will be released soon. They are exclusive to subscribers to our  Free Email Newsletter,  so make sure you sign up—a smart move that will automatically enter you to win spectacular prizes like boxes of top brands and cigar accessories.

4) Inside the Industry: Two new private cigar clubs opened this week to cater to those otherwise ostracized by smoking bans. The Montecristo Lounge in Alexandria, Virginia, is a joint venture of Altadis and The Cigar Palace. Meanwhile, the first Cohiba Lounge opened as a partnership between General Cigar and Nice Ash Cigars near Buffalo, New York.

5) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review checks out the La Flor Dominicana Air Bender. Nice Tight Ash fires up an H. Upmann Magnum 50. Keepers of the Flame reviews a Casa Royale Crown. Stogie Fresh smokes the Padrón 1964 Diplomaticos. Cigar Inspector inspects the Montecristo Open Regatta.

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 $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) On Monday, General Cigar was dealt a blow in the company’s protracted legal battle with Cuba. At issue is General’s use of the “Cohiba” brand name, under which they have been marketing Dominican-made cigars for over a decade. A federal judge in Manhattan issued an injunction, pending appeal, to prevent General from using the name. His justification is a doctrine “which holds that if a foreign trademark is well-known in the U.S. it is protected even though it’s not registered…”

2) Smoking Ban Alerts: San Francisco politicians are looking to tighten the city’s ban by making it illegal to smoke near doors, vents, and windows. Colorado’s Supreme Court upheld the state’s live theater ban. As expected, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm will sign a statewide indoor smoking ban today.

3) Inside the Industry: Arturo Fuente is releasing a new line of cigars called Rosado Sungrown Magnum R, which features aged Ecuadorian wrappers provided by the Oliva Tobacco Company. Despite their recent legal setback, General Cigar has opened its first Cohiba-branded cigar lounge at Nice Ash Cigars in Depew, NY.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review lights up an ECCJ 15th Anniversary by Altadis. Nice Tight Ash smokes the Punch Rare Corojo. Keepers of the Flame sparks a La Tradicion Cubana Deluxe 15th Anniversary. Stogie Fresh reviews the Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserve. Cigar Inspector inspects the Rocky Patel Nording.

5) Deal of the Week: Want to try many different cigars for a small price? This sampler has 20 top smokes for just $60, including favorites from Rocky Patel, Graycliff, Padilla, Man O’ War, 5 Vegas, Gurkha, and many more.  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) 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) 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) 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