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) 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

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 items of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Anti-smoking politicians in DC made another power grab yesterday, this time as the Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill that would grant the FDA authority over the production and marketing of tobacco. The move all but guarantees President Obama, a supporter of the legislation, will have a chance to sign the bill into law. We have been following this measure since last July, warning that it may result in nicotine controls and substantially limited advertising of cigars in magazines and on websites.

2) Today, dubbed “National Nestor Miranda Cigar Day” by Miami Cigar & Co., is your chance to try a new limited edition Special Selection 20 Aniversario for free. All you have to do is buy any cigar at one of 500 Nestor Miranda Special Selection authorized dealers, and you’ll be given either a Habano Rosado or a Habano Oscuro. Both four and a half stogie-rated cigars normally retail for $9 apiece. Click here to locate a participating retailer near you.

3) Inside the Industry: EO Brands—maker of the 601, Cubao, and Mi Barrio lines—has announced its next cigar, to be introduced at this year’s IPCPR Trade Show in New Orleans in August, will be called the “Murcielago.” In an effort to make some its most sought-after smokes more affordable, Padrón is releasing its 1926 blend in boxes of ten just in time for Father’s Day.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews a Rocky Patel Sping Collection. Keepers of the Flame lights up a Rocky Patel Decade. Cigar Jack smokes the Canimoa Maduro. A Cigar Smoker sparks the Oliva Series V. Velvet Cigar tries the La Flor Dominicana Connecticut. Stogie Fresh torches up a Flor de Gonzalez 15 Anniversario. Las VegASH reviews the Drew Estate Natural Dirt.

5) Deal of the Week: This “Baker’s Dozen Sampler” features 13 cigars for just $30. Included are such top blends as the CAO Brazilia, Rocky Patel 1992, Gurkha Warrior, CAO Gold Maduro, and Toraño Exodus Silver, plus smokes from Padrón, Fuente, Macanudo, Punch, Hoyo, and more. Get yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: FDA.gov

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 items of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) On the heels of Jacob Grier’s critique of a “study” that purported to downplay the impact of smoking bans on employment in restaurants and bars comes this commentary from Forbes. It argues that, despite widely accepted claims that depend on  fuzzy science, “many prior studies of smoking bans are riddled with statistical shortcomings.” The author should know; he has “15 years of experience in performing economic and statistical analysis.”

2) In related news, shares of Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., a Louisiana casino operator, jumped 14% on Wednesday after lawmakers shot down a bill that would have expanded the Pelican State’s smoking ban to cover bars and casinos. Such acute market activity supports the claim that freedom of choice is best for business.

3) Inside the Industry: Rocky Patel is releasing another seasonal blend, the 2009 Summer Collection. Colibri, a brand best known in cigar circles for its lighters, has emerged from bankrupcy and will begin making lighters again. CAO is adding a box-pressed robusto to its MX2 line.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review looks at the Camacho Connecticut. Cigar Inspector samples a Davidoff Special R. Velvet Cigar reviews a Camacho Liberty 2008. Cigar Spy infiltrates a La Aroma de Cuba.

5) Deal of the Week:  This “Mega III Sampler” has 16 big-name cigars for just $30. (That’s under $2 per stick for those of you who might not be up on your arithmetic.) Included are  favorites from La Flor Dominicana, Rocky Patel, CAO, Alec Bradley, Camacho, Gurkha, and Cuesta-Rey. Get yous 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 items of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) With baseball’s worst record and third-lowest average attendance, the slumping Nationals seem intent on reviving the old saw of Washington as “first in war, first in peace, and last in the American League.” We can’t help but wonder what might have been had the team accepted our 2006 proposal to create a smoking section in the stands of their old home at RFK Stadium. Is it too late to reverse a bad call for the new Nationals Park?

2) Liz Klein, an assistant professor at Ohio State University, recently published a “study” that purports to downplay the impact of smoking bans on employment in restaurants and bars. But as our friend Jacob Grier points out, the methodology Klein used amounts to little more than fuzzy science. That’s why, he says, “The applicability of her paper to public policy is very limited.”

3) Inside the Industry: Camacho Cigars, best known for their full-flavored smokes, is releasing a Connecticut-wrapped cigar. Cigar Rights of America is further enticing membership, this time with an a sampler of 20 cigars made by industry leaders exclusively for CRA and available only to members.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review lights up a Punch Rare Corojo. Fire Up That Cigar sparks a Don Pepin Garcia JJ. The Weekly Cigar smokes a Marco V Gold. Cigar Inspector inspects an ORTSAC 1962. Keepers of the Flame torches up an ITC 10th Anniversary.

5) 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

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 items of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Ron White, famous for his part in the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, may face charges in North Dakota for smoking a cigar onstage. A nosy Bismark resident reportedly informed police that White was violating the state’s smoking ban during one of his standup routines. No charges have yet been filed against the cigar- and scotch-toting comedian.

2) If you haven’t done so already, please sign up for StogieGuys.com’s new email newsletter. This free service is a great way to get exclusive content like aging reports, cigar rankings, tips, and more. Best of all, we’re giving away some amazing cigar prizes just for signing up.

3) Thanks to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the highest profile member of the Smoke-Free Texas coalition, the Lone Star State may be closer than ever to a statewide smoking ban. All that stands in the way of a pivotal vote is State Sen. Jane Nelson, chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. She pledged her support for the ban in February and, when asked why she hasn’t allowed a vote to date, vaguely said she has “an agreement” with her colleague who is sponsoring the legislation.

4) Inside the Industry: Cigar Expo was destined to a good time with tons of cigars, superstar cigar makers in attendance, and plenty of food and drink—all of which makes it an unexpected place for a fight to break out. But according to a press release from Famous Smoke Shop, which hosts the event, the VIP dinner on Friday night will also feature a heavyweight (at least figuratively speaking) boxing fight between Tatuaje owner Pete Johnson and Famous’ retail store manager Tim Carr. Evidently, the pair have been sparring with their words lately and are aiming to end the feud with their fists. StogieGuys.com will be there to see it all go down, and you can join us by grabbing your ticket to the event.

5) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review smokes a Gurkha Warlord. Keepers of the Flame lights up an Isabela Miami. Nice Tight Ash fires up a Camacho 10th Anniversary. Cigar Command samples a Panacea Black. A Cigar Smoker reviews the Cabaiguan.

6) Deal of the Week: This sampler is a great way to try four different Don Pepin Garcia cigars at a reasonable price. You get two each from the EO 601 Red line, plus Pepin’s own Blue, Black, and JJ blends, all for under $45. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: PeakRadar.com

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 items of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) It looks like Florida will remain one of the few states without a cigar tax. As legislative wrangling continued this week over state budget shortfalls, reports had the $1-per-pack cigarette tax boost living and the cigar tax dying, at least on hand-rolled sticks. The state’s many cigar importers, manufacturers, retailers, and others have been applying pressure since the proposal was first advanced. And, while noting that nothing is certain until the process ends, Brian Berman, director of membership with Cigar Rights of America, said Thursday: “We believe it’s a dead issue.” Asked about a tax on machine-rolled sticks, Berman said that apparently had not yet been decided.

2) If you haven’t done so already, please consider joining the J.C. Newman Cigar Club with a modest membership fee of $18. In return, you’ll get a four-stogie Cuesta-Rey Centro Fino sampler, a golf shirt, coupons for free cigars and merchandise, and more. Plus, best of all, the fee includes a donation to the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit that has already raised over $3 million to build schools and a health clinic in the Dominican Republic.

3) Inside the Industry: The cigar industry suffered two great losses this week. Fernando León Asensio, former head of La Aurora, passed away at the age 87. And Daniel Rodriguez, the last man to run Cuba’s famed El Corojo plantation before the Cuban revolution, died of cancer at the age of 76. They will be missed.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review smokes a Rocky Patel Renaissance. Keepers of the Flame lights up a My Father. Stogie Fresh reviews a Belmore Cameroon. Cigar Monkey fires up a La Finca. Velvet Cigar tries the Rocky Patel Signature Series TAA. Cigar Spy inflitrates a Fuente God of Fire.

5) Deal of the Week: We’re not always in agreement with those Cigar Aficionado ratings, but this “Aficionado 90+ Sampler” contains some top smokes at a very reasonable price. Included are 12 smokes by Don Pepin, Padilla (1932), Gurkha, Oliva, CAO, Rocky Patel, and others, all for just $55. Get 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 items of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Criminalizing the act of smoking inside tobacco shops is ridiculous at best and tyrannical at worst. But that’s exactly what some Vermont politicians are pushing for in a bill that would aggressively expand the Green Mountain State’s longstanding smoking ban. “If the right to smoke a cigar, pipe, or other tobacco product in…a cigar store is legislated away,” says Chris McCalla, legislative director for IPCPR, “then these same lawmakers will be voting to eliminate these businesses and the jobs and taxes that go with them.”

2) Meanwhile, in Nebraska, an IPCPR-supported bill was signed into law by Gov. Dave Heineman on Wednesday that excuses cigar bars from the state’s smoking ban. In order to qualify for the exemption, 10% or more of an establishment’s revenue must come from the sale of cigars or other tobacco-related items.

3) Inside the Industry: Don Pepin Garcia is expanding his My Father line with two new sizes—a Cervantes (6.5 x 44) and an Eminentes (5.6 x 46)—both of which retail for around $9 per cigar. Newman’s Nicaraguan puro line, El Baton, is also adding two new sizes, a Robusto and a Double Torpedo. In anticipation of the SCHIP tax that hit on April 1, cigar makers imported almost 50% more cigars in March 2009 than they did in March 2008, the last month before the tax hike went into effect.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the Cabaiguan Guapos Maduro. Keepers of the Flame lights up a Siglo Limited Reserve. Cigar Inspector inspects the Sancho Panza Molinos. Cigar Spy tries the Cruzado. Matt smokes a La Gloria Serie R Maduro.

5) Deal of the Week: This “Mega Sampler III” features 16 fine cigars for the bargain price of $30. You get to try smokes by Gurkha, Rocky Patel, La Flor Dominicana, La Gloria Cubana, Camacho, Cusano, Cuesta-Rey, Alec Bradley, Hoyo de Monterrey, and CAO, all for under $2 per stick. Pick yours up here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr