Cigar News

August 21, 2008

Lamborghini Smoking Accessories

Smoking cigars. It conjures images of wood-lined, quilted-leather private clubs and back-room deals brokered with a hand-shake between captains of industry and diplomats. Though tobacco may be taboo in modern society, cigars still have an air of class about them. At least until Lamborghini got involved.

While we're all for automotive-themed products, especially those of the finely-crafted variety, this seems to take things too far. Made by Tonino Lamborghini (think of it as Sant'Agata's Porsche Design), this range of lighters and cigar cutters, in our view, infuses the flashy, fast-paced Lamborghini image into a realm where it doesn't belong. Maybach can get away with slapping their badge on a smoker's set. Even Porsche Design manages to carry it off with a degree of class. But as much as we like Lamborghini's fantastic sportscars, when our first-born child arrives, we'll take a pass on these.

Source: autoblog.com

August 13, 2008

Online Charity Auction Features Rare Cigars

Two prominent cigar families are holding an online auction of exclusive cigars to raise money for Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, a group that aids poverty-stricken children of the Dominican Republic.
The Fuente and Newman families helped create the charity in 2001 and expect to raise more than $50,000 through the online auction.

The auction, which began on August 5, is being held at CigarFamily.com and will end on Sunday. Some of the rare items bidders will see include:

— The very last original release box of AF 13 cigars.

— 1 box of 50 Arturo Fuente 8-5-8 Sungrown cigars, hand-selected by Carlos Fuente Jr., and personalized, dated and signed by both Carlos Sr. and Carlos Jr.

— 1 box of 50 Arturo Fuente 8-5-8 cigars with Carlos Sr.’s Don Carlos “My Way” blend, hand-selected by Carlos Sr.

— 1 box of 25 Arturo Fuente 8-5-8 cigars from 1984

source: Cigar Aficionado

August 11, 2008
In Local Cigar News.....

Luxury Cigar Dinner raises funds for United Way

On Thursday, Oct. 23, JP Prime Steakhouse hosts a star-studded Cigar Dinner Benefit to raise money for an organization that tirelessly comes to the assistance of so many--The United Way of Cape May County.

Admission is a donation of $120, which Includes a fabulous three-course, three-cigar dinner. Guests will be able to take home a hand-rolled cigar, as well as purchase a commemorative book of professionally shot photos from that night’s event.

Cigar-rolling demonstrations by Honduran expert Luis Cortez of Cortez Cigars and personal shoeshines will add to the event. JP Prime is one of New Jersey’s smoke and cigar friendly establishments, with an outdoor patio that is climatized to match the seasons while keeping the highest air quality for those who don’t indulge.

JP Prime Steakhouse is located at 206 Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood. Call for reservations at 609- 729-4141; www.jprestaurantgroup.com

August 9th, 2008

Cigar Rights of America Gives Cigar Enthusiasts a United Voice Against Continuing Legislation, Tax Hikes and Bans

LOS ANGELES, (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Driven by increasing calls from cigar connoisseurs and enthusiasts, a consortium of cigar manufacturers and premium cigar retailers have formed Cigar Rights of America (CRA), a nonprofit organization formed to give cigar lovers across the United States a voice in the rising debate over cigar rights for those who enjoy cigars for pleasure.

CRA is a membership organization dedicated to maintaining the personal freedom of individuals to enjoy cigars. Its activities are focused on education about handmade premium cigars, opposing unfair legislation such as excessive state and federal cigar taxes, overly restrictive smoking bans, cigar sales restrictions, and FDA regulation of cigars.

Published estimates show that approximately three to four million Americans regularly smoke premium, hand-rolled cigars. For many, a good cigar is a form of relaxation, and many cigar enthusiasts consider themselves to be connoisseurs, similar to wine experts. CRA membership believes that the increasing number of anti-smoking measures - measures going as far as giving apartment property owners the right to tell renters they cannot smoke in their own homes - and proposed federal cigar tax increases of up to 6,000 percent are encroaching on a personal freedom and right to enjoy cigars.

August 8th, 2008

City at center of debate over flavored cigars

City health officials have received a large number of comments - pro and con - about a proposed ban on the sale of single cheap cigars, which tend to be smoked by young people who like them because they come in flavors such as grape, cherry and vanilla.

The city's proposal has garnered national attention because if the ban is enacted, Baltimore would be the first municipality to take such a stand against the cigars, which are sold under the names Black & Mild, White Owl and The Game. On the street, the cigars are sometimes called "blunts" or "loosies."

Among the groups who responded to the city's request for comments were theJohns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health, the Cigar Association of America Inc., the American Lung Association of Maryland and 7-Eleven Inc. The city Health Department posted the responses on its Web site yesterday.

"There's a lot of interest around the country in what's happening," said city Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, who joined Mayor Sheila Dixon in introducing the proposed ban May 28 at City Hall. Of the comments from health and industry groups, Sharfstein said he would "take them seriously."

The cigar association stated in its response that members believe Sharfstein does not have the legal authority to enact such a law. 7-Eleven also opposes the ban, according to a representative, because the chain's stores sell single cigars, mostly to adults, who find that it is economical to buy the cigars one at a time.

The American Lung Association of Maryland and the Bloomberg School of Public Health both support the ban.