Weekly News (April 22, 2024)

Cigar Industry Responds to FDA’s Appeal of “Premium Cigar” Lawsuit

Yes, the nearly eight-year-old lawsuit over the regulation of premium cigars in the U.S. remains ongoing. For better and worse, it will be a bit quiet until later this year, which is when oral arguments are expected.

Tatuaje TAA 2023 En Route to Retailers This Week

These weren’t expected until late 2023, so the delay isn’t as long as it might seem. For those wondering, TAA 2024 takes place in the second half of October, so it’s likely going to be a while until you see any other new TAA cigars. Tatuaje put the TAA Exclusive Series Program on the map, so I’m always curious to try the newest release in the series.

U.K.’s Generational Tobacco Ban Clears Key Vote

My understanding is that the bill will now go to committee and could face changes. It will be curious to see if the Conservative government will follow through with this proposal, which would ban anyone born after 2008 from ever purchasing tobacco products in the U.K.

Cigar News

• AVO Expressions Limited Edition 2024, D-Nice Collaboration, Goes on Sale (Update)
• Black Star Line Cigars’ New Vitolas for Lalibela and Dark War Witch Head to Stores
• Cuban Creations Faces Backlash Over Parklet — via NOLA.com. Normally, we wouldn’t mention a single store’s issue over local regulations, but this is particularly interesting given that the 2025 and 2026 PCA Convention & Trade Shows will take place in New Orleans. While attendees will be able to smoke on the trade show floor, New Orleans does not allow smoking inside bars and restaurants, meaning that this extra outdoor seating will be in high demand come next April.
• Eladio Diaz’s Before & After Begins Shipping Today
• Elie Bleu Adds El Capitolio Cigar Stand
• Elie Bleu V-Cutter Shown Off at PCA 2024
• Elie Bleu’s Year of the Dragon Collection Coming in October
• German Court: Non-Cuban Companies Prevented From Using “Habano” & “Cubano”
• Gran Habano 20th Aniversario Maduro, Corojo No. 7 Previewed at PCA 2024
• Gurkha Shipping AJ Fernandez and E.P. Carrillo-Made Year of the Dragon Releases on Friday
• Habanos S.A. Pulls Out of InterTabac Trade Show
• La Aurora Preferidos Hors d’Age 2022 LE and Puro Vintage 2014 Head to Stores
• Scrim by HutcH Studio Adds Kirinite Cosmic Glitter Cutter
• Umbagog Bronzeback, StillWell Star Aromatic No. 22 & Sobrmesa Brûlée Wagashi Begin Shipping
• Vertigo Omni Twin Cutter On The Way To Stores
• Viaje Announces Birthday Blend Collector’s Edition

Legislation

State

• Iowa Governor Signs Bill Allowing Inspections of Tobacco Stores That Allow Usage on Premises — via Legis.Iowa.gov
• Minnesota Ban on Flavored Tobacco Products Unlikely to Pass This Year — via KTTC.com
• Ohio’s Flavored Tobacco Sales Ban Paused by Injunction
• Pennsylvania Pushes for Statewide Casino Smoking Ban Amid Resistance — via WestIslandBlog.com

Local

• Park Ridge, Ill. City Council Directs Staff to Develop Code Changes That Would Require New Tobacco Shops to Obtain Special Use Permits — via Journal-Topics.com
• Richmond, Calif. Implements 45-day Moratorium on New Tobacco Retail Licenses — via KQED

Reviews

• Crux Epicure Habano Toro
• Eladio Díaz 70 Aniversario
• Flor de D’Crossier Seleccion Escogida Lumina Robusto
• La Flor Dominicana Special Football Edition 2024
• Meerapfel Cigar Ernest Lonsdale
• Supreme Leaf Robusto (2020)

Deals From Our Sponsors

• Atlantic Cigar Co.: Joya de Drew Estate Sampler — 20 cigars for $90.
• Cigars Direct: Cohiba Serie M Reserva Roja — This is the newest Miami-made Cohiba and is the most limited release so far.
• Corona Cigar Co.: Te Amo The Original San Andres Toro — This year, Atladis U.S.A. is trying to revamp Te-Amo.
• Famous Smoke Shop: Rocky Patel Year of the Dragon — Based on our own numbers, many of you are interested in this cigar.
• Gotham Cigars: Arturo Fuente Hemingway Masterpiece — It may not be an everyday cigar, but every once in a while, a 9 x 52 cigar is just what’s needed.
• JR Cigars: 30 Percent Off — Code: SAVE30 (Not sure when this expires)
• LM Cigars: Free Shipping On Any Order — As the ad says, “because we like you.”
• Smoking Pipes: Arturo Fuente: From Dream to Dynasty Collection — This sampler includes 22 cigars—including a bunch of rare Arturo Fuente products—and a book.