News is traveling among industry insiders that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) intends to deliver the final Deeming Rules to the White House Office of Management & Budget next week. The news comes from the Washington “rumor mill” which is abuzz with the topic today. As a result some manufacturers have mentioned this via social media accounts and the CRA has emailed its corporate benefactors to alert them including the outline of their […]
Following up on the 2014 La Boheme, Boutique Blends, the parent company of Aging Room has released La Boheme Encantador. The cigar which features a dark Ecuador Habano wrapper gets the box pressed treatment in the new line. Available in three sizes: Turin (5 x 46); Fenice (6 x 52/Torpedo) and La Scala (5.75 x 54) the cigars have shipped to retailers around the country. The brand ties together the 3 passions in brand owner […]
Kafie 1901 Cigars announces November 01, 2015 release of Ecuador Sumatra blend. Kafie Cigars is excited to announce the addition of their new Ecuador Sumatra blend. Owner, Dr. Gaby Kafie states …. “We are getting set to offer connoisseurs three all time popular blends with this addition.” The company started its platform with a Cuban seed Habano maduro, then added an Ecuador Connecticut blend to their boutique cigars portfolio. With the introduction of this new colorado shade […]
A few weeks ago we reported that Beer Gardens had escaped a smoking ban in the state of Illinois. However, a group of lawmakers have tweaked a definition in the Smoke-Free Illinois Act. The Peoria Journal star reports that a committee tweaked the definition to ban smoking in any public place with a floor or ceiling whether or not the walls are retractable or permeable. The measure came after the Health department said the existing definition made […]
According to a report in the Daily Democrat, a licensing program for stores selling tobacco products was passed by the City Council in El Cerrito, California on Tuesday in addition to a ban on flavored tobacco. The new rules limit tobacco retailers from 1,000 feet of existing tobacco retailers and 500 feet from schools, recreation centers, parks and libraries. It also prohibits the sale of single cigars under $5.00. The new rules also prohibit self-serve […]
In August of 2014, Manhattan Beach, California banned smoking in the city. Now, the city is looking to take it one step further by banning smoking in multi-unit residences. The first reading for the measure that will ban smoking in the privacy of your own home passed its first reading on Tuesday night. The ban which prohibits smoking in common and private areas with three or more units is expected to pass its final reading […]
According to a document from the Office of the Attorney General in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the state has issued new regulations that effect cigars. Effective September 25, 2015 all products must be placed out of reach of all customers and in a location only accessible by retail personal. Additionally, stores will no longer be able to give away free cigars as part of a promotion. This means that buy 3 get 1 free will cease […]
In 1996 Alan Rubin knew nothing about cigars except for which end to cut and which end to light. Despite this he founded Alec Bradley Cigars. A few years after that I came across my first ever Alec Bradley cigar, a triangle box pressed smoke called Trilogy. According to Alec Bradley, “[Alec Bradley Sanctum is their new introduction]. The Costa Rican binder has great body, while the Colombian tobaccos add to the great aroma. Combine these […]
The first Latino and youngest member of the Berkeley City Council, Jeses Arreguin, a Democrat has proposed to raising smoking age on tobacco to 21. His reasoning is the increase in underage tobacco use, specifically vaping. The current age in the state is 18, and if the measure passes all forms of tobacco and tobacco products such as vape will be included in the ban. Violators will be subject to a fine and could lose their […]
According to Reuters, President Barack Obama has nominated a leading cardiologist and researcher for the position of FDA Commissioner. Dr. Robert Califf joined the FDA in January as Deputy Commissioner. Before the position becomes official Dr. Califf will go before the Senate for a confirmation hearing and industry observers do not expect him to face much opposition. If confirmed by the Senate Dr. Califf would replace Dr. Stephen Ostroff, who has served as acting commissioner […]