Cigar Blog Roundup: Resignations, Ratings, Factories, Taxes and Beer

We hope you all had a fantastic Fourth of July weekend! It was a scorcher here in New York… not the best cigar weather but I did get a chance to enjoy an amazingly delicious Montecriso Flor Fina.
But enough about me, what’s going on in the world of cigar news?

Two French government officials were forced to resign over allegations they used taxpayer money to purchase luxury goods, including Cuban cigars. While overseas development minister Christian Blanc is still reeling from the €12,000 purchase Cubans, at least he got to smoke €3,500 worth before he had to return the rest.

Robustojoe’s blog features a great post on the ambiguity surrounding cigar ratings, bringing up some very interesting and important points.

Our favorite cigar bloggers over at The Stogie Guys posted this great article on finding a new appreciation for cigars after visiting the Dominican Republic for a tour from farm to factory. The premium, handmade quality of cigars is something many smokers take for granted, but one look behind the scenes is all it takes to drive home how much hard work involved.

There was finally some good news on the subject of tobacco taxes, with Pennsylvania lawmakers rejecting the cigar tax proposed in their state. Along with Florida, Pennsylvannia is the only state in the union with no cigar tax. Not coincidentally, some of the largest cigar retailers (our competition) are based in those states. We think New York could learn a thing or two from the respect PA lawmakers are giving to the cigar industry.

Lastly, here are some odds and ends we enjoyed: Luxist has these beer and cigar pairing suggestions courtesy of the Beverly Hills Cigar Club. And over at the Newbie Cigar Blog, the rare Skull and Bones by Viaje finds a reviewer, describing the mouth feel as “velvety chocolate cake.”