Update on Nebraska Cigar Bar Exemption
Here’s an update on yesterday’s story about cigar bar exemptions in Nebraska; from Cigar Aficionado:
Many lawmakers opposed the original bill, not necessarily for its attempt to exempt cigar bars, but for its vague language. They felt the bill contained loopholes that would allow businesses to stock up on tobacco products to meet the definition of a cigar bar and permit patrons to smoke.
Since Friday, lawmakers have been fine-tuning details of an amendment that seeks to exempt cigar bars from the ban while tightening the language so other businesses couldn’t easily qualify as cigar bars.
By day’s end today, the bill being discussed would lower the revenue figure to 10 percent, but this percentage would be derived solely from cigar sales.
Lawmakers are expected to vote on the bill tomorrow.
Hopefully the amendment gets passed.
UPDATE (3-24-09 @ 6pm): According to Forbes, the amendment that would allow cigar bars to continue running as long as they derive at least 10% of their revenues from the sale of cigars has passed its first hurdle.
The Cigar Bar “Exemption” in Nebraska
It would seem to me that cigar bars are meant to be a place where cigar smokers go to smoke cigars and not places for cigars to go to drink (Confused? Click HERE to read this great satire.). Therefore, it would seem reasonable that anyone who entered a cigar bar, whether for business or pleasure, would know that they will be exposed to that awful second-hand smoke. And yet, anti-smoking crusaders are out to protect, well, who exactly? The illiterate?
Evidently, there are a ton of illiterates in Nebraska because their state’s smoke-Nazis have made it next to impossible to legally operate a cigar bar. For example, according to a new law that is near passing, an establishment would need to realize at least 15% of their revenues from selling cigars. Not cigarettes or other tobacco-related products, mind you, nor can they sell “cigars for $15 with a free steak dinner.” It has to be a “real” 15%. Or, in politician-speak, “YOU’RE BANNED!”
Fighting tooth and nail just to keep six cigar bars open in Nebraska – We’re losing the war on smoking
And why is there all of this cigar smoking hate going on in Nebraska? If cigar bars are allowed to survive, praise to the legislature on high, there will be about six cigar bars left in the state. SIX!!!!
This is where we are in this battle. Cigar smokers are incrementally getting their rights rolled back. Taxes on cigars have been raised through S-CHIP, you can’t buy cheap cigar unless they are in a five-pack due to fear of kids using them to create blunts, you can’t smoke inside, you can’t smoke outside, you can’t smoke in your car with your kids (who, presumably, aren’t smoking), and smoking will eventually be outlawed thanks to the smoke-Nazi propaganda gold that is third-hand smoke.
I hope those cigar bars stay open but, in the end, I am becoming more convinced that we are on a road to tobacco prohibition. Thank you nanny-stater ninnies.
The Fuente Family – An Introduction
I love Fuente cigars. Just the other day I was lucky enough to have my first Fuente Fuente Opus X and it was just awesome. Probably the best cigar I have ever smoked. Tons of spice with a nice leathery background (I will post my review in a month or two, I have a little bit of a backlog). An absolutely wonderful smoke.
In honor of that cigar I scoured the Internet and found this great video that gives a brief background of the Fuente family and their cigar making roots. And, yes, it’s basically a commercial for the Fuente family. But so what?!?! Hope you like it!
CAO Gold Corona Cigar Review
From CAO: “Flawlessly constructed, this nugget of smoking pleasure delivers a smooth buttery flavor laced with vanilla, cream and nutmeg creating an escape that is nothing less than golden.” They peg it as being a mild smoke.
Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Well, just going off of what anyone says about their cigars they would all sound wonderful. That is why I am here, to tell you who is fudging how good their cigars really are. Here’s my review:
Light brown wrapper that is a little misshapen. It does glisten with oils. There is a hole near the foot of the cigar. It gets thinner by the cap. Drinking Cherry Coke with water.
Cigar Stats
Corona
Length: 5 1/2″
Ring Gauge: 42
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua
Price: $4.50
Z-Light!
Very mild (I don’t like mild cigars – so be forewarned). Kind of boring actually. Not very flavorful in the beginning.
There are some slight vanilla flavors. Draw is a little tight and there is this ashy flavor that I don’t like.
This review may end up being short unless this cigar gets better. It’s a fine cigar; it burns evenly, the draw is good, the flavors are not bad…. It is just that this cigar does not excite me at all. Halfway through at this point and unless it becomes more flavorful then I won’t like it.
Luckily, it does get better. The vanilla flavor is joined by a nuttiness along with an oak flavor as well. It does improve my overall perception of this cigar. Overall, it is a fine cigar.
87 points
Other Reviews:
Barry, over at A Cigar Smokers Journal, gave the toro vitola 88 points and found the dominant flavors to be nutty and woody.
Blank Mind Blog found this cigar to be boring and didn’t notice any of the flavors I noticed.
CAO “The Sopranos” Edition Associate Cigar Review
From CAO: “Dark, compelling and rich with character, this smokin’ hot escape is riddled with decadence and forcefully pleases the palate with notes of straight coffee beans, cocoa and a smattering of black cherry. Tread lightly and enjoy the badness. Capiche?” They peg it as a full bodied smoke.
In the past I gave this cigar 90 points. Here’s what I thought about this one.
Perfectly constructed wrapper save for one minor bulge. Wrapper does feel a bit dry. Drinking Cherry Coke and water.
Cigar Stats
Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 52
Wrapper: Brazil
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Columbia, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Price: $10.50
Mafia Light!
Good draw with deep flavors. Chocolate flavors. Earthy as well. There is a slight bitterness to it. Tastes like cocoa. Not burning evenly.
Cigar is making me thirsty. I really do like these flavors. The draw is not as good as I would like but it’s not a major distraction. With a slight pull I am getting enough smoke. There is also this licorice-like flavor.
To fully appreciate the nuanced flavors of this cigar you will need to retrohale it. If you just get the smoke in your mouth you will miss most of he great flavors. So blow the smoke out of your nose and you will get those flavors loud and clear.
For example, if you don’t retrohale you will probably miss the chocolate notes. You need to retrohale this cigar!
Full bodied. The main flavor I get is chocolate throughout. The burn is uneven throughout though. But there are no bad notes to report.
91 points
Other takes:
Cigar Advisor liked it even though the wrapper came “unhinged.”
In the Humidor found caramel notes and also liked it.
