10-7 HA BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR FEBRUARY 2010

From the Board of Directors, and the membership of 10-7 Habaneros Aficionados we want to wish a Happy Birthday celebration on the month of February to:

1. Eugene Abuan (The Intern)

2. Dana Epperson

3. Jason Verhoff

4. Chuck Mathews

5. John Weinzierl

Legislature turns to fallen officers - Legislature - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington

Legislature turns to fallen officers - Legislature - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington

La Aroma De Cuba Edicion Especial EE

La Aroma De Cuba Edicion Especial

A week ago or so while visiting at one of my favorite cigar lounges in our area, I was introduced to the La Aroma De Cuba new blend from Ashton and Don Pepin Garcia. Is no secret that Im a true follower of Ashton and Don Pepin Garcia blends.

As I looked at the cigar, what was different? Well, the new blend label is identified in two ways. First by a smaller thin band with a double "EE" in red. The second, you have to look closer at the main label. They added a red tone filler at the bottom of the label. The pictures on this review do not show the second label option. I have to say that when it comes to art work on a cigar label, this one takes the prize. The unique design displays an european and cubanesque theme.

The La Aroma De Cuba New Blend wrapper, filler and binder are all from Nicaragua. The construction displayed a silky finish, with a conneticut broadleaf color. Next, I sat down and before roasting the cigar, and made sure that I had my Glercain glass filled "two fingers" measurement of Rum Zacapa. A perfect pairing, I must add.

Before clipping the cigar, I noticed the perfect "three cap" layout. A signature of excellent construction in most cuban cigars and now used in non cuban cigars by master rollers like Don Pepin Garcia. It was a perfect cut. A dry draw from the cigar was indicative of a well wrapped cigar with a consistend air flow.

As I roasted the cigar, pre-smoke, immediately detected a slight aroma of cedar. I let the cigar sit for a half a minute before taking the first draw. This helps the cigar leaf to naturally burn without "puffing" and releasing a creamy aroma, conditioning the cigar for the taste. Remember is all about preparing your palate to taste the flavors and strenght of the cigar.

The draw on this cigar was very smooth. The initial flavors came accross a bit complex and mixed. The initial taste was of a spice -peppery touch and cedary, meaning a woody taste. And it went away as quick as it arrived. The rest of cigar continued to burn evenly with a flaky consistent white ash which held on up to an inch and a half before detaching from the cigar.

They say that the longer the ash stays with the cigar, you will continue to have a perfect draw, aroma and great taste. Fact or myth? You be the judge on that one.......

Overall , a good smoke for my palate. Will I smoke and recommend this cigar? Absolutely.....

But remember that regardless of ratings and reviews from diferent sources, each individual cigar enthusiast will accomodate the cigar taste, aroma and strenght to his/her palate. For me, the rating on this La Aroma De Cuba New Blend is an 88. For you it might be different. When you have a cigar, taste it, scent the aroma and feel the strenght, not just smoke it.

Enjoying a cigar is an art.

New Picture of the week

Snoqualmie Casino-The Lit Cigar Lounge Events

Friends of Lit,

We have two very special events this week to announce. First, Ashton’s Saiid Karroum will be at Lit on Tuesday, February 2 as we feature Ashton’s many blends, including San Cristobal and La Aroma de Cuba as well as Ron Zacapa rum. It’s Saiid’s first time attending the Tuesday Night Cigar Club and we want to give him a great welcome. We’ll have some fantastic giveaways for those who purchase Ashton on Tuesday, along with a fantastic drink and cigar deal as well as free appetizers. The party goes from 6-9p.m., but show up early because we should have a great crowd.

On Saturday, February 6, we’re having our Sno Lounge Smoker from 3-6p.m. featuring Montecristo Museum Edition, Trinidad Habana Reserve and Gentleman Jack. There are still a handful of tickets left, so pick yours up at the casino box office or through Ticketmaster.

Here is our Thursday Night Flights lineup for February:
#1 Single Malt Scotch ($35): Balvenie Doublewood 12 year, The Macallan 12 year, The Macallan Cask Strength paired with La Aurora Preferidos Ruby
#2 Rum ($25): Appleton Estate VX, Mount Gay, Sailor Jerry paired with Graycliff Crystal PG.

Thanks again for all of your support, and we hope to see you at one of our great events this week!

Josh Weltmer
Manager - Lit Cigar Lounge
425-888-7978
jweltmer@snocasino.com

INTRODUCING: 10-7 HA Club Commemorative Challenge Coin

With great pride, the Board of Directors has the pleasure of introducing to our membership the very first commemorative challenge coin to honor the foundation of our club, police officers, military, firefighters and associates who protect and serve our community.

The design of this coin was created by President Herman S. Koppisch and Charter founding member Eugene Abuan. The coin was produced by 10-7 HA member Jordan Haines, owner of world leader in challenge coins,COINFORCE LLC. The coin will only be available to 10-7 HA members upon membership renewals. Members will be allowed to purchase one extra coin for the price of $20.00. This is a coveted limited edition coin second to none. Each coin is serial number. The coin is available in a gold finish for Charter members and a Silver finish for regular membership and associates.

10-7 HA goes to Nicaragua with Don Hanes

Greetings to all members and friends of 10-7 HA Club.

A few days ago I received this photos from our good friend, Don Hanes Monarch Marketing Cigar Representative.

Don was visiting Nick Perdomo in Nicaragua. Don was very proud to wear his 10-7 HA Club signature shirt. Of course we are very honor to have Don wear our 10-7 HA logo, specially when you are standing next to one of the world famous cigar manufacturer, Mr. Nick Perdomo.

On this picture to your left, Don is holding some of the harvested leaves from the Perdomo Plantation.

10-7 HA members had the previledge to meet Mr. Nick Perdomo during his visit to the Smokey Joe's Cigar Lounge last July 2009.

On this picture, Don is posing with Nick Perdomo's "Cuban Maestro" Master Roller and blender.

10-7 HA shirt is going places........

Thanks Don,

Picture of the Week

Shave Like Your Great Grandpa: The Ultimate Straight Razor Shaving Guide

The Art of Shaving

Click on the title and read.
Article written and courtesy of The Art of Manliness.

The James Bond Shower

Click on the title and read about James Bond Scottish tradition of a cold shower.

Article written and courtesy of The Art of Manliness.

Brouwer's Cafe (Seattle) Fundraiser

Last Saturday evening January 16, a group of 10-7 HA members from Seattle PD and Tacoma met at the Brouwer's Cafe for a fundraiser hosted by the management Cafe to help the Seattle Police foundation. It was a great memorable evening of Scotch tasting, great selection of cigars, great dinner and friends. 10-7 HA Club donated a traveler humidor to be raffle. The proceeds were donated directly to the Seattle Police Foundation, along with Brouwer's Cafe donation from the event to help the families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Please enjoy the PhotoShow below.

Welcome New Members to 10-7 HA Club

On behalf of the membership of 10-7 Habaneros Aficionados Club and the Board of Directors we want to congratulate and welcome our newest and first members to join in January 2010.


1. Grant Fish (Military Associate Member).

2. Jim Buchanan (Associate Member).

Welcome aboard.........

10-7 HA Board of Directors Message

Welcome to all 10-7 HA members to the new year 2010.

2009 was a great historical year for our organization. Our present membership is approximately 48 active members strong and growing.

From the beginning of our inception as a club and a nonprofit corporation we set the standards for a selected group of individuals who appreciate with a passion the art and culture of cigars. We managed to bring together law enforcement officers from all agencies in the state of Washington. And it all started with the idea to engage, support, and network with other like minded cigar aficionados about the cigar culture , to promote activities for charitable organizations, and cigar events in a relaxed off duty environment.

Our mission statement is “To promote the goodwill and camaraderie among fellow law enforcement officers who share an appreciation for the finer things in life,being a cigar enthusiast and help fellow law enforcement officers and their families in moments of need".

In 2009,the 10-7 Habaneros Aficionados Club was able to donate approximately 2,149.00 in donations as a result of charity contributions to help family members due to illness or injury and families of fallen officers in the line of duty.

Because of our "Shared Values" based on "Brotherhood - Compassion - Commitment" our cigar club has become a force supported by our membership passion for cigars and the ability to help and support others.

Our Board of Directors is now 8 Charter Members. We welcome and congratulate Robert Reife, Michael Cox, Alexander Paul and Lloyd Stading, as the new members to the Board of Directors.

Thank you to the Smokey Joe's Cigar and Sports Lounge for their unconditional support from the management staff to 10-7 HA and the law enforcement profession.

We look forward to see you during our weekly Thursday's cigar networking, and continue to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow members in a relax off duty setting while enjoying great cigars, cigar events, raffles with prizes, and cigar and spirit tastings.

2010 is going to be a year of great accomplishments for our club and our law enforcement community.

On behalf of the 10-7 HA Board of Directors we thank you.......

Herman S. Koppisch
President

Box-pressed Cigars

What is the difference between box-pressed and round cigars?

Box-pressed cigars contain slightly less filler in comparison to round cigars and are usually firmly pressed to give them a unique "square" shape. This shape allows the tobaccos to burn slower, since less air can travel through the cigar before reaching your palate. As a box-pressed cigar burns slower, it fully releases balanced smoke and flavor as all of the filler tobaccos burn evenly together, creating a richer sensation or character. Many enthusiasts prefer box-pressed cigars since they characteristically have less construction problems, are easy to hold and create fuller flavors, which is why you will find many brands utilizing the same blend to create a box-pressed shape in addition to standard parejos



Article by Cigar.com

Welcome to 10-7 HA Club

On behalf of the 10-7 HA Executive Board Members,
I would like to welcome you,





Our newest 10-7 HA members Chuck Mathews and
Christopher R. Dearth.

Welcome Chuck and Chris,

On behalf of the 10-7 Habaneros Aficionados Board Members, Herman S. Koppisch - President, Rick Melvin-Vice-Pres., Herman S., Daniel R. Shaw –Sgt. Of Arms, and Jeff Slotnick- Treasurer, We’d like to extend a warm welcome and congratulations for joining us, and becoming part of the membership of 10-7 HA Club. You have join an original and elite group of active, and retire police officers, military LE, and military business associates who support the mission of Law Enforcement.

It is our goal to grow this social non-profit organization to be the premier Law Enforcement Only Cigar Club in the Northwest. We are excited and pleased that you have decided to join us in this endeavor.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the quality and variety of people that you'll meet in our club. Even in these early formative stages of developing the club we've drawn a great mix of likeminded individuals who not only have shared values, but also share a passion for the finer things in life like a great cigar. Besides getting together to have fun, network, road trips, cigar tastings, share stories and smoke some great cigars, a primary goal for starting this club was that we also want to help our brothers and sisters and/or their families who are in need of a helping hand. We are also set up as a Charter nonprofit organization with the purpose to give to those Charitable Organizations who provide not only for Law Enforcement but to others in need.

Our home base for getting together (Herf) and smoking cigars is Smokey Joe’s Cigar Lounge in Fife, as well as the Lit Cigar Lounge at the Snoqualmie Casino. We meet at Smokey's every Thursdays after 5:30pm, and also there is a very good chance due to work schedules that you can find one or more of us there during the rest of the week (like Taco Tuesdays) as well. And we also try to visit at the Lit Cigar Lounge at least once on bi weekly or monthly basis.
Again, Chuck and Chris, welcome and very much we look forward to sit and smoke some good cigars.

Herman S. Koppisch

President

10-7 Habaneros Aficionados Club

Tacoma, WA.

10-7 HA CIGAR PICTURE OF THE WEEK

A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE: LAKEWOOD PD CHALLENGE COIN

To all 10-7Ha members Im very proud to bring to you the first photos of the "Challenge Coin" created and design and donated by COINFORCE, as a tribute to the Lakewood PD Fallen Officers. The Lakewood Police Department Independent Guild will be selling and distributing these coins with all proceeds to the family fund of the fallen officers.

Our very own 10-7 HA Challenge Coin is near completion and will also displayed the "Kneeling Officer" tribute as originally planned and designed.

How to Light a Cigar - The best home videos are here

Cigar 101 ---- CIGAR ASH

Why do some cigars have a white ash while others are more black?

There are two schools of thought that need to be considered when talking about the color of a cigar ash.

First, the chemical composition of the soil that the tobacco was grown in. Second, the age of the cigar. An ash is more than just the burnt remains of a good cigar, it can tell a story.

One rumor that was started and believed during the boom of the nineties is that the whiter the ash, the better the quality of tobacco. Take Cuban cigars for example. Cuban cigars will usually always have a dark gray ash. And yet, Cuban cigars are held in high regard (although very debatable). When a cigar doesn’t produce a white ash, it means that there are particles that didn’t burn all the way – the tobacco wasn’t fully fermented or properly treated in order to have full combustion. Considering the current social conditions of Cuba, this isn’t hard to imagine. Fermenting tobacco can sometimes take over a year. Tobacco is different and different tobaccos require different fermentation time. Think about a campfire, when the logs are burnt away the ash is completely white.

On the other side of the track, chemical composition in the soil also attributes to the color of ash. A white ash could simply mean that the soil had a lot of magnesium and phosphorus. Cuban soil is low in magnesium and is maintained that way. Cuban cigar ash is hardly ever white.

The ash holds a wealth of knowledge. An interesting point that was brought up in Min Ron Nee’s An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Post-Revolutionary Havana Cigars, is that a white ash simply means near complete combustion. According to him, if a cigar burns a darker ash, it means that the tobacco is leaving un-burnt organic material in the ash. Min Ron Nee is one of the world’s largest Havana cigar collectors and has had a lot of experience with aged cigars.

In his experience some cigars that have had a dark ash when they are fairly new have had a whiter ash as they age (from 5 years all the way up to thirty). The ash will progressively become whiter the older a cigar gets. He also states that some cigars may get stronger within a few years because substances that were too complex to burn will eventually become completely combustible.

So what is it? Is it the chemical composition, the combustion, the age? In fact, it may actually be all of the above. While there may be truth in Min Ron NEE’s experience, there is also validity to the chemical composition in the soil (according to any tobacco farmer you ask). The ash of a cigar tells a very complex story. It is up to you to listen to it.

Article & photo courstesy and written by Cigar.com

A 10-7 CIGAR MOMENT: CUBAN STOCK ROYAL SELECTION CIGAR EVENT WITH YANIV LEVY ("Yan"), AT THE SMOKEY JOE'S CIGAR LOUNGE NOVEMBER 12,2009

CUBAN STOCK ROYAL SELECTION
CIGAR EVENT

Saludos (Greetings) to all 10-7 HA members and friends,


On Thursday November 12th 2009, 10-7 HA held another successful cigar networking- herf. The evening was highlighted by our honor guest Mr. Yaniv Levy, Owner and manufacturer of the "Cuban Stock Cigar Company" and a cigar event featuring the Cuban Stock Royal Selection cigar line.

It was another evening where a great number of our 10-7 HA members who attended with family and friends. Throughout the evening Mr. Yaniv Levy(Yan), interacted with the 10-7 membership present and shared the history and manufacturing quality of the Cuban Stock Royal Selection Cigars. Throughout the evening Mr. Yaniv Levy, who preferred to be called "Yan", provided complimentary Cuban Stock Royal cigars to various members. It was a great honor for me as President of our club to share the philosophy and history of our club with Yan. It is no secret to our membership that the Cuban Stock Royal Selection cigars is one of my favorites and for one simple reason. This is an excellent cigar that pleases the palate of every cigar smoker.

This cigar is made from the best of dominican tobacco with an Ecuador wrapper, aged for six years in oak barrels. Has a smooth draw, excellent aroma and a diversified taste to match the palate of every cigar enthusiast.


During our conversation, Mr. Levy, proceeded to donate $150.00 for SPD Officer Timothy Brenton Family Fund. I was so proud and honor by the action of Mr. Levy.
I proceeded to make an announcement to the membership to witness a standing ovation and applause to Mr. Levy by the 10-7 membership. An additional collection from members present followed, totaling $408.00 collected for the Timothy Brenton Family Fund.

On behalf of the Executive Board Members, with heart and soul we thank Mr. Yaniv Levy of the Cuban Stock Cigar Company and the 10-7 HA membership for their support and commitment to a great cause.

The evening continued with great surprises for our membership. We conducted approximately 6 raffles which resulted in 6 winners from our membership. The prizes were 2ea. Cuban Stock Royal traveling humidors, a Cuban Stock Royal Selection Cigar sampler, Two Turkey's for Thanksgiving donated by the Smokey Joe's Cigar Lounge Management, a sampler of Illusione cigars.
Congratulations to all 10-7 HA winners.

On behalf of the 10-7HA Executive Board Members (myself, Rick, Daniel and Jeff) we thank Smokey Joe's Cigar Lounge Manager Vicki for the donations, and support on this great and special evening. We also thank Mr. Mark Wiltse, Lead Tobacconist for the Smokey Joe's Cigar Lounge who again provided an excellent service to the 10-7 membership during this event.

10-7 Ha Executive Board Members and our membership would like to also thank Don Hanes, Cigar Representative for Monach Marketing. Don made it possible for Mr. Yaniv Levy(Yan) to come to the Smokey Joe's Cigar Lounge and meet the 10-7 HA Club. Thank you Don.



The evening could not have been completed without a special tribute held for 10-7 HA member David Patsiga. David Patsiga is temporarily departing on a mission to IRAQ as a commander at the end of November. Friends, and co-workers from David's unit were present to honor him with a Plaque Award. The Plaque award was presented by 10-7 HA member and Patsiga's unit member, David Ramirez on behalf of the unit. The Plaque Award presentation was followed by a "traditional toast" led by 10-7 HA Associate member and good friend Lloyd Stading. Thank you to 10-7 HA members Lloyd Stading and David Ramirez.
Congratulations David Patsiga.




David,
From all your 10-7 HA members: "Godspeed" and be safe. We will be here waiting for your return and a good cigar.

We also had a great visit by a great group of Seattle's elite officers, who joined the 10-7 HA group to celebrate and share great cigars. Seattle PD Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to Seattle Officer Sean Jenkins in joining 10-7Ha and Min Chung for also joining the membership of 10-7 HA. We also welcome Erik Scairpon from Redmond PD to our memberhsip ranks. We have three more prospect candidates in the process of making their application membership. The 10-7 Habaneros Aficionados Club is now 50 members strong.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!!!!

____________________________________________________________

******REMINDER******* To all 10-7 HA members to individually sign up and join Cigar Rights of America (CRA) in support for our cigar rights, and freedom************
_____________________________________________________________

Cuban Stock Royal Selection Cigar Event

Crown David International owner and manufacturer of the Cuban Stock Royal Selection Cigars Yaniv Levy, is coming to the Smokey Joe's Cigar and Sport Lounge on

November 12 2009.

The cigar event will comence at 6pm. This is a great opportunity to meet Yaniv Levy and learn about this great cigar and the Cuban Stock Royal line.

Make sure you mark your calendars for this great event.

Yaniv Levy rolling a cigar with his Crown David International Master Roller Guillermo.

The Art of Manliness: Bringing back the Hat

Bringing Back the Hat



Up until the 1950’s men were rarely seen out and about without a hat sitting upon their head. Since that time, the wearing of hats has seen a precipitous decline. No one is precisely sure why. Some say the downfall of hats occurred when JFK did not wear a hat to his inauguration, thus forever branding them as uncool. This is an urban myth, however, as Kennedy did indeed don a hat that day. Another theory posits that the shrinking size of cars made wearing a hat while driving prohibitively difficult. Most likely, the demise of hats can simply be traced to changing styles and the ongoing trend towards a more casual look.

Yet hats are due for a full resurgence. Hats are both functional and stylish. They can cover a bad hair day, keep your head warm, and shade your eyes from the sun. They can also be worn to cover a receding hairline, which interestingly enough is why Frank Sinatra, an iconic hat wearer, start wearing one in the first place. They give you touch of class and sophistication, impart personality, and add an interesting and unique accent to your outfits. And hats are a sure-fire way to boost your confidence. A cool hat can quickly become your signature piece and give you extra swagger.

Of course men today still wear hats, but they are most often confined to ratty baseball caps, hippie beanie caps, or the thankfully almost extinct trucker hat. There is nothing wrong with these kinds of headpieces per se, but there are other hat options out there. So mix up your lids with these various options:

The Flat Cap


Photo by Herman
The flat cap has a rounded shape, a small brim and a high back. Long associated with working class men in the UK, the flat cap can be a stylish way to add interest to a casual outfit. They can give your tired jeans and t-shirt look some unique style. Choose the more masculine flat cap over the similar, but rounder and puffier newsboy cap. The latter has been almost entirely co-opted by the ladies.


The Fedora



Fedoras were once considered de rigueur for men going out in public and a necessary accessory to formal and business attire. While once mainstream, a man in a fedora is now seen as a trendsetter. Fedoras are soft, usually made of felt, creased lengthwise down the crown, and pinched on both sides. Obviously you cannot pair a fedora with jeans and a polo. They are only an appropriate accent for dressier outfits. But the pay off-loads of style, class, and confidence-make dressing up worth it. Fedoras will make you look manly and a bit mysterious. Worn by Prohibition era gangsters, almost all of the movie stars of the 1940’s, and Old Blue Eyes himself, donning a fedora puts you in touch with a truly luminous and manly heritage.

The Porkpie

Named for its resemblance to an actual pork pie, this hat is similar to a fedora but with a flat top instead of a pinched crown. The brim is also shorter and turned up. The hat is often associated with the jazz, blues, and ska culture, but was also worn by the likes of Robert Oppenheimer, father of the atom bomb.

The Homburg
Photo by Herman
The Homburg is another hat similar to the fedora. The Homburg’s brim lacks the fedora’s pinches, and is turned up all the way around. The hat is accented with a hatband into which a feather may be stuck. Less casual than a top hat, and dressier than a fedora, the Homburg was the go to lid for politicians and diplomats in the 20th century. Favored by the Godfather and resurrected by the likes of Snoop Dogg and Tupac, the Homburg now carries a distinctly gangster flavor.




The Bowler/Derby
Bowlers are hard, made of felt, and have very short brims. While considered a British icon, the bowler was also part of the urban culture of America in the 19th century. For example, one of the gangs that roamed the mean streets of New York City around this time were the Plug Uglies. The Uglies were never without their bowler hats which they wore both as their signature piece and to protect their heads during their many scuffles with rival gangs.


Wearing a Hat


Cock your hat–angles are attitudes. ~Frank Sinatra
Hats can give you a feeling of effortless cool and manly confidence. Few people loved hats more, or wore them better than Frank Sinatra. He was constantly playing with the idea of angling and tilting his hat to convey different attitudes. Here’s how Frank wore his hat to reflect his mood:
Wear your hat pushed back to seem more open and accessible
Tilt your hat over your eyes to seem mysterious and intimidating
Tilt your hat up 1 inch from completely straight to project an all-business attitude


Hat Etiquette


In adopting the hat as your signature piece, you must also accept the responsibility of hat etiquette. Often ignored, hat etiquette will show that your uniqueness extends not only to you choice of headwear, but to your manners as well.



1. Promptly remove your hat upon entering an elevator, restaurant, or someone’s home. Never wear your hat during a meal.


2. Touch the brim of your hat lightly when greeting a friend.


3. Raise the hat by the crown when meeting a female friend in public.


4. Remove your hat during the national anthem and place it over your heart.















Article courtesy of The Art of Manliness & Herman's Cigar Habaneros Blog

Vancouver B.C. Police Ball

(Click on the photo)

The Police Mutual Benevolent Association of Vancouver Welcomes You To
The Vancouver Police Ball

Last Saturday October 17 was the annual gathering of Law Enforcement Agencies at the Vancouver Police Ball in Vancouver, British Columbia.

One of our 10-7 Charter Members Robert (Bob) Reife attended and not only represented his agency but also our 10-7 HA Club.

We sure would like to see more members attend next year event .

On behalf of the Executive Board Members and the 10-7 membership, we thank Bob for his commitment, passion and dedication to profesionalism in Law Enforcement.

Well done, Bob..........

10-7 HABANEROS AFICIONADOS CLUB IS NOW A PLATINUM MEMBER OF CIGAR RIGHTS OF AMERICA

The 10-7 Habaneros Aficionados Club Executive Board Members is proud to announce that we have join Cigar Rigths of America as a business partner-Platinum Membership.

We encourage and recommend for every 10-7 Member to join CRA. Your voice counts......

Cigar Rights of America

FIGHTING FOR THE FREEDOM TO ENJOY FINE CIGARS

"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness"
"Land of the Free"
"No Taxation Without Representation"


These are the principles on which America was founded. Unfortunately for cigar enthusiasts, the age-old pleasure of enjoying a cigar is under attack. On a daily basis, your freedom to enjoy a cigar is being stripped away by an overzealous, anti-smoking movement. Their tactics are varied; be it through supporting onerous cigar taxes or lobbying government for restrictive smoking bans. The anti-smoking movement will stop at nothing short of the complete prohibition of tobacco.

The Declaration of Independence of the United States ensures that all men and women have the freedom and the right to the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, cigar enthusiasts have slowly allowed these rights to be removed. Over the past twenty years, the anti-tobacco movement has broadened their reach and scope and are moving towards abolishing ALL forms of tobacco including cigars. Until recently there has essentially been very little organized opposition to their actions. And why should there have been? Most of us assumed that their attention was directed towards cigarettes.

Unfortunately, we were wrong. Here's the facts...

All 50 states in America have some form of smoking ban and local, state, and federal governments are working to pass more-restrictive legislature.


Additionally, 48 states in America have enacted cigar taxes. Some states have gone as far as taxing cigars at a rate of 75%.


On February 4, 2009, President Obama signed the State Children's Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP) which raised the federal excise tax on cigars to 52.75%.


CRA's MISSION

Cigar Rights of America (CRA) was founded on the principle of fighting for the freedom to enjoy cigars.

CRA is a consumer-based, non-profit public advocacy organization that works at the local, state, and federal level of government to protect the freedoms of cigar enthusiasts.

Together, with our constituency of nationwide members, we focus our fight for freedom in two main areas:

Oppose Restrictive Smoking Bans

Oppose Taxation of Cigars