The Cigar Industry Report is a one-stop place to catch up on the activity here at Cigar Coop. It is a combination of the news reports, cigar reviews, and assessment updates we do throughout the week. In addition, each week we will look back at Cigar Coop history. Look for this report every Saturday morning at 8am Eastern Time.

Cigar Industry Report: Edition 322 (3/23/19)

Feature of the Week: Tobacconists Association of America (TAA) Announces 2019 TAA Exclusive Series

This week the TAA held its 51st annual convention at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. This year the organization ‘s annual Exclusive Series will have 12 new additions and 2 returning cigars.

News and Previews

Diesel: The brand under General Cigar announced a new small batch project called Diesel Hair of the Dog
Montecristo: The brand under Tabacalera USA will release the Grupo de Maestros Private Batch Exclusive Coming to Casa de Montecristo Stores
Nat Sherman: The brand announced it is rebranding its Nat Sherman 1930 as the Epoca Reserva
White Hat Cigars: The company announced shop exclusive sizes of its H.R. Signature line to Corona Cigar Company and Fox Cigar Bar.

Legislative News

U.S. Senate: S.9 is a proposed piece of legislation that calls for an exemption from FDA Regulation for premium handmade cigars. This week no new co-sponsors were added. The total number of sponsors remains at 12.
CRA: Announced it has partnered with a new organization known as the Coalition of American Rollers.
Delaware: The Senate has approved a bill to raise the tobacco purchase age to 21. The bill now heads to the State House.
Maryland: The Senate and House of Delegates approved two different versions of a measure to raise the age for buying tobacco and nicotine products from 18 to 21. The Senate included an exception in its bill intended for members of the military. Individuals 18 to 20 could still purchase tobacco products if they show a military identification. The House version did not include the exemption. The bills must be resolved before being sent to Governor Larry Hogan.
Ohio: Governor Mike DeWine has proposed raising the tobacco purchase age to 21.