Episode 169: Unbanded 032 from J. Ledou

What this episode covers

Unbanded 032 Kip – Mine is a lightly colored CT-ish looking wrapper; very faint smell, containing little more than a general wisp of tobacco aroma on the wrapper; slightly more on the foot, with a darker character (brown sugar/molasses, but still faint); good draw – deliberate but free, with a bit of dusty sweetness Craig – I can agree with your comments 90%. The wrapper has no discernible aroma but the foot description is spot on. I’ll also add that the wrapper has the “dirty”, sticky feel that comes from some aged cigars… No cold draw flavor Cigar News The FDA has published guidelines on the do’s and don’ts of free samples…and specifically, what is illegal. I don’t think there is a great deal of new information contained in the guidance document; just clarification on what was, for the most part, already known. To try and distill this down to its essence, consumers are prohibited from receiving free cigars from manufacturers, reps, retailers, etc. – unless money has been exchanged for tobacco in the transaction. For example, a “Buy 3 get 1 free” event is perfectly acceptable. A retailer handing a customer a free cigar simply to try is not. I believe this was pretty well expected/known previously. The gist of the new information was further clarification that business-to-business samples are allowed…but only in “limited quantity,” and only as necessary to achieve a market goal. No new guidance was offered with respect to charitable donations; consumers may still donate but manufacturers and retailers may not…which hurts organizations like CFW because the bulk of their donations formerly came from manufacturers. In reading the various summaries of the guidance, I noted a good point made in halfwheel’s coverage in that since giveaways require a purchase to have been made previously, most states would consider the exchange illegal because these types of promotions are required to be NO PURCHASE NECESSARY arrangements. What Else We’ve Been Smoking Craig – L’atelier Cote d’or 2015 – So much more

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