Metro Cigar News Winter 1998: Publisher's Note

Publisher's Note

Fellow Smokers:
Welcome to the first issue of
Metro Cigar News.
In the avalanche of legislation going through the federal government and many of the individual states to outlaw smoking in public places, one might have the impression smokers are bad people. To the contrary, some of the most important and influential people in our society enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a good cigar.

President Clinton smokes regularly as do actors Dennis Franz and Cuba Gooding, Jr. David Letterman has been seen putting his cigar down on television.

Perhaps because those who indulge in cigar smoking are seen today as belonging to a better class of people, the image of cigar smokers has been polished to a fine glow.

Hotels and exposition centers feature cigar dinners and parties; cigar manufacturers are booming. No longer is the image of the average cigar smoker more like Red Skelton; it is more likely to be pictured as Donald Trump.

Quality cigar shops are booming and the craft of rolling a fine cigar is once again being taught to young, skilled hands. Cuban tobacco still is prohibited in the United States, but Cuban seed is making great strides.

Each issue will bring articles about the latest news in cigars; our expert and experienced reviewers will test and report on a wide variety of cigars and they will let you know the truth about each, as well as upcoming local cigar events, new products and much more.

This is your cigar publication as well as ours and we look forward to being with you for many years to come.

Smoke Up!