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	Town Crier                                     Amite | Covington | Franklinton | Mandeville | Ponchatoula | River Ridge | Slidell
	Just In!  Cakebread Cellers - Merlot and Cabernet The long, cool, 2006 growing season imbued our Napa Valley Merlot grapes with concentrated, well-structured flavors balanced by bright acidity.  The growing season began with a wet winter, which delayed bud break and led to a late flowering of the vines.  Fine weather in June was followed by a heat wave in July, but cool weather returned in August and continued throughout the harvest season, resulting in a long grape ripening period that fostered deep fruit flavors in our Napa Valley reds.  The grapes for our 2006 Merlot, which includes 9% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot, were harvested between October 4th and October 26th. Town Crier: $59.99 - $65.99 What this wine lacks in age, it more than makes up for in youthful exuberance. Cola, vanilla and cherry jam aromas are most prominent, but layers of toffee, toast and raspberry fruit really create excitement. Fleshy plum flavors are rounded out with velvety tannins and a wonderful creamy texture. Enjoy now and take advantage of this Merlot's ability to be enjoyed in its youth or hold to allow the more intriguing layers to develop and show more complexity. Town Crier: $18.99 Merlot has gotten a bad rap in recent years as a wimpy wine, but we're convinced we will change a lot of minds with our 2006 Estate Merlot.  More…   Town Crier: $14.99 Cabernet Sauvignon is synonymous with the Napa Valley in general and Stags Leap District in particular. In the Estate vineyards, we take full advantage of this ideal location, planting Cabernet vines in deep, well-drained loamy volcanic soils. The 2006 growing season began with a rainy and cool spring, which slightly delayed bud break. Warm summer months kept harvest on track by gradually advancing fruit maturity, and the moderate temperatures continued into harvest allowing the Cabernet to achieve ripeness of flavor and tannin without compromising natural acidity. Harvest progressed perfectly, and aroma, tannin, and flavor profile for this vintage is truly exceptional. Suggested Retail Price $49 Town Crier: $17.99 - $38.99   Temptation. Sin. Redemption. They have weighed on souls for eons, caused so much consternation. But bring them together in a convenient package, and they bring but one response--joy.  More… Town Crier: $39.99   In the Alexander Valley, Cab is king. That's why it's the foundation of our winery, accounting for roughly one of every three bottles we produce here.  More… Town Crier: $32.99 There's something particularly intriguing about old vine Zinfandel. They are readily apparent as you tour Sonoma's wine country.  More… Town Crier: $32.99 Made from a refreshing blend of lime juice, Sauza Blanco Tequila, triple sec and margarita mix, legal purchase age consumers now need only to add ice to make the perfect margarita. The compact Margarita-in-a-Box fits easily into a refrigerator, keeping it fresh for up to six weeks after opening. Its lightweight packaging makes it great for barbecues, picnics and tailgating events. With Sauza Margarita in-a-Box, pouring single servings straight from the refrigerated box is quick and simple. Town Crier: $15.99                        Wanna learn about wine or cigars? Check out our Cigar 101 and Wine 101 pages.
	Town Crier, Inc.© 2009          If you would like to be removed from our list.  Please reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

 

FDA - Regulations starting to take effect!

FDA Intends to Take Action if Flavored Cigarette Ban Violated

An FDA letter goes onto state that flaovored cigarette and thier component parts will be considered "adulterated" and subject to seizure if available for sale after September 22, 2009 by a manufacturer, distributor or retailer.

These products will be available for sale at Town Crier until the close of business on September 22, 2009.  After this date, these products will be removed from our stores.

September 14, 2009

Dear Sir or Madam:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is providing this notice to remind regulated industry that effective September 22, 2009, cigarettes that contain certain characterizing flavors are considered adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA or the Act), as amended by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA).

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. An important way to reduce the death and disease caused by smoking is to prevent children and adolescents from starting to smoke. Congress has stated that flavors make cigarettes more appealing to youth and often result in exposure to additional carcinogens and other toxic constituents. The removal from the market of cigarettes that contain certain characterizing flavors is an important step in FDA’s efforts to reduce the burden of illness and death caused by tobacco products.

The FSPTCA provides FDA with regulatory authority over the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products. Specifically, section 907(a)(1)(A) of the Act, as amended by the FSPTCA, establishes a tobacco product standard special rule for cigarettes that states in part:

…a cigarette or any of its component parts (including the tobacco, filter, or paper) shall not contain, as a constituent (including a smoke constituent) or additive, an artificial or natural flavor (other than tobacco or menthol) or an herb or spice, including strawberry, grape, orange, clove, cinnamon, pineapple, vanilla, coconut, licorice, cocoa, chocolate, cherry, or coffee, that is a characterizing flavor of the tobacco product or tobacco smoke.

This standard applies to all tobacco products that meet the definition of a “cigarette” in section 900(3) of the Act even if they are not labeled as “cigarettes” or are labeled as cigars or as some other product.

As of the September 22, 2009, effective date, cigarettes and their component parts that fail to comply with the special rule established under section 907 are deemed adulterated under section 902 of the Act. Under the Act, adulterated products sold or held for sale in the United States may be subject to seizure under section 304 of the Act. In addition, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may be subject to injunction actions, civil money penalties, and/or criminal prosecution for violating the requirements of the Act (FFDCA, sections 301, 302, 303). FDA intends to use the full range of enforcement tools within the Agency’s authority to ensure compliance with the new requirement.

If you have questions about this provision of the new law, please e-mail them to: Tobacco2@fda.hhs.gov.

Sincerely,

/s/

Lawrence R. Deyton, M.S.P.H., M.D.
Director, Center for Tobacco Products

Welcome to Town Crier - see Town Crier Classified (1 boat for sale)

	The latest release of CYRUS is a worthy successor to the 2003, which was touted by Gourmet magazine as an "impeccably harmonious" wine.  More… Town Crier: $39.99
	There are folks who like a velvety, lush Merlot. And then there are those who prefer the gumption of a Syrah.  More…   Town Crier: $13.99
Merlot has gotten a bad rap in recent years as a wimpy wine, but we're convinced we will change a lot of minds with our 2006 Estate Merlot.  More…   Town Crier: $14.99
Our 2008 New Gewurz surprises just about anyone who tastes it. One sip and they become instant fans. They may be the unitiated who have never heard of the varietal or the skeptic who think every Gewürztraminer is sweet.  More…   Town Crier: $7.99
Temptation. Sin. Redemption. They have weighed on souls for eons, caused so much consternation. But bring them together in a convenient package, and they bring but one response--joy.  More… Town Crier: $39.99
In the Alexander Valley, Cab is king. That's why it's the foundation of our winery, accounting for roughly one of every three bottles we produce here.  More… Town Crier: $32.99
	There's something particularly intriguing about old vine Zinfandel. They are readily apparent as you tour Sonoma's wine country.  More… Town Crier: $32.99

	It's Back! Absolut Vodka created a special-edition flavored vodka to honor New Orleans, and the proceeds  go to Gulf Coast charities. Absolut New Orleans, went on sale on August 1st, 2007, and commemorated the anniversary on Aug. 29 of Hurricane Katrina hitting New Orleans. Absolut only made 35,000 cases, with 100% of the sales going to charities.  "The product is in the tradition of Absolut’s old city-themed campaign–but in this case it’s not just about a city, but for it, as well. All profits from Absolut New Orleans will be put toward revitalization efforts throughout the Gulf region. Among the charities that will benefit are Habitat for Humanity, which is playing a key role in the region’s reconstruction, and the Louisiana Restaurant Association, which is helping local eateries bounce back and continue to provide the cuisine for which the area is so famous." Town Crier is the first to receive this rare item, and it is in very limited supply. So, don't wait!     Available for $17.79 now thru Sunday June 21st, 2009. This is the lowest price you will ever see on Absolut New Orleans.  We want everyone to get a jump start before it's all gone.  Regular Price: $19.99
	This weeks tasting at Town Crier! Friday, June 19th  5pm-7pm Jim Beam® Partners with Kid Rock and His 2009 Rock N' Rebels Tour to Launch Red Stag by Jim Beam™ Red Stag by Jim Beam™ is a new innovation from Jim Beam. Through a unique, artisanal infusion process, natural black cherry flavors are slowly and carefully infused into fine, four-year-old Jim Beam Bourbon. The tasting notes are distinctively fruity, without disguising the familiar, rich nose of Jim Beam Bourbon. The corn sweetness and mellow oak taste of Red Stag is accented by a hint of black cherry for smoothness and balance.  MSRP: $15.99   Town Crier: $11.99

Monday June 15th, 2009 is the day the Louisiana is going to vote on the $.50 increase per pack of cigarettes.  The main stream news organizations keep talking about the $.50 as the main notion of the bill.  Really, it includes increase on all tobacco products in the state of Louisiana.  Below is a list of the cost of a pack of cigarettes and how much money Louisiana collects from tobacco consumers.  Please, email your Representative and let them know enough is enough.

 

• State Excise Tax on Cigarettes: $0.36
• State Excise Tax on Smokeless Tobacco: 20%
• State Excise Tax on Little Cigars: 8% - 20%
• State Excise Tax on Large Cigars: 8% - 20%
• Sales Tax on Cigarette Sales: $0.17

• Excise Tax Collected (2008): $135,854,712
• Master Settlement Agreement (MSA Payments 2008): $160,600,000
• Cigarette Sales Tax Revenue (2008): $54,447,549.60
• Total Revenue Collected (2008): $350,902,261.60

Snap Dragon Red Blend - MSRP: $10.99  Town Crier: $6.89

Intense flavors of raspberry, plum and blackberry and a hint of toffee.  Great with Barbeque, Pizza, or Spicy Food.

A by Acacia Red Blend- MSRP: $15.99  Town Crier: $9.99

The myriad of dark fruit and floral notes in this Pinot Noir come from the cool, windy Los Carneros American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the southern reaches of Napa Valley. Satsuma plum, blackberry, red rose and violet notes weave through the enticing aromas, mingled with warm nuances of vanilla and toasted oak from barrel aging. Silky, elegant flavors echo the aromas, adding blueberry and plum to the rich fruit complexity.

Increased Value, Lower Prices!

We're lowering the prices on your favorite brands of Wine & Spirits. Get these great prices on  Wine   and Spirits before we change our minds:

	Wine	Promotion
	La Crema Pinot Noir 750ml: now $18.89
	La Creme Chard 750ml: now $16.99
	Grayson 750ml All Varietals: now $7.49	Closeout !
	Stonewood Cellars 750ml: now $4.29	Closeout ! #10 only
	Little Penguin 1.5L: now $7.59
	Hope and Grace Pinot Noir: now $31.89
	Menage a Trois 750ml All Varietals: now $7.79
	Chateau St. Jean 750ml All Varietals: now $7.89
	Beringer White Zen 750ml: limited time $2.99	Limited now thru 5/17/09
	Spirits
	Maker's Mark 1.75L: now $36.59
	J & B scotch 1.75L: now $32.79	Cheapest in Town !
	Boomerang Vodka 750ml:  now $7.59	Best Value !
	Pinnacle Vodka 1.75L: now $15.99	New Vodka
	Tito's 1.75L Vodka: now $23.79

Here's a list for Cigars and a list for Beer we carry.

Make your voice heard!

We are hearing that this bill should get out of committee this evening! Some of our friends that voted with us last time are swaying and will possibly vote in favor of the tax!  They have heard from the proponents of the bill – they now need to hear from you! If you do not want to be faced with ANOTHER TAX on tobacco please call the reps below AND send the email below….. SEND THIS ALERT TO EVERYONE YOU POSSIBLY CAN – THEY NEED TO HEAR FROM MORE OF YOU!

Click the link below to send your message to the House Committee:
http://www.votervoice.net/link/target/lomcsa33079061.aspx

Louisiana: Urgent! Call Your Ways & Means Committee RepresentativesTake Action!
Action Alert for only constituents of Ways & Means Committee

 

Addition information available on Cigars and Wines at our Cigar 101 and Wine 101 pages.

Town Crier, Inc. receives top honors as one of the Nations Top 50 Tobacco Outlets:
Town Crier received top ranking in the current issue of Tobacco Oulet Business for the 10 store chain located in Mandeville, LA.  They ranked #48 among chains like Smoker Friendly International with over 640 locations and Admiral Discount Tobacco in Coopersville, Michigan with 166 stores.  9 out of the top 10 mentioned in the rankings are located in northern part of the country. 

Town Crier has spent the last 16 years providing customer's with what they want.  In the last year they have added a new line of wine, spirits, and beer for their customers.  "The customers have the right to products at a valuable price.  If not, they'll go somewhere else," says Jonathan Drott.  "We work hard to show people what we have to offer, and our returning customer base the last 16 years is aware of our great selection and value."

see the complete list of retailers: Tobacco Outlet Top 50

Having a party or crawfish boil? 

A new concept on the best places to by wine and spirits:  For the last 15 years Town Crier has been known as a importer of cigars and fine tobaccos.  Now, we are using industry knowledge and experience to bring you the finest spirits and wine available in the world.  The best part is the pricing.  Come see for yourself! 

April at Town Crier.  We will be featuring Beringer Wines all month.

Beringer Founders' Estate Wine is a legend in itself.  Don't let our pricing speak for the wine.  All Founder's Estate Wine is $6.99 per 750ml bottle!  Take advantage of this special.

	The 2006 growing season began with a slightly delayed budbreak after quite a bit of Winter and Spring rain. Summer was moderately warm, with the exception of a slightly hotter July that helped speed the growth of the vines. Mild weather continued through much of harvest, allowing for consistent and deliberate ripening of the grapes. Harvest was excellent overall and provided grapes of great quantity and quality. Vintage: 2006 Winery Tier: Founders' Estate Winemaker: Mary Sullivan Varietal: Chardonnay Appellation: California Country: United States Bottle Size: 750ml Winemaker Tasting Notes: I love the way this wine satisfies on every level – from the bright citrus aromas that entice me in the beginning, and the ripe tropical fruit flavors in the mouth, to the lingering and rich finish it leaves behind. Unmistakably a California Chardonnay, I’m always enjoying it at home myself as it pairs perfectly with so many dishes – everything from a light grilled chicken to a rich risotto.
	The 2005 growing season began with an early budbreak followed by a cool, wet spring. Summer was also on the cooler side, without the usual warm spells, resulting in an even and extended growing season. As a result, the harvest was long, allowing the grapes to develop more complexity and layers of flavors, aromas and wonderful color. Vintage: 2005 Winery Tier: Founder's Estate Winemaker: Mary Sullivan Varietal: Merlot Appellation: Napa Valley Country: United States Bottle Size: 750ml Web Rating Range N/A Winemaker Tasting Notes: The 2005 Merlot is approachable and delicious, and I’m particularly pleased with the balance of ripe fruit and soft tannins in this wine. It is full of blackberry and boysenberry flavors, followed by a satisfying finish. This wine is well suited to a variety of foods – I’ve enjoyed it with everything from chicken to steak.
	Beringer Founders' Estate wines combine Beringer legacy quality with everyday value created through the teamwork of Beringer Vineyards' wine and food masters, the Founders' Estate wines marry seamlessly with a variety of culinary tastes.
	The 2005 growing season began with an early budbreak followed by a cool, wet spring. Summer was also on the cooler side, without the usual warm spells, resulting in an even and extended growing season. As a result, the harvest was long, allowing the grapes to develop more complexity and layers of flavors, aromas and wonderful color. Vintage: 2005 Winery Tier: Founder's Estate Winemaker: Mary Sullivan Varietal: Shiraz Appellation: Napa Valley Country: United States Bottle Size: 750ml Web Rating Range N/A Winemaker Tasting Notes: The flavors are so full and lush with this wine – plums, blackberries and a touch of clove all immediately present themselves. It’s approachable and delicious and, in my opinion, a great representation of California Shiraz. The 2005 is already one of my favorites to enjoy at home with everything from grilled sausages to roasted lamb.
	It was so engaging to work with fruit from these wonderful old Zinfandel vines. The grapes were intense and rich, and we could taste the layers of character and nuance as soon as we got them into the winery. Historically, a vineyard like this often has multiple varieties mixed-in among the Zinfandel vines, so it seemed fitting that the wine be made in that traditional and crowd-pleasing ‘American-Zin’ style. The resulting wines showcases clove, white pepper and jammy black fruit aromas that lead into a mouth full of black berries and sweet spice. Vintage: 2006 Winery Tier: Founder's Estate Varietal: Zinfandel Appellation: Napa Valley Country: United States Bottle Size: 750ml

"This collection offers a wonderful array of smooth and refreshing wines, and each wine has a youthful exuberance that appeals to anyone looking for an easy-drinking wine that pairs well with a variety of foods."   "Gentle handling and careful attention is given to the Chenin Blanc grapes from the vine to the glass. To retain the delicate varietal flavors of crisp citrus, melon, and spicy ginger, Beringer's winemakers chill the juices immediately following crush and continue to closely monitor the temperature throughout fermentation. Just before dryness, they cool the juices even further to halt fermentation and retain a smooth, lush mouthfeel and lingering finish." "When making Beringer Pinot Grigio, the winemaking team focuses on the refreshing crisp minerality and fruity peach undertones for which the varietal is known. Following harvest, the grapes are gently crushed and immediately pressed to minimize skin contact. A cool-fermentation follows in stainless steel to retain the Pinot Grigio’s bright, fruit forward character. The resulting wine has a refreshing bite of juicy white peach and citrus, finishing with a flinty-minerality." "To achieve the perfect color in their White Merlot, Beringer’s winemaking team gently destems and presses the Merlot grapes, leaving the red skins in contact with the juice for approximately three hours. As soon as the desired soft, red-purple hue is achieved, the juice is removed. Slow, cool fermentations follow to retain the bright acidity, fresh melon and citrus flavors. The resulting wine is a vibrant blend of fresh berry and zesty orange peel flavors, with a hint of nutmeg spice." "When making Beringer’s 2007 White Zinfandel, the focus was to highlight the fresh red berry, citrus and melon aromas and flavors and round these out with subtle hints of nutmeg and clove. The wine has a youthful exuberance that is appealing to anyone looking for an uncomplicated wine to accompany a meal." Great Pricing! $4.99 per 750ml Bottle.

April 10, 2009

---

 

March 27, 2009

Has the Government Taken the Tobacco Fight to Far?

 

Recently the federal government has increased the nationwide excise tax on all tobacco products.  This tax comes with some hefty prices tags for consumers.  The problem with the tax is that the people we are trying to protect are not the ones getting protection.  As of two weeks ago the cigarette manufacturers increased the cost of cigarettes by almost $8.00.  This was 3 weeks prior to the governments scheduled excise tax increase on April 1^st.  Where does that money go?  It fills the pockets of the tobacco manufactures! 

 

Most Americans don’t realize that with the increase to tobacco comes a floor tax.  This means that everywhere tobacco products are stored or manufactured, including retailers, have to pay the tax for everything in-stock.  As you can see the manufactures already have the tax covered, but what about the wholesalers and retailers?  The increases have been passed through the supply chain to the consumer, but the floor tax has not.  Will tobacco prices sky rocket on April 1^st?  Only time will tell.

 

I believe the government is picking on the weak, minority.  They constantly talk about raising taxes to reduce consumption and keep the cigarettes out of our children’s hands.  Recently, a Representative from the state of Louisiana proposed a $1.00 per pack tax on cigarettes on top of the federal tax.  I sent her a letter:

 

“I think it's time we talk about ways to keep cigarettes and tobacco products out of our kids’ hands while preserving the revenues Louisiana receives from tobacco.  A little over two years ago the Louisiana Smoke Free Air Act was passed.  This act was designed to keep second hand smoke away from our citizens and our children by limiting smoking to areas where adolescents (under 18 years of age) can not legally frequent. 

 

Now, is the time to go one step further?  We need to make it a crime to ship tobacco products in the state to individuals, and we need to limit the stores where tobacco products can be marketed inside our state.  It is time to limit tobacco sales to locations that do not allow anyone under the age of 18 into their establishment.  It is time to remove cigarettes and tobacco products from the counters and point of sale back drops of gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and anywhere that allow persons under the age of 18 to enter.  Louisiana needs face to transactions for tobacco products.  It's the only way to be sure the consumer is of age.

 

According to the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco website there are over 6,000 current permits issued in the state of Louisiana allowing individuals to sell tobacco products.  That is a lot of places for underage individuals to seek tobacco products or even be influenced by the marketing when they get food, gas, or even medicine.

 

A $1 increase on a pack of cigarettes would cost consumers an extra 277%.  If we taxed gas prices at the same rate, it would be a no-brainier veto costing consumer over $6 a gallon.  Increasing the taxes will just entice the criminals into marketing the products to our children.”

 

The Representative responded with statements that confirmed my suspensions.  In the very first lines of her rebuttal:

 

“Thank you for your thoughtful email and your creative suggestions to keep cigarettes out of the hands of our youth. Although these may be worthy goals, they don’t address Louisiana ’s budget shortfall.  A tax increase will not only help fill the state’s current $2 billion budget gap with new revenue but, most importantly, it will reduce youth smoking and save lives.”

 

When it comes to the discussion of tobacco in the United States , no one talks about the issues of the government lying about the goals they are truly trying to achieve.  This representative did not talk about the suggestions put forth; all she was worried about is tax revenue.  Limiting the places where tobacco products can be sold would present problems and reductions in the budget gap she was trying to fill.  A $1.00 tax would reduce adult consumption by 4%.  A limit on where cigarettes could be purchased would more than double that.  It would more than triple the reduction in adolescent smokers.

 

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities concludes,

 

"State financial problems develop when cigarette taxes are used — and particularly if they are earmarked — to fund education, health services, or other programs that inevitably grow in cost over time as a result of inflation, population growth, and other factors. A revenue source that declines over time cannot support a program that naturally increases in cost over time. In addition, cigarette taxes — like all consumption taxes — are regressive; they represent a greater proportion of the income of poor and near-poor households than they do of higher income households. A study found that expenditures on cigarettes amount to 3.2 percent of the income of people in the bottom fourth of the income distribution, but only 0.4 percent of the income of people in the top fourth. Thus increases in cigarette taxes particularly burden the poor. The acceleration of the decline in consumption following cigarette tax increases can be highly desirable when viewed from the perspective of health promotion. From the point of view of those concerned about the adequacy of state revenues to maintain programs, on the other hand, the implications of the consumption decline are problematic. State revenues support state expenditures. State expenditures generally rise each year — even if no new programs are created — because population grows, inflation drives up the costs of everything government purchases especially health care), and state employee wages must be increased to be reasonably competitive with private sector wages. This means that state revenues have to rise each year if they are to support adequately the continuation of existing state spending policies. When cigarette taxes are a component of state revenue — as they are to some degree in every state — a problem is created. Even when specific tax increases do not drive down cigarette consumption, cigarette taxes do not keep pace with spending needs. Excise taxes, such as taxes on cigarettes, alcohol, and gasoline are levied at a specified rate based on the quantity of levied, for example, at $1.50 per pack. Thus if demand for cigarettes is not growing — that is, even if demand is stable rather than declining — the revenue yield from the excise tax does not grow. Unlike a general sales tax or an income tax, the cigarette tax revenue cannot grow in tandem with growth in the state economy. Moreover, as discussed above; the long-term trend in demand is not stable but rather declining."

 

We have let the government convince us the increase in taxes is good for society.  As you can see above the legislators are producing future revenue problems.  We need to find a new way to raise funds.

One discussion that never makes into the news is the possibility of Black Market Trade.

Here is an article written by Robert A. Levy, published by cato.org:

 

“Oozing self-righteousness, anti-smoking activists were quick to pounce on a guilty plea by an R.J. Reynolds affiliate charged with smuggling cigarettes into Canada . One might have expected -- to no avail -- a parallel admission of guilt by the activists who were responsible for the huge increase in Canada 's tobacco tax during the late '80s and early '90s. As a result, smuggled cigarettes accounted for an estimated 40 percent of consumption. Later, Canada was forced to lower the tax in order to keep smuggled cigarettes away from children.

Instead of drawing the obvious lesson from the Canadian experience, industry critics proclaim that tobacco companies will henceforth have "staticly zero" credibility when they raise the black-market argument. After all, the critics say, those same companies partly caused the black market. If you don't quite follow that logic, here's a recap: (1) tobacco companies predicted that higher taxes would provoke black-market activity; (2) black-market transactions did indeed materialize, in which at least one tobacco affiliate participated; therefore (3) we should ignore any future speculations about black-market activity. Got it now?

We never seem to learn. Michigan, New York, California and Maryland hike their cigarette taxes, and the result is rampant smuggling -- not just from low-tax neighboring states, but from military bases and Indian reservations, even exports to Mexico that are smuggled back to the United States . With 23 billion packs of cigarettes sold here each year, a $1.00 bump in price will mean $23 billion in potential black-market profits -- about four times the U.S. net income of Philip Morris, Reynolds, Lorillard and Brown & Williamson combined.

Ask yourself why 44 million adult consumers of a perfectly legal product should have to fork up because retailers and 1 million kids break laws against sales to minors that are on the books in all 50 states. The way to keep cigarettes from kids is to enforce those laws -- demand proof of age, prosecute offending retailers and prohibit vending machine sales where youngsters are the primary customers. If instead we depend on price hikes to dissuade teenagers, we can count on illegal dealings dominated by criminal gangs hooking underage smokers on adulterated products without the constraints on quality that a competitive market normally affords.”

   

The alternative to the tax I presented you is the proper way to help reduce future health service costs effects of smoking.  If it is the government’s policy to segregate one portion of the population by imposing a "sin" tax, I believe you should be fair to the citizens of the United States and call it as so.  This is not a time for politicians to introduce "feel good bills".  We need to fix problems not Band-Aid them.

 

Emails between Jonathan Drott and Louisiana House Representative Karen Carter Peterson:

First Email from Jonathan:

To: Louisiana House of Representative This has been a trying time with the economy the way it is. To make matters worse we are on the eve of a federal tax increase and possibly a state tax increase on tobacco products. We are a small multi-store company operating in four parishes of Louisiana. We employ almost 50 citizens in those four parishes. This is not the time for another increase on the tax of the products we sell. I can guarantee those 50 citizens will not have jobs by the end of 2009 if this industry has another increase. I’m writing to offer an alternative to increasing the tax on tobacco. Precedent has shown us that making the product more expensive is not going to greatly reduce its consumption. It will make it more dangerous for retailers and citizens to be around, and drive consumers to alternative methods of getting the products. I think it's time we talk about ways to keep cigarettes and tobacco products out of our kids’ hands while preserving the revenues Louisiana receives from tobacco. A little over two years ago the Louisiana Smoke Free Air Act was passed. This act was designed to keep second hand smoke away from our citizens and our children by limiting smoking to areas where adolescents (under 18 years of age) can not legally frequent. Now, is the time to go one step further? We need to make it a crime to ship tobacco products in the state to individuals, and we need to limit the stores where tobacco products can be marketed inside our state. It is time to limit tobacco sales to locations that do not allow anyone under the age of 18 into their establishment. It is time to remove cigarettes and tobacco products from the counters and point of sale back drops of gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and anywhere that allow persons under the age of 18 to enter. Louisiana needs face to transactions for tobacco products. It's the only way to be sure the consumer is of age. Safe and responsible tobacco retailing is something we pride ourselves on. According to the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco website there are over 6,000 current permits issued in the state of Louisiana allowing individuals to sell tobacco products. That is a lot of places for underage individuals to seek tobacco products or even be influenced by the marketing when they get food, gas, or even medicine. A $1 increase on the a pack of cigarettes would cost consumers an extra 277%. if we taxed gas prices at the same rate, it would be a no-brainier veto costing consumer over $6 a gallon. Increasing the taxes will just entice the criminals into marketing the products to our children.

--

Jonathan Drott

Reply from Rep. Peterson:

Dear Mr. Drott, Thank you for your thoughtful email and your creative suggestions to keep cigarettes out of the hands of our youth. Although these may be worthy goals, they don’t address Louisiana’s budget shortfall. A tax increase will not only help fill the state’s current $2 billion budget gap with new revenue but, most importantly, it will reduce youth smoking and save lives. It is a myth that tax increases do not significantly reduce smoking. In fact, cigarette companies have actually stated, both publicly and in internal company documents disclosed in tobacco lawsuits, that raising cigarette prices through state tobacco tax increases significantly reduces smoking, especially among kids and lower-income communities. In Louisiana, a $1.00 increase will save approximately 22,600 Louisiana smokers from an early death due to tobacco use and will result in approximately 48,800 fewer child smokers and 26,600 fewer adult smokers. During these difficult economic times, it’s easy to understand your concerns for the future of your company and its employees. I hope you’ll find encouragement in learning that studies show convenience stores and other in-state retailers will not be harmed by state cigarette tax increases. An economic impact study conducted in Virginia, Texas, and New Hampshire found that, while the overall effects were very small, retail employment in those states actually declined when cigarette sales increased and increased when cigarette sales declined. The New Hampshire study found that a $1.00 increase would increase retail employment by approximately 180 new jobs. As a state legislator, I want to do everything possible to reduce the number of Louisianans who die needlessly from using tobacco while also saving the state and taxpayers money. I am hopeful that this tobacco tax increase will accomplish both these goals. Thank you again for your email and feedback. Sincerely,

Karen Carter Peterson Speaker Pro Tempore

Rebuttal by Jonathan Drott:

Dear Representative Peterson, We seem to have a serious disagreement on the best way to protect the future of Louisiana citizens. Mishandling or misappropriation of funds by the legislature should not fall back on one group of citizens. Louisiana had a $1 billion surplus in 2008. Being a very educated person, I'm sure you understand in business and personal financial situations we have to make tough choices about the products, goods, services, and extra items that are truly needed during rough times. We do not ask our employers for more money because we spent everything we have. While this tax is something detrimental to my business, any tax in a time when consumers are having financial problems is selfish. Most of Louisiana has been spared the level of economic downturn the rest of the nation has received, but there are still citizens having problems filling their cars with gas to get to work. An excise tax of this scale on a consumer product is not a long-term or short-term answer to Louisiana's financial problems. Over time the revenue generated by such taxes becomes very inconsistent and elastic. A spokesman for Phillip Morris USA stated, "In many cases, this results in lots of unintended consequences, such as illicit activity. People turn to counterfeit or smuggled cigarettes, all designed to evade paying the taxes, and ultimately this causes a hit on the revenue stream moving forward." This type of tax would be another mishandling or misappropriation of funds by the legislature. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities concludes, "State financial problems develop when cigarette taxes are used — and particularly if they are earmarked — to fund education, health services, or other programs that inevitably grow in cost over time as a result of inflation, population growth, and other factors. A revenue source that declines over time cannot support a program that naturally increases in cost over time. In addition, cigarette taxes — like all consumption taxes — are regressive; they representa greater proportion of the income of poor and near-poor households than they do of higherincome households. A study found that expenditures on cigarettes amount to 3.2 percent of the income of people in the bottom fourth of the income distribution, but only 0.4 percent of the income of people in the top fourth. Thus increases in cigarette taxes particularly burden the poor." Effect on Revenue " The acceleration of the decline in consumption following cigarette tax increases can be highly desirable when viewed from the perspective of health promotion. From the point of view of those concerned about the adequacy of state revenues to maintain programs, on the other hand, the implications of the consumption decline are problematic. State revenues support state expenditures. State expenditures generally rise each year — even if no new programs are created — because population grows, inflation drives up the costs of everything government purchases especially health care), and state employee wages must be increased to be reasonably competitive with private sector wages. This means that state revenues have to rise each year if they are to support adequately the continuation of existing state spending policies. When cigarette taxes are a component of state revenue — as they are to some degree in every state — a problem is created. Even when specific tax increases do not drive down cigarette consumption, cigarette taxes do not keep pace with spending needs. Excise taxes, such as taxes on cigarettes, alcohol, and gasoline are levied at a specified rate based on the quantity of levied, for example, at $1.50 per pack. Thus if demand for cigarettes is not growing — that is, even if demand is stable rather than declining — the revenue yield from the excise tax does not grow. Unlike a general sales tax or an income tax, the cigarette tax revenue cannot grow in tandem with growth in the state economy.9 Moreover, as discussed above, the long-term trend in demand is not stable but rather declining." As far as the health and well being of citizens a study done by impactteen.org finds that prices have an insignificant impact on teens between 13 years old to 16. "Douglas and Hariharan (1994) were the first to model smoking initiation. They employed data from the 1978 and 1979 National Health Interview Survey: Smoking Supplement and used a split population duration model to estimate the probability that an individual would start smoking. They concluded that increases in cigarette excise taxes (which increase the price of cigarettes) had no influence on individuals’ decisions to start smoking. Expanding on the original study, Douglas (1998) used the 1987 National Health Interview Survey: Cancer Risk Factor Supplement to investigate individuals’ decisions to start and quit smoking in the context of an economic model of addictive behavior. He employed several alternative parametric duration models in his study and concluded that past, current, and future prices of cigarettes had no impact on individuals’ decisions to start smoking. Likewise, he concluded that past and current cigarette prices had no influence on individuals’ decisions to quit smoking. Finally, DeCicca, Kenkel, and Mathios (1999) used panel data taken from the National Education Longitudinal Survey of 1988 to model youth smoking initiation decisions. They employed both a smoking onset function as well as a discrete time duration model in their investigation. They concluded that both cigarette prices and excise taxes are insignificant determinants of smoking onset between 8th and 12th grade. They further concluded that after including state fixed effects in their discrete time duration model, both cigarette prices and excise taxes had no influence on adolescent smoking initiation. However, Chaloupka and Pacula (1998) found that teenagers who live in states that aggressively enforce retail youth access compliance are less likely to smoke and smoke less on average than teens who live in states that do not have comprehensive enforcement. Finally, Jason et al. (1991) found that active enforcement of youth access laws in Woodridge, IL caused a significant decrease in regular smoking among adolescents." As you can see, the alternative to the tax I presented you is the proper way to help reduce future health servive costs effects of smoking. If it is your policy to segregate one portion of the population by imposing a "sin" tax, I believe you should be fair to the citizens of Louisiana and state it as so. This is not a time for politicians to introduce "feel good bills". We need to fix problems not Bandade them.

--

Jonathan Drott

http://www.thetowncrier.net

Another response by Rep. Peterson:  (look familar?)

Dear Mr. Drott, Thank you for your thoughtful email and your creative suggestions to keep cigarettes out of the hands of our youth. Although these may be worthy goals, they don’t address Louisiana’s budget shortfall. A tax increase will not only help fill the state’s current $2 billion budget gap with new revenue but, most importantly, it will reduce youth smoking and save lives. It is a myth that tax increases do not significantly reduce smoking. In fact, cigarette companies have actually stated, both publicly and in internal company documents disclosed in tobacco lawsuits, that raising cigarette prices through state tobacco tax increases significantly reduces smoking, especially among kids and lower-income communities. In Louisiana, a $1.00 increase will save approximately 22,600 Louisiana smokers from an early death due to tobacco use and will result in approximately 48,800 fewer child smokers and 26,600 fewer adult smokers. During these difficult economic times, it’s easy to understand your concerns for the future of your company and its employees. I hope you’ll find encouragement in learning that studies show convenience stores and other in-state retailers will not be harmed by state cigarette tax increases. An economic impact study conducted in Virginia, Texas, and New Hampshire found that, while the overall effects were very small, retail employment in those states actually declined when cigarette sales increased and increased when cigarette sales declined. The New Hampshire study found that a $1.00 increase would increase retail employment by approximately 180 new jobs. As a state legislator, I want to do everything possible to reduce the number of Louisianans who die needlessly from using tobacco while also saving the state and taxpayers money. I am hopeful that this tobacco tax increase will accomplish both these goals. Thank you again for your email and feedback. Sincerely,

Karen Carter Peterson Speaker Pro Tempore

---

March 17, 2009

Take Action Now!

I'm sorry to inform everyone that Louisiana will be introducing a tax increase of $1 per pack on cigarettes. The legislature does not start until April 26th, 2009 so we still have time. I've included a alternate tax proposal created by Town Crier. Also, listed are the email addresses of all reps. and senators for the State of Louisiana. Please, take the time to copy and paste the address into an email and voice your opinion. Please, check back to www.thetowncrier.net for up to date information.

To: Louisiana Lawmakers This has been a trying time with the economy the way it is. To make matters worse we are on the eve of a federal tax increase and possibly a state tax increase on tobacco products. We are a small multi-store company operating in four parishes of Louisiana. We employ almost 50 citizens in those four parishes. This is not the time for another increase on the tax of the products we sell. I can guarantee those 50 citizens will not have jobs by the end of 2009 if this industry has another increase. I’m writing to offer an alternative to increasing the tax on tobacco. Precedent has shown us that making the product more expensive is not going to greatly reduce its consumption. It will make it more dangerous for retailers and citizens to be around, and drive consumers to alternative methods of getting the products. I think it's time we talk about ways to keep cigarettes and tobacco products out of our kids’ hands while preserving the revenues Louisiana receives from tobacco. A little over two years ago the Louisiana Smoke Free Air Act was passed. This act was designed to keep second hand smoke away from our citizens and our children by limiting smoking to areas where adolescents (under 18 years of age) can not legally frequent. Now, is the time to go one step further? We need to make it a crime to ship tobacco products in the state to individuals, and we need to limit the stores where tobacco products can be marketed inside our state. It is time to limit tobacco sales to locations that do not allow anyone under the age of 18 into their establishment. It is time to remove cigarettes and tobacco products from the counters and point of sale back drops of gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and anywhere that allow persons under the age of 18 to enter. Louisiana needs face to transactions for tobacco products. It's the only way to be sure the consumer is of age. Safe and responsible tobacco retailing is something we pride ourselves on. According to the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco website there are over 6,000 current permits issued in the state of Louisiana allowing individuals to sell tobacco products. That is a lot of places for underage individuals to seek tobacco products or even be influenced by the marketing when they get food, gas, or even medicine. A $1 increase on the a pack of cigarettes would cost consumers an extra 277%. If we taxed gas prices at the same rate, it would be a no-brainier veto costing consumer over $6 a gallon. Increasing the taxes will just entice the criminals into marketing the products to our children. -- Jonathan Drott http://www.thetowncrier.net

House of Representatives: (instructions-- copy and paste email address in the "to:" line. write your opinion in letter format or use our pre-composed one below)

abramson@legis.state.la.us, larep021@legis.state.la.us, armesj@legis.state.la.us, larep102@legis.state.la.us, auberte@legis.state.la.us, larep100@legis.state.la.us, badonb@legis.state.la.us,larep053@legis.state.la.us, barrast@legis.state.la.us,larep029@legis.state.la.us, billiotr@legis.state.la.us,burfordr@legis.state.la.us, burnsh@legis.state.la.us,larep089@legis.state.la.us, larep002@legis.state.la.us,carmodyt@legis.state.la.us, carters@legis.state.la.us,champags@legis.state.la.us, larep022@legis.state.la.us,chaneyb@legis.state.la.us, connickp@legis.state.la.us,cortezp@legis.state.la.us, cromerg@legis.state.la.us,danahaym@legis.state.la.us, dixonh@legis.state.la.us,larep010@legis.state.la.us, larep052@legis.state.la.us,larep012@legis.state.la.us, edwardsj@legis.state.la.us,ellingtn@legis.state.la.us, larep094@legis.state.la.us,larep013@legis.state.la.us, foilf@legis.state.la.us,franklina@legis.state.la.us, larep011@legis.state.la.us,larep035@legis.state.la.us, gisclait@legis.state.la.us,larep066@legis.state.la.us, larep040@legis.state.la.us,larep041@legis.state.la.us, guinnj@legis.state.la.us,hardyr@legis.state.la.us, harrisoj@legis.state.la.us,hazelc@legis.state.la.us, hendersr@legis.state.la.us,henryc@legis.state.la.us, hilld@legis.state.la.us,hinesw@legis.state.la.us, hoffmanf@legis.state.la.us,ahoney@legis.state.la.us,howardf@legis.state.la.us, larep104@legis.state.la.us,jacksong@legis.state.la.us, larep061@legis.state.la.us,johnsoro@legis.state.la.us, jonesr@legis.state.la.us,joness@legis.state.la.us, larep016@legis.state.la.us,larep036@legis.state.la.us, larep081@legis.state.la.us,larep096@legis.state.la.us, larep059@legis.state.la.us,landryn@legis.state.la.us, lebasb@legis.state.la.us,legerw@legis.state.la.us, ligit@legis.state.la.us,littles@legis.state.la.us, lopintoj@legis.state.la.us,larep062@legis.state.la.us, larep046@legis.state.la.us,monican@legis.state.la.us, montoucj@legis.state.la.us,larep001@legis.state.la.us, nortonb@legis.state.la.us,nowlinr@legis.state.la.us, pearsonk@legis.state.la.us,perryj@legis.state.la.us, larep093@legis.state.la.us,pontie@legis.state.la.us, poper@legis.state.la.us,pughs@legis.state.la.us, richardj@legis.state.la.us,richardc@legis.state.la.us, larep101@legis.state.la.us,larep075@legis.state.la.us, larep045@legis.state.la.us,royc@legis.state.la.us, schrodej@legis.state.la.us,simons@legis.state.la.us, larep088@legis.state.la.us,larep008@legis.state.la.us, larep56@legis.state.la.us,smithp@legis.state.la.us, larep060@legis.state.la.us,larep099@legis.state.la.us, talbotk@legis.state.la.us,templetr@legis.state.la.us, thibautm@legis.state.la.us,larep086@legis.state.la.us, larep097@legis.state.la.us,larep005@legis.state.la.us, larep064@legis.state.la.us,larep004@legis.state.la.us, willmott@legis.state.la.us,larep105@legis.state.la.us

Dear House Representative, I'm concerned about the government's recent attack on tobacco products. A $1 increase on the a pack of cigarettes would cost consumers an extra 277%. With the economy in a downward spirial taxing consumer goods is not good for our local economy. I’m writing to offer an alternative to increasing the tax on tobacco. Precedent has shown us that making the product more expensive is not going to greatly reduce its consumption. It will make it more dangerous for retailers and citizens to be around, and drive consumers to alternative methods of getting the products. It is time to limit tobacco sales to locations that do not allow anyone under the age of 18 into their establishment. It is time to remove cigarettes and tobacco products from the counters and point of sale back drops of gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and anywhere that allow persons under the age of 18 to enter. Louisiana needs face to transactions for tobacco products. It's the only way to be sure the consumer is of age and the correct state taxes are being charged. Louisiana Citizen, [YOUR NAME HERE]

Senate Members: (instructions-- copy and paste email address in the "to:" line. write your opinion in letter format or use our pre-composed one below)

adleyr@legis.state.la.us,alarioj@legis.state.la.us, amedeej@legis.state.la.us,appelc@legis.state.la.us, lasen15@legis.state.la.us,websen@legis.state.la.us, smithcheek@legis.state.la.us,crowea@legis.state.la.us, donahuej@legis.state.la.us,dorseyy@legis.state.la.us, duplessisa@legis.state.la.us,lasen20@legis.state.la.us, erdeyd@legis.state.la.us,gautreauxn@legis.state.la.us, lasen21@legis.state.la.us,grayc@legis.state.la.us, hebertt@legis.state.la.us,heitmeid@legis.state.la.us, jacksonl@legis.state.la.us,kostelka@legis.state.la.us, lafleure@legis.state.la.us,longg@legis.state.la.us, lasen17@legis.state.la.us,martinyd@legis.state.la.us, lasen29@legis.state.la.us,lasen23@legis.state.la.us, morrelljp@legis.state.la.us,morrishd@legis.state.la.us, lasen27@legis.state.la.us,murraye@legis.state.la.us, neversb@legis.state.la.us,quinnj@legis.state.la.us, risern@legis.state.la.us,shawb@legis.state.la.us, smithj@legis.state.la.us,thompsof@legis.state.la.us, walsworthm@legis.state.la.us

Dear Senator's, I'm concerned about the government's recent attack on tobacco products. A $1 increase on the a pack of cigarettes would cost consumers an extra 277%. With the economy in a downward spirial taxing consumer goods is not good for our local economy. I’m writing to offer an alternative to increasing the tax on tobacco. Precedent has shown us that making the product more expensive is not going to greatly reduce its consumption. It will make it more dangerous for retailers and citizens to be around, and drive consumers to alternative methods of getting the products. It is time to limit tobacco sales to locations that do not allow anyone under the age of 18 into their establishment. It is time to remove cigarettes and tobacco products from the counters and point of sale back drops of gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and anywhere that allow persons under the age of 18 to enter. Louisiana needs face to transactions for tobacco products. It's the only way to be sure the consumer is of age and the correct state taxes are being charged. Louisiana Citizen, [YOUR NAME HERE]

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March 4th, 2009

I just want to say, thank you to everyone for signing up to receive the Town Crier Newsletter.  We have some great offers going on right now!

Tobacco News

- The Federal SCHIP Cigarette and Tobacco Tax will be in effect starting April 1st, 2009.  The tax will increase the current price of a pack of cigarettes over $1 per pack.  On April 1st, 2009 you can expect to see cartons of cigarette ranging from the low $30 to the upper $60 range. 

Increase by Category:
Cigarettes- $1+ per pack
Premium Cigars-  $.50+ per cigar
Pipe Tobacco- $2.83+ per pound
Chewing Tobacco- $.50+ per pound
Snuff- $1.50+ per pound


We are advising customer to buy now before the increase goes into effect!

Deals, Deals, Deals...

We have received some special pricing that we want to pass on to our customers.

Jim Beam 2 for 1

offer starting Friday March 6th, 2009

		Buy a 750ml bottle of Jim Beam Black and receive a 750ml bottle of Jim Beam White FREE!
		Buy a 750ml bottle of Jim Beam Rye and receive a 750ml bottle of Jim Beam White FREE!

More Wine and Spirits!

We've decided to extend our February Deals into March.

	Sobieski Vodka 1.75L $13.99		Smirnoff Vodka 1.75L $19.99		Tito's Vodka 1.75L $23.99
	Jim Beam 1.75L $20.99		Perfect Vodka 750ml $27.99		Absolut Vodka 1.75L $34.99
	Skyy Vodka 1.75L $19.99		Maker's Mark 1.75L $36.99		Svedka Vodka 1.75L $17.49
	Burnett's Vodka 1.75L $10.49		Ruskova Vodka 1.75L $11.49		Bacardi Light & Dark Rum 1.75L $19.99
	Patron Silver 750ml $34.99		Meridian Wines 750ml $4.99		Stone Cellars 1.5L $6.99
	Root:I 750ml $9.99		Chateau St. Jean 750ml $7.99		Yellowtail 1.5L $9.49
	Libery Creek 1.5L or Nathanson Creek 1.5L $3.99		Smoking Loon 750ml $5.99		Grayson Wines 750ml $9.49
	7 Deadly Zins 750ml $10.99		Firestone Wines 750ml $11.99		Puerto Viejo 750ml $4.49

Wine & Spirits Tastings for the Month of March

TOWN CRIER MARCH 2009 TASTINGS
STORE	ADDRESS	TASTING DATE	TIME	WINE OF THE WEEK
Town Crier #10	3019 N. Causeway,          Mandeville	3/6/09	5-7pm	Clos du Bois Chardonnay & Clos du Bois Merlot
Town Crier #2	3080 E. Gause Blvd.,       Slidell	3/6/09	5-7pm	Clos du Bois Chardonnay & Clos du Bois Merlot
Town Crier #1	4350 Hwy. 22,                  Mandeville	3/6/09	5-7pm	Clos du Bois Chardonnay & Clos du Bois Merlot
Town Crier #10	3019 N. Causeway,          Mandeville	3/13/09	5-7pm	DaVinci Chianti DOCG
Town Crier #2	3080 E. Gause Blvd.,       Slidell	3/13/09	5-7pm	DaVinci Chianti DOCG
Town Crier #1	4350 Hwy. 22,                  Mandeville	3/13/09	5-7pm	DaVinci Chianti DOCG
Town Crier #10	3019 N. Causeway,          Mandeville	3/20/09	5-7pm	Gloria Ferrer Merlot & Chardonnay
Town Crier #2	3080 E. Gause Blvd.,       Slidell	3/20/09	5-7pm	Gloria Ferrer Merlot & Chardonnay
Town Crier #1	4350 Hwy. 22,                  Mandeville	3/20/09	5-7pm	Gloria Ferrer Merlot & Chardonnay
Town Crier #10	3019 N. Causeway,          Mandeville	3/27/09	5-7pm	Meridian Chardonnay & Cabernet
Town Crier #2	3080 E. Gause Blvd.,       Slidell	3/27/09	5-7pm	Meridian Chardonnay & Cabernet
Town Crier #1	4350 Hwy. 22,                  Mandeville	3/27/09	5-7pm	Meridian Chardonnay & Cabernet

Check our locations page for maps and phone numbers.

New item Introduction: Perfect Vodka

Premium Vodka Introduced in New Orleans "A French vodka described as the purest product of the distillers' art will be introduced to the American market at the Napoleon House in New Orleans. Perfect 1864 Vodka - packaged with a fleur de lis symbol - is made in France. Each bottle costs just under $30, said spokesman Tim McNally.A portion of the sales will be donated to the Crescent City Restaurant Rebirth Project, a nonprofit helping the hospitality community.The packaging alone made New Orleans the natural gateway for our product introduction into the United States, said Mark Smith, managing director of Legacy Imports of Lake Park, Fla., the U.S. importer and marketing company for Perfect 1864. More importantly, we wanted to show our support and unity with this great city in its time of need and rebuilding.Since its introduction in Europe less than a year ago, Perfect 1864 is now available in 12 countries and in Asia.Company executives decided to introduce the vodka to New Orleans in July 2005.Then came Hurricane Katrina and the decision was sealed, said Smith. We committed to this market and promised ourselves and officials in New Orleans to be a part of the exciting and uplifting process of rebuilding a great city."

Town Crier News

This Weeks Tasting:  Thursday February 18th, 2009

6th Sense Syrah "The Phillips brothers planted one of the first Syrah vineyards in California in 1982. So knowing the Syrah was a favorite, it had to be given a special name. Grandpa Don is known for having an actual sixth sense. He knows when a woman is first pregnant and whether she will be blessed with a boy or girl. Lose a belonging? Call Grandpa Don, he’ll tell you right where it is! Not only is this wine about having an actual sixth sense, it is about using all of the five senses to enjoy any bottle of wine. If you turn the bottle around you will even see the grandson, Kevin, looking out from the inside of the bottle, making sure the wine he has so lovingly tended to is being enjoyed! Senses: Awaken your sixth sense to this shadowy concoction of spine-tingling intensity. Smoky layers of white pepper, cigar box cedar, and toasty mesquite meld easily with spicy plum, and rich gooseberry. Taste: Slather up the BBQ with this hardy Syrah. Anything from the grill accompanied by a smoky flavor will fit this mysterious wine. GOLD 2006 Denver International Wine Competition" 7 Deadly Zins "A sinful blend indeed!  Our flagship Zinfandel was the devise of the two Phillips brothers in their search for a blended Zin so captivating that no one could refuse.  With consistency in mind, the brothers decided to blend the fruit of Lodi’s finest growers to fill the bottles of Michael~David’s new-fangled wine. In the end, seven vineyards were chosen for their superiority.  Now, how do you label a wine so unique in style? Looking to their past, the two Phillips brothers quickly related the Seven Sins from their Catholic school upbringing to the seven Old Vine Zinfandels blended in their wine.   Lustful Flavors: A vibrant, sweet bouquet of raspberry jam, molasses and cinnamon toast evoke the senses of carefree youthful nights.  Excellent oak integration provides silken tannins and spice to pair with Lodi’s unrestricted wild berry fruit. Gluttonous Pairings: Our 7 Deadly pairs sinfully well with BBQ’d Salmon, prime rib or grilled veggies.  Get crazy with delectable dark chocolate desserts!" - Michael David wines

Town Crier has moved the tastings for 2/13/09 and 2/20/09 to Thursday 2/12/09 and 2/19/09 respectively.  This is due to the parades EVE and Orpheus rolling through Mandeville the next two Fridays.  After this the tasting will be as scheduled on Friday's.

Just in time for Valentine's Day!  This Thursday February 12th, 2009, Town Crier will be offering Banfi's Rosa Regale Sparkling Wine. Rosa Regale by Banfi brings the warm romantic feeling of a Tuscan sunset to your home.  This red sparkling wine has a delicate bouquet of roses and raspberries. "While it is appreciated as one of the few wines in the world that truly marries well with chocolate, especially dark or bittersweet, its charms extend across a palette of occasions and food pairings, from savory to sweet." Pair with with a box of delectable chocolates and let the flavor elevate the senses.  Rekindle the love...This is truly a chance to impress that special Valentine with a intimate evening.

Town Crier wine tasting tonight 5pm-7pm! 02/06/2009.  Town Crier is proud to feature Stone Cellars by Beringer.  It is available at special pricing $6.99 for a 1.5L bottle.

Stone Cellars by Beringer
Stone Cellars by Beringer is a line of smooth, classically structured varietal wines. They reflect the tradition of quality set forth more than 125 years ago by Jacob Beringer. Stone Cellars wines are created from premium California grapes. Our winemakers use traditional techniques like malolactic fermentation and barrel aging to create balanced, accessible wines true to their varietal characteristics. Beringer's winemaking team, in concert with Beringer's viticulture team, have created approachable, fruit-forward wines.

Boomerang Vodka -new item is now in stock at Town Crier locations.  Boomerang Vodka is the first to introduce a 100% grape-based vodka imported from Australia.  Great introductory price $9.99 for a 750ml bottle.

News!

Boomerang Vodka -new item to hit Town Crier stores later this week 2/02/2009 Boomerang Vodka is the first to introduce a 100% grape-based vodka imported from Australia.