I think another small contributor could be all the talk of taxing pipe tobacco the same as cigarette tobacco (to get all those scofflaw roll-your-own guy using pipe tobacco in their cigarettes).

One of the attractions of the pipe, at least for me, is the cost savings compared to smoking 2-3 cigars a day.

Yes, I do enjoy Stonehaven but given the choise if eventhing else is equal I would still rather smoke a cigar.
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:-)
Was thinking the very same.

Padron is going to love my wallet all over again.
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So, what have I missed that leads you all to think there will be another boom? What cigar events are these?

Lived through the first one, saw the prices rise and then fall a little bit, but nowhere near where they were previously - they are nearly doubled where they were pre-boom.

If that happens again, I may give up cigars altogether.
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Don't Do That, Todd!:-)
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And then they'll tax a bit more, and a bit more, and a bit more, and then we'll all be smoking $20 Parti Shorts.....and then back to smuggling. :-)
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I'm with you sadly. With 3 gas, rising cost on everything currently cigars are a *affordable* hobby/pleasure. If the price goes up, the cost associated greatly reduces the pleasure value, at least that's my view from the cheap seats :-)
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I disagree...I think Dan's theory of having the combo of social and economic situations will make the big difference. If there is another boom it will have to stem from a surplus $ and how the job market is imho.


I concur.
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Interesting thread. I don't know what to think...
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That's why I capitalized it. :-)

My work here is done! :-)
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Si senior Hog.
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Es la verdad!!

Image
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I think it's sure booming at O'Hare this week. That's a herf I'd like to be at. We ned to do like those prison break
type movies where the truck get's knocked off halfway to the incinerator. I'm in, Tom's got the car, I have the
knockout gas.
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Initiate countdown......

It's 16 miles to Chicago. Brad and I got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.

Hit it.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHa_jqxnn4o

:-)
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:-) :-)

EPIC movie. Great scene.
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Unfortunately opening Cuba is not about money it's about ideology and mobilized political groups which leads to real money as in campaign donations which trump tax revenues for most politicians. As long as Cuba is communist and the wealthy exiled Cubans are active in Republican politics it will be hard to sell much beyond limited relaxing of rules regarding Cuba. Maybe humanitarian aid and increased travel but unlikely they are going to open up to their only real export. We'll see but I would be surprised if it happened any time soon.

I think it is clear that if not a boom we are in a golden period for NC cigars. The number of new boutique brands bringing quality product with a whole variety of innovations and rediscovered traditions being released indicates real growth particularly considering the poor economy. It seems like it is more tobacco people with good product than people trying get on a trend make a quick buck with marketing like in the 90's.

I think the lack of taxation on internet purchases and the inherent dangers of states trying enforce sales tax make quality cigars much more affordable which is contributing the increase in cigar purchases. It is also unfortunately contributing to the demise of many B&M's. I don't know of a single B&M in my area that is not also selling wine & beer or something else other than tobacco besides a couple of outlet kinds of places.
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Agree with you on most all of it. The "tax revenue" idea was more tongue-in-cheek than anything. We were just discussing at breakfast how powerful the expatriate lobby was, how such a small group percentage wise wields such a powerful influence.
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just saw the news clip about the O'Hare CC seizures (insert crying smiley here)
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It is amazing. Can't be more than 10-15 thousand core expats. Shows what you can do when you have money and are well connected and very focused.

It is a crazy tight community. I spent a week in Miami in the early 90's with a buddy of mine from college who's family was part of that community. All handshakes and backroom deals. I did get to meet the elder Padron son at the Padron Little Havana factory again via the side door. :-) Got a bunch of X000 maduros for a buck a stick after watching the torceador roll em up.
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Yep, challenges like making cigars that aren't so hard to draw, or have wrappers that look like they were drug through a knothole. (Ducking to avoid being pelted by rotten tomatoes thrown by CC fanboys) :-)
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