Noticable Curiosity

[357]

If I remember correctly cigar sales nationally have surpassed the boom numbers of the 90s, only this time it was a steady increase every year rather than double digit ups and downs.

I think all the manufacturers are trying to get in on this overall increase in the sale of cigars. One of the more popular ways seems to be boutique brands and/or LEs. It is also probably easier to have a new LE each year than to try to maintain an existing one with new tobacco from year to year. I mean it can't be easy to make a 2011 Opus taste anything like a 2001 Opus. So in some ways, why bother? Just release a new named version every year Tat Fank, Tat Face, etc. Not to mention, new name = new buzz. Just a thought on LEs.

To be honest since I started leaning heavily toward CCs, all the buzz on the NC side is kind of white noise. Sure I'll try a single hear and there, but I'm not chomping at the bit to run out and buy a box of the newest Tat or whatever. Not to pic on Tatuaje, as they make fine smokes, I'm just using them as an example. Sure CCs have their own LE & RE, but I feel the same. I buy standard releases that I like. I can't afford all that limited and regional special release stuff.

I think the overall good sales of cigars has fostered this environment. If there was a dip for a couple years I think you'd see a lot of this boutique stuff fade, but the good ones would stick around.

[RevSmoke]

Originally Posted by 357

If I remember correctly cigar sales nationally have surpassed the boom numbers of the 90s, only this time it was a steady increase every year rather than double digit ups and downs.

I think all the manufacturers are trying to get in on this overall increase in the sale of cigars. One of the more popular ways seems to be boutique brands and/or LEs. It is also probably easier to have a new LE each year than to try to maintain an existing one with new tobacco from year to year. I mean it can't be easy to make a 2011 Opus taste anything like a 2001 Opus. So in some ways, why bother? Just release a new named version every year Tat Fank, Tat Face, etc. Not to mention, new name = new buzz. Just a thought on LEs.

To be honest since I started leaning heavily toward CCs, all the buzz on the NC side is kind of white noise. Sure I'll try a single hear and there, but I'm not chomping at the bit to run out and buy a box of the newest Tat or whatever. Not to pic on Tatuaje, as they make fine smokes, I'm just using them as an example. Sure CCs have their own LE & RE, but I feel the same. I buy standard releases that I like. I can't afford all that limited and regional special release stuff.

I think the overall good sales of cigars has fostered this environment. If there was a dip for a couple years I think you'd see a lot of this boutique stuff fade, but the good ones would stick around.

OK, let's go there.

Do the CCs even produce cigars that taste the same. Seriously! Does a Montecristo #2 from 2004 taste (after 5 years) taste anything like a Monte #2 from 1984 (when it had 5 years)? What about the ones from 2010, will they be similar in 5 years to the other Monte #2s after 5 years? Is there a consistency even in the CC side of things? Or is that all over the map too, but they don't just start new brands - simply LEs or REs?

I am simply curious.

[wayner123]

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

OK, let's go there.

Do the CCs even produce cigars that taste the same. Seriously! Does a Montecristo #2 from 2004 taste (after 5 years) taste anything like a Monte #2 from 1984 (when it had 5 years)? What about the ones from 2010, will they be similar in 5 years to the other Monte #2s after 5 years? Is there a consistency even in the CC side of things? Or is that all over the map too, but they don't just start new brands - simply LEs or REs?

I am simply curious.

The short answer is no, it doesn't taste the same.

I am not sure what the original questions are at this point, but that may be my own dumbness. What are you wanting to know?

[RevSmoke]

Originally Posted by wayner123

The short answer is no, it doesn't taste the same.

I am not sure what the original questions are at this point, but that may be my own dumbness. What are you wanting to know?

HAHAHAHA!!! Go back and read the first post. There isn't really any specific one question we're dealing with, simply some musings and ponderings on the longevity of cigars... and why the growth and popularity of the newer brands...? and if they'll stay...? and why they're here...? and....

Yeah, that's it.

I think the first post sets a good pace and the conversation has revolved and evolved from there.

[wayner123]

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

HAHAHAHA!!! Go back and read the first post. There isn't really any specific one question we're dealing with, simply some musings and ponderings on the longevity of cigars... and why the growth and popularity of the newer brands...? and if they'll stay...? and why they're here...? and....

Yeah, that's it.

I think the first post sets a good pace and the conversation has revolved and evolved from there.

How are you defining new brands?

[RevSmoke]

Originally Posted by wayner123

How are you defining new brands?

Yep!

You define it as you see fit. Go back to the first post and you'll see what I wrote - I don't think I gave "new brands" a definitive age. To me, anything that has appeared since 2001 would be a new brand, someone else might define it differently.

Someone who has been smoking since Jan. 2011 finds all of them both new and old at the same time. They are new to him, but they've been around since before he started smoking.

I guess it is relative. You can use my definition (see above) or your own.

Sorry, that probably didn't help much.

[357]

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

OK, let's go there.

Do the CCs even produce cigars that taste the same. Seriously! Does a Montecristo #2 from 2004 taste (after 5 years) taste anything like a Monte #2 from 1984 (when it had 5 years)? What about the ones from 2010, will they be similar in 5 years to the other Monte #2s after 5 years? Is there a consistency even in the CC side of things? Or is that all over the map too, but they don't just start new brands - simply LEs or REs?

I am simply curious.

I believe they try to keep them consistant, but their success is up for debate. Of course like wine, certain years are better than others. Of course "better" for me might be worse for another. I feel they are relatively consistant within a marca, but not necessarily within a vitola; if that makes any sense. Again my experience is limited.

I know my answers are as solid as jello.