Stogie Commentary: New Cigars, New Plans

If you’re like most of the cigar smokers who check websites and peruse walk-in humidors for new brands, this is a stressful time. Just five initials (IPCPR) cause sweaty palms and a burning sensation in the pocket where you carry your wallet.

Yes, it’s almost time for the 77th annual International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association Trade Show. That means new cigars, new line extensions, new lighters, new ashtrays, and new gimmicks. I especially look forward to all the new knick-knacks that no one needs and, more likely than not, few will buy.

Like Sirens, the latest and greatest cigar creations lure us—and our dollars. We’re hopeless to resist. In fact, the only saving grace is that after you’ve read about all the new cigars (StogieGuys.com will have live updates from the Trade Show floor starting this weekend), you actually can’t find them anywhere.

Months later, when they finally appear in quantities greater than a salesman’s samples, we’ve forgotten all about them.

Maybe that’s why so many of the new cigars don’t seem to last. Or maybe we’re just overloaded and the industry is overextended.

I sat with my eyes closed the other night, enjoying a cigar, and ticked off a seemingly endless list of names of different cigars available right now. Heck, it’s hard to maintain enough butane in the lighter to ignite them all.

And how many times can you say, “Man, what a pepper pot!” or “There’s definitely some leather in there.” or “I like it. I’m not sure what I’m tasting, but I like it.”

This year, though, I’m ready. I have created a special amulet to ward off the spell of new cigars: a little pendant made from the Swisher Sweets shield. That should work, don’t you think?

-George E

photo credit: RTDA.org