The author makes an (unintentionally?) valid point by comparing cigars to the wine industry. A lot of the pomp, and indeed the press coverage, focusses on expensive wines and brand names that dominate the market - look at the hoo-hah that surrounds the Bordeaux en primeur campaign each year. As several people have mentioned, in many ways this benefits us all, as it puts money into the industry. However, for most consumers (of more modest and normal means), these high end offerings are out of reach for all but the most special occasion, and perhaps not even then. Most of the wine we drink, and cigars we smoke, are likely to be as good/almost as good and considerably better value for money.
The image portrayed is certainly important for a number of consumers too. How many virtual non-smokers have we seen with expensive Cohibas or Partagas, without really knowing what they're smoking? About the same number of lager drinkers (nothing wrong with that, I like a pint myself) with too much cash drinking expensive wine.
The image portrayed is certainly important for a number of consumers too. How many virtual non-smokers have we seen with expensive Cohibas or Partagas, without really knowing what they're smoking? About the same number of lager drinkers (nothing wrong with that, I like a pint myself) with too much cash drinking expensive wine.
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