| The practice of cigar smoking has been on the rise in | | | | society, and the many of the available cigar |
| the U.S. since the early 90's. In part due to a | | | | accessories reflect that fact. |
| reputation as a glamorous alternative to cigarette | | | | One of the most prominent cigar accessories, the |
| smoking, the increase can also be tied to its | | | | humidor, reflects the overall style and refined nature |
| popularity among celebrities, as well as to the social | | | | of cigar smoking among young Americans. More |
| nature of its practice. But whatever the reason, it is | | | | expensive humidors are hand crafted out of wood. |
| clear that cigars are big business in the U.S. with | | | | They serve not only to protect and preserve the |
| higher sales of premium brands each and every year. | | | | product within but also to display them in a tasteful |
| Magazines like Cigar Aficionado portray cigar smoking | | | | and fashionable manner. Large humidors may cost |
| as alluring, and perhaps slightly risqué | | | | many hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and are |
| (particularly for women), and so the hobby strikes a | | | | often fixtures in the homes of the wealthy. |
| cord with young Americans. Celebrities are often | | | | But despite their prominence among the upper class, |
| photographed at parties or social gatherings with a | | | | the increased affordability and availability of quality |
| cigar in hand, and cigar lounges find regular folks | | | | cigars has also contributed to an overall increase in |
| trying to emulate these stars. Clubs and societies, | | | | cigar smoking over recent years. Today discount |
| particularly those dominated by men, often design | | | | cigars are readily available for purchase, often from |
| their regular activities around the ritual of cigar | | | | easy-to-find online merchants, at prices well below |
| smoking. | | | | normal. Cigar stores have increasingly moved to the |
| In general, cigar smoking is viewed as the "civilized" | | | | Web in order to offer a wider variety of brands to |
| alternative to cigarette smoking. Unlike cigarettes, | | | | any location at a fraction of the usual cost. |
| cigars have a distinct, elegant stigma attached to | | | | In part because of its current glamour and in part |
| them that often appeals to young people, particularly | | | | because of its practical affordability, cigar smoking |
| those with a higher than average income. They are | | | | has never been hotter, trendier or more profitable in |
| most often associated with an elevated status in | | | | the U.S. |