And while 1998 didn't keep pace with 1997, Folz said 1998 will be the second-biggest year in the history of the industry. No shame in that. From the consumer's perspective, this is the Golden Age of cigar shopping. Manufacturers, freed from the intense pressure to bring supply in line with demand, have become enormously creative in the past year. The Retail Tobacco Dealers of America show last August in Nashville was an impressive showcase of innovative shapes and blends from the biggest, most reputable manufacturers.
Quality is on the upswing, as cigarmakers have sufficient time to age tobacco and finished cigars.
Prices have stabilized and, in some cases, fallen. This following a five-year period in which prices spiraled to heights previously unimaginable. Sadly, the hurricane-ravaged people of Honduras and Nicaragua have not been as lucky. Save for having survived the wrath of Hurricane Mitch, they have little to be thankful for at the moment. If you'd like to help out by sending aid, click here for a list of relief agencies.