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.
