At the very least, the same money spent today buys a cigar lover one hell of a better cigar, particularly in the most reasonable price ranges.

Radical swings in supply and demand are never easy for any industry to deal with, but when it comes to handmade cigars, the repercussions can be dramatic. The cigar boom of the 1990s put incredible pressures on manufacturers to produce more, and presented opportunists with ripe conditions to cash in on the hype with little regard for the time-honored traditions of the craft. Top quality, aged tobacco vanished faster than a dropped ash. Junk flooded the corner cigar shops, and even some top brands struggled to keep up appearances. Imports finally plunged as the glut of poor quality merchandise burst the bubble. Prices dropped, reality returned.

When the dust settled, cigar makers could get back to life as they knew it before - growing fine tobacco and making great cigars, which they have done with a vengeance. Enthusiasts have noticed. Premium cigar imports are again on the rise: Half-year imports of premium cigars jumped nearly 11 percent over last year, the biggest rise in years. Is it another case of long-term supply-and-demand still finding its proper level?Perhaps, but it’s not just high-end, premium cigars enjoying a resurgence - it’s all kinds of cigars.

So what does that say about the will of the people? Sadly, unlike the big “cigar boom” of the 1990s, society’s tolerance for smoking is in quite a different place these days, and often there is only one voice being heard. Major cities to quiet backwaters alike have imposed widespread smoking bans that prevent like-minded cigar enthusiasts from gathering - even among themselves - to partake in their pleasures. In short, we’ve been driven out of town in many places. Not very American. But, at least we have a great selection of delicious cigars to choose from.

E.H., M.B.