Norman Sharp, president of the Cigar Association of America, reports that sales of cigars dropped steadily from 1973 to 1993. Starting in 1994, though, they surged from 3,400,000,000 to 4,400,000,000 in two years -- partly due to cigars' fast growing popularity among women. Sales of the high-priced handmade variety that females favor jumped nearly 65%, from 170,000,000 in 1995 to 280,000,000 in 1996.

.....There even are cigar accessories especially for females. Cigar Savor Enterprises, which in 1996 debuted a device that stores a partially smoked cigar for later enjoyment, has come out with a line in bright colors just for women. Its president, Dennis Nicotra, notes, "I think women want their own accessories to complement the cigar smoking experience. Especially since it's a very social experience -- women are increasingly lighting up at cigar bars and attending cigar smoking dinners -- they want accessories that are decidedly female; it's almost an extension of their wardrobe, like a purse and shoes."  source: USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education),  March, 1998 

And that was then, and this is now

I say our numbers are increasing still - so much so, Women who engage in the cigar culture are now considered the norm. There are women internet forums, cigar dinners and Women only excursions to Tobacco Plants in Nicaragua and Honduras. Not only are the lovers of the leaf referred to as BOTLs, but the sisters are recognized as SOTLs.  Women are represented in executive roles such as Diana Silvius of the RTDA, the pioneer for our presence and contributions to this wonderful cigar culture - She's my hero. We have moved away from the stereotypical role of women smoking cigars and swinging from chandeliers!

my next assignment...

[NTD:] find out what happened to Cigar Savor Enterprises - its 2008 and I sure could use one of those colorful, feminine cigar cases - because I too, believe the accessory is an extension of my wardrobe!

Please take the poll ladies, I'm really working on it for us!

Cigar Bar360!

Our Friends at Camacho Cigars!