boutique cigar talk

[Sticky B]

I think that boutique may be the same as that elusive "Underground" label, or "Indy", before either goes "Pop". That is why it would be hard to quantify, even if we all know in our minds what should qualify, in which case we can generally agree, until it comes to splitting hairs and asking if a small but popular brand such as crowned heads is really boutique at this point...

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[Billb1960]

As has been mentioned it really comes down to production numbers. Any cigar that's manufactured in very limited quantities could qualify for "boutique" status regardless of how big the manufacturer is.

[Emperor Zurg]

I think the word has been overused to the point it's become nonsense.
Everything is 'boutique' these days.
It's like 'fat free': "Hey, did you know these candies (which are made of 100% sugar) are FAT FREE?"
Or 'technology': It's no longer a convenient handle on your new garbage can, it's 'the latest in ergonomic technology'

I hate marketing

[omahaorange]

Interesting, the definition of "boutique":

Boutique | Define Boutique at Dictionary.com

I agree that nowadays we throw this term around too lightly. It's like the term "collectible". Most things marketed as collectible over the past few years, being mass-produce, are essentially worthless. Look at the Avon bottles, Beanie Babies, and such.

[cocker_dude]

I actually think boutique is still alive and well because of one thing...access. One of the cool things that all boutique manufacturers know and realize is that in order to create buzz, you need to get your face out there and talk with not only the shops, but also the consumers. Over the past year, I've had lots of opportunities to ask questions and discuss lots of cigar geek stuff with heads of the boutique brand. I may not have met them face to face, but I've had my questions answered and had interactions where I feel more buy in to their brand because I feel like they are willing to share so I can learn from the information they already know.

The only "big" company that still allows access is Jonathan Drew. He's always got his face out there and I think that's why people still smoke his stuff. But in general, how many people have talked with the CEO or the blender of the bigger companies?

[Demuths1770]

The only "big" company that still allows access is Jonathan Drew. He's always got his face out there and I think that's why people still smoke his stuff. But in general, how many people have talked with the CEO or the blender of the bigger companies?

This right here is so very true!! Drew Estate really knows how to put on a event wether big or small. I think with everything new thats coming out boutique cigars and companys can not be coming to an end. I think the biggest issue with boutique cigars is that they are so small that they dont end up in many shops and only us cigar geeks know about them but on the flip side when it is great us cigar geeks buy it up. look at las calaveras this year. they went so quick and mostly in part because we talked about them after last year that even non cigar geeks got in on it

[HIM]

They need to do what they did with beer and break companies into classes by production volume. Then there would actually be a definition set by the industry for what makes a cigar company boutique or not. Until then its a loosely used marketing term everyone is trying to cash in on. I don't think the trend is over personally. Then again I also think its possible everyones pushing all these new lines now so they're grandfathered in if the FDA passes their agenda on the industry.

[Jaybird]

They need to do what they did with beer and break companies into classes by production volume. Then there would actually be a definition set by the industry for what makes a cigar company boutique or not. Until then its a loosely used marketing term everyone is trying to cash in on. I don't think the trend is over personally. Then again I also think its possible everyones pushing all these new lines now so they're grandfathered in if the FDA passes their agenda on the industry.

This was my thinking when I first read the OP's post. Its all about the numbers when it comes to the term. It has to be. Just like the beer industry. Is it "craft" "Micro" "Macro" the numbers tell us what to call it. Not the brand or the parent company. I like the term myself. I like the idea of it as a whole. But the cigar industry has a LONG way to go to be able to "Label" something and have the consumer have ANY IDEA what they are getting. The beer industry has it NAILED with the BJCP guidelines. IMHO..

Cheers
Jay

[Nature]

I think it is hardly over, unless the FDA gets their hands in things; then the boutique cigar may be over. I think the Boutique cigar phase parallels the craft beer boom over the last 10-15 years. Could you imagine what would have happened to the craft beers if they had to submit an application for each new beer?!

Although the term "boutique" is being tossed around pretty loosely these days. This in itself is a testament to the popularity as companies attempt to capitalize on the trend. Same with beer, as the giant companies try to disguise some beers as "Craft".

I think one of the appeals of boutique cigars is that they are not readily available or seen everywhere, at least at major retailers or B&Ms. Although, I am fortunate enough that a few of my local B&Ms do a pretty good job of carrying these lesser known lines. To know you are smoking something somewhat unusual creates some interest; at least to us Cigar Geeks.

[HIM]

Totally agree especially the last part. I've put a lot of thought into how a BJCP type format could be made for cigars and there's some key snags with the idea. The hardest being the first thing you'd have to do.... Come up with distinct definable cigar styles, and guidelines, most all cigars can be sorted into. If you can find a consistent and detailed way to accomplish that the rest falls into place.