So the body of the latest CI email contains a link to some real cheap cigars with the following ad copy:

"This is one helluva deal, señor, with the added benefit of filling the dent those holiday moochers and shameless, self-prescribed 'aficionados' are making in your innocent humidor."

Let's forget for a moment the typical chummy, slap-you-on-the-back, obnoxiously friendly tone of the writing which is a topic unto itself. My question is:

Are there really people out there who have so many friends requesting cigars that they actually have to buy low quality stuff just to protect their better sticks?

Now, the copy doesn't say whether the fumas are for you or to be purchased to hand out to the "moochers" themselves. However. It's pretty typical for CI to mention moochers when they advertise low quality sticks and I believe it's a winking way of saying "These sticks suck, but at least they're cheap, so you can give them to others rather than giving them your good stuff."

(For further examples, see the ad copy for the "Bender Ender" sampler and "Gerant's Golden Siesta" on CI.com)

But personally, I know so few people who actually smoke cigars -- and I live in a large city -- that I try to give them good sticks, suited to their tastes, in the hopes that they will continue to smoke with me and perhaps even take up the hobby themselves.

I would be fascinated to hear about those who hand out so many cigars that it actually impacts their budget. I kind of wish I had that problem. Please tell me about your experiences.