Maybe. There's certainly a lot of anticipation and excitement in the US over the end of the embargo, and the lemming effect will certainly be a ruling factor in people's behavior. That might be contravened by the expected price gouging as well as the continuing drop in quality due to overproduction to meet demand. But even if Cuba exports turds, the power of suggestion will have buyers creaming their jeans over the ecstasy of smoking a Cuban cigar.When it happens, think cigar store shelves will be packed with Monticristo n2, Partagas series d no4, and Cohiba Esplendidos? Nope, they'll be hard to come by, far harder than it is now.
The power of suggestion. We have half a century of enjoying seriously great cigars from other countries made by the same families who produced those legendary Cuban brands. And many of those Nicaraguan, Dominican and Honduran cigars are much prized by very loyal fans who have smoked and cellared them for years. They'll buy to satisfy their curiosity if the prices aren't completely crazy. And there will always be those who flock to the next new sensory thrill or must have the next cool status symbol, lots of them, and they will buy tons of stuff without knowing what they're actually buying. I've smoked a lot of Cuban cigars over the years, though not much in the last 7-8, because the quality was on the decline, especially amongst the "star" brands, like Cohiba (which were also often fakes, like the Lanceros). The best smokes came from less known marques, like Flor de Cano.Sable, but the ones buying those initial "Cuban Greats" will be those in the now and they'll buy all the can and because they like them. Sure some just because, but most because they're seriously good cigars and they'd rather not need to fight for them for those times when they decide "damn, I'm totally in the mood for a M#2"
The quality has already taken a hit. Started years ago as a result of increased demand caused in part by Cigar Aficionado's coverage. The aging and fermentation cycles were cut short to get product to the market. It will probably take more of a hit, but people won't care because they just want to smoke a "Cuban" cigar and haven't a clue. Like I wrote, even if the cigar is a turd (and there's no reason to expect that we'll be getting the best product anyway - remember that the French were selling us their swill in fancy bottles) the consumer will be enraptured.I am worried about the quality of those cigars. Once we open up and start importing it will be hard for them to keep up with the initial demands. I think long term it will work out but initially it will be a mad house. Just my .02.
Tobacco ages well, prices will not go down and they may end internet sales.