I use-tuh sell cigars for a livin. And wine. Both were wildly popular at the time. They both, along with most hoity-toity hard pours, share the same dynamics of availability and marketing. A good smoke is entry of $4 a stick, after that its ALL about availability or marketing as the quality doesn't drastically improve... With wines the entry for a good 750ml was around $8. I hear that's $11 now... Hard pour is the most established and controlled in most states, who shameleasly fix prices but will prosecute anyone else for doing the same with say, gasoline or something . A good bottle of bourbon starts at around $25 around here. A cigar, wine, or bourbon that has a good or great season (due to ingredients grown) and is recognized as such will be twice the price the next season, and due to availability and whether it rates it that season or not... The next season it will be three times the first seasons price, as more folks are aware- some from experiencing the first seasons quality and some from buying into the hype the second season. The third season out makes or breaks the label. There are bourbon companies out there whove had 5 plus great seasons, and those prices aint coming down... Same with cigars, and wine .
As an abuser of each of the above, it pisses me off... However, it triggers me to seek that 'next' great one.... Hence, the snobbery.