1.   And General Cigar sells more premium cigars than any other company.

2.   A Blue Springs entrepreneur plans to become a key player in the fast-growing market for premium cigars.

3.   Access to the people behind premium cigars, and as often as not, vintage wines and spirits, is part of the attraction.

4.   But now, even though the boom in premium cigars may be slowing, Tabacalera is finally establishing a foothold in the United States.

5.   By all accounts, demand is much higher than in the past, particularly for premium cigars.

6.   Each has a premium cigar plugged into its mouth.

7.   For instance, cigar manufacturers are experiencing a shortage of the expensive outer leafs used to wrap premium cigars.

8.   Moreover, to boost production, the company must train additional workers to roll premium cigars.

9.   Montecristo is a premium Cuban cigar that has made its way into the illegal cigar trade, along with the better-known Cohibas.

10.   Now, even though the boom in premium cigars may be slowing, Tabacalera is finally establishing a foothold in the United States.