Similar experience - I was in a local B&M when a guy walks in with a band from an Acid Blondie. He told the proprietor that his wife had been out with girlfriends at a local bar, and the guy nearby had been smoking the Blondie. She immediately fell in love with the smell - grabbed the band from the guy - and brought it home to her husband with an edict to find some.

I truly think it has more to do with the effect the aroma has one some - versus it being a good cigar. However - anyone caught smoking one in our local shop will be drawn and quartered, tarred and feathered - and driven out of town on a rail.

Apparently - it's most likely so popular because of the whole wooing the female of the species angle.