EXACTLY what frig said...
During a trip to Cabo San Lucas I was, of course, in search of Cubans. I thought I was doing well to avoid the street vendors and small shops. Eventually I came across a cigar kiosk in the MEGA grocery while making a booze run (problematic?) and was given EVERY assurance that it was legit. Bought a half dozen "Habano" Cohibas at roughly $18 each; A DEAL!!! Most shops seemed to charge about $24 for a Toro sized stick. So...
Totally f*cked. I think I gave the remainder away to people who wouldn't know the difference.
As a parenthetical departure...
I later discovered a quaint little cigar shop in the town square in San Jose del Cabo. The shop was run by an attractive, young family and their dog. Tentatively, I bought a few sticks. Back at our condo (and after a couple of mohitos) I was in stogie heaven. The next day I returned to the shop and was greeted by the head of said family, a handsome man in his thirties...
"Senor, weren't you in my shop yesterday?"
"Yes, I was... ???"
"Well then, that makes you my client and clients earn a substantial discount here."
6 Cuban Cohiba Siglo IV, $8 each. I grabbed a handful of really good Te-Amos and some recommended off brands just to show my gratitude. When in Cabo (if I ever return) I will never buy anywhere else.
I would also consider myself lucky in this case.
