Fuente Fuente Opus X Forbidden X + 1 for raffle, to benefit the American Red Cross

[Corona Gigante]

I strongly resent being accused of "knowlingly (sic) passing off" a fake cuban when I've taken pains all along to explain that, even though as far as I can tell it is the real deal, it should be considered as a "bonus mystery cigar."

With regard to the vendor, I have heard one unsubstantiated third hand negative report--and not from Bill, I might add--when I asked him at the time for his opinion he told me he had never used them. I agreed not to repeat the story I heard but I would have to say it was very far from conclusive and did not involve my source directly.

For whatever it is worth, my own experience with this source has been completely satisfactory. I have spoken to other people who have also been completely satisfied, and I have read comments from various satisifed users on another cigar board. I understand that discussion of sources in public is frowned upon, but I am happy to discuss this matter more fully privately.

And in addition, if I had wanted to knowlingly pass off a fake, don't you think I would have claimed to have gotten it from one of the "approved" sources? I'm sure we could all list several quite easily. I have been nothing but open and above board from the beginning of this sorry affair.