Ok, so I come across as an ignorant ass. Turns out I am ignorant, but I'm usually not an ass. Didn't mean to offend or come across as arrogant. I searched around in the forum some, but didn't find much to the point (perhaps that's incompetance as well).

I'm still interested in this though, if I haven't completely alienated myself.

This whole deal has me thinking about obscure brands. I moved states, and most of the big names were still available, but suddenly there was the distributor I mentioned before showing up all over. I couldn't find any info on any of the cigars by doing web searches (even their own site was little help) and the outlet attendants knew nothing about what they were selling (or, for that matter, cigars in general).

So, I wonder if this thing happens all over. Do serious cigar smokers buy from sources like this? Do they ever 'discover' great new makers or good values? Are distributors buying 'generic' sticks and putting their own bands on? Is the 'Florentino' brand is used by multiple makers/distributors? Do the $50-'Rolex'-guys pull the same shit with cigars? Stuff like that.

Seriously, I don't have an ego here. I do in some relms, but not cigar knowledge. I am a slight reactionary sometimes, but I'll try curb that here.

On the positive side, thanks for so many replies (even before the 'show' started).