The cigar was exquisite, as was the box. S.A. The only times they have been offered to the public have been at three charity auctions in the last three years. It's unlikely that there are loose cigars available for sale from these high priced boxes. It's been said that some Cuban factories are declining in quality with the current shortage. If your experiences are consistently bad, I might worry.
Cigars are a handmade commodity and as such are subject to minor differences in quality.
Like every other cigar producing country in the world, there is no way to meet the burgeoning demand. Steve Tague-the guy who's wife went into labor while I was at the dinner at Remi 2 years ago. I was given a Cohiba Esplendidos. The band was not like the normal paper bands. I have never encountered this type of band before which led me to question its authenticity.