Straight from depleted soils.
People who really know cigars know that Cubans aren’t what they once were...soil depletion, poor fertilization and insect control and shabby manufacturing are some of the reasons. Only the very top of the market cigars are truly superior to those produced in places like the Dominican Republic. Most of those in the black market in the US (and in shops in the Bahamas and Mexico for that matter) are either fakes or inferior products dressed up to look like high end brands. The only way to be sure you’re getting the best of the best is from reputable dealers in places like London or Switzerland, and dollar for dollar they just aren’t worth it.