Hey Dude,
Your smokeshop owner, doesn't know what he is talking about. I have recieved several, for my birthday. Every one, that I have tried has been quite tasty. I have tastebuds, and am only 39. I have found that many smokeshops will give you bogus info, especially about cigars they don't carry, in hopes that they can steer you to a product that they have, or can make a better profit on.
just my .02
Later
Homebrew