Where there's a will there's a way. In chi-town I frequent the 2 serious shops every 2-3 weeks. If no opus, vsg, or pad anniv in sight, I ask about expected shipments AND drop $25-100 AND chitchat personal tastes with the owner/mgr. I also call now and again. This pays off -- I'm rarely held to the stated minimums when they do come in. But of course I'm not made of $ and it would be in bad taste not to leave some for my fellow herfers. This also works with Cubans - cozy up to your local tobacconist - most are aficianados and gotta have their cubans - most will let you nibble, but expect to pay >2x what the avg. stick may cost if you were to grab a box (of, let's say monte2s from Switzerland). For opus, check out the educated cigar on the web - expensive!
