Sometimes when I either place an order over the phone or ask for a particular cigar, I've been told it was "discontinued." How do you confirm that? If you're not in the trade, what are the sources? Thanks...

Ask Slim

Isn't there a government agency for that?

Used as you stated above, "discontinued" COULD mean that the store or dealer had simply ceased to carry that cigar ... it doesn't necessarily mean that the maker has stopped production (although it COULD) ...

Next time you hear that word, ask them to clarify what they mean when they say that ...