OK , CG, I fisrt of f I like the site, and come in here quite often. It has some great information, jokes and of course the reviews, which segways right into my point this morning.
When I am submitting a review on a cigar, I try to be as honest and respectful of the manufacturer, the stick, etc. A bundled cigar, while it may be a decent smoke typically is notgoing to get a 5 star rating. Usng the Casa Magna as an unusual example, it got #1 of the year with CA. While a great smoke, I do not see where it was worthy of the #1 rating.
So this morning, I get up with my coffee, and turn on Cigar geeks. I am checking out reviews and see that some are not realistic. In order to maintain the integrity of the site, reviews should be consistent and realistic, understanding everyones palate is different. I am sure there are some hardcore cigar guys in here that would agree. So, a Padilla Miami, one of the more sought after boutique cigars, gets a 3.5, A Pepin JJ maduro gets a 4 , and the winner today with a 5 rating is the Vegas de Fonseca Toro with a rating of 5!
I know everyone has their own opinion, and I have mine. I ran out of Padilla Miamis, think Ill go smoke a Signature 1932 Robusto. Its gotta be at least a 3.5 as well. What do you think?
This is a user driven opinion site and like you said, everyone is entitled to their opinion. If you want to start to control ratings based on what experts think it kind of defeats the point. I admit I'm no expert. When I smoke a cigar sometimes I put a lot of thought into the rating and description and sometimes not so much. Usually I come to a number of stars in my head as I smoke it. Of course everything is based on my personal preference, I don't know any other way to do it. There may even be some bias in there based on how much I paid, expectations and or what kind of value I think I got, which I often put into the review and the rating. Take my opinion for what it is worth, a guy who spends his hard earned money on cigars and is trying to figure out where to spend his next buck. I don't take advertising and the manufactures give me no money to influence my reviews. So to your point of being realistic, this is as real as it gets.
Well said Lowpro...
I think it's subjective, Don... Five guys can all smoke the exact same cigar and each person may have an experience unique to them. For that matter I myself have smoked several of the same cigar and had a slightly different experience each time, depending on a number of factors such as if and what I have eaten, what I may be drinking, the time of day, my general mood, etc. Also, keep in mind premium cigars are a hand-rolled commodity and as such are subject to the whims and vagaries of the human touch - every once in a while you get that random dud that has no draw or doesn't burn well.
Additionally, the more time I spend in here the more I get to know the other members' likes and dislikes. Some of the Geeks are harsh critics and others are more forgiving. And you know what? I love it. I look forward to everyone's opinions, whether I agree with them or not. And I feel that that is the true integrity of this site.
Good day sirs!
Well, I think the word realistic is subjective right from the start. Everyones realistic is different to begin with. I feel the cigar itself is not the only criteria involved when reviewing and that there can be so many variables, as mentioned recently in a previous thread, that affect the final outcome: the cigar itself being hand rolled plays some part in the differences, the number of cigars smoked that day by the reviewer may have an affect on their taste, the drink of choice, the atmosphere and weather, the surroundings and company, the mood of the reviewer etc.
I guess when it comes to reviews I realize that the review is not gospel and pleasantly reflects the personality of the reviewer as well as the quality of the cigar...and I'm okay with that. If I see a fellow member give a high rating to a cigar that I gave a low rating to, I am still happy that they enjoyed the smoke so much and took the time to write about it. Anyway, that's my take on the whole review thing.
I don't really pay much attention to how many stars someone gave a reviewed cigar (unless it is a one or five star smoke). Rather, I read the full review (or several reviews of the cigar if available) and find out what the reviewer thought of the cigar, which provides some insight as to why it got he rating it did.
Tastes vary, and the best cigar is the one you like the best. After spending some time reading reviews on this site, you will find that some of the fellow Cigar Geeks have the same tastes in cigars you have--the reviews that these folks submit should be the ones you trust the most to have an opinion you're likely to share.
QuoteHot Stuff x - 5/3/2009 9:17 AM
I don't really pay much attention to how many stars someone gave a reviewed cigar (unless it is a one or five star smoke). Rather, I read the full review (or several reviews of the cigar if available) and find out what the reviewer thought of the cigar, which provides some insight as to why it got he rating it did.
Tastes vary, and the best cigar is the one you like the best. After spending some time reading reviews on this site, you will find that some of the fellow Cigar Geeks have the same tastes in cigars you have--the reviews that these folks submit should be the ones you trust the most to have an opinion you're likely to share.
This.
Actually, I usually don't read any reviews until after I've had one, that was when I do write a review it's entirely my opinion and I'm not trying to force myself to tasted supposed nuances in the cigar or wondering why it's not behaving as it might have for another user.
Quotelowpro75 - 5/3/2009 6:44 AM
This is a user driven opinion site and like you said, everyone is entitled to their opinion.
I whole heartedly agree. I am a novice compared to many of the members on this site. However, I rate a cigar the way I see it. Taste, flavor, construction, price, smokeability, draw, ash, all those aspects come into play. But it is an absolutely subjective issue. I know people who swear by machine made cigars, will smoke nothing else and think they are a quality smoke. You couldn't give them an Opux X in trade for their Dutch Master panatella. You just can't put parameters on cigar critiques. I personally never smoked a Gurkha or a RP that I thought was great, but have friends who swear by one or both. I am not a fan of Pepin either but many memebrs here at CG love them. I guess what I am trying to say Don, is I don't agree w/you but I sure hope you continue to post your ideas and opinions. It's what makes this such a great site. The diversity of view points is great. Thanks for the post Don. :shades:
Seems I sruck a raw nerve, which was not my intent. While everyone does have the right to their own opinion, and have different tastes in cigars, one of the points, while not spelled out, was that in giving a review, a 5 rating should be reserved for an outstanding smoke. Used loosely, a 5 rating means nothing. By the way, for some reason, the search reviews tab isnt working for me now
:confused:
QuoteDonM - 5/3/2009 12:07 PM
Seems I sruck a raw nerve, which was not my intent. While everyone does have the right to their own opinion, and have different tastes in cigars, one of the points, while not spelled out, was that in giving a review, a 5 rating should be reserved for an outstanding smoke. Used loosely, a 5 rating means nothing. By the way, for some reason, the search reviews tab isnt working for me now
:confused:
I don't think you struck a raw nerve Don, most of us are just passionate about the topic I suppose. I really don't feel like there are a whole lot of 5 star reviews given here. To me, they actually seem to be quite rare and most people here tend to be more conservative about giving 5 stars, including myself. I wonder now about how many 5 star reviews are there are actually are in the 2500 + reviews on the site. What percentage of all the reviews do you feel are 5 star loosely given reviews?
By the way, that tab is not working for me either.
I appreciate the topic and like a good debate. I look forward to others weighing in as well. All in good fun! :biggrin:
I've never gave a 5 star rating in the whole time I've been here. I consider a 5 star to be something so exceptional that nothing can match it. I only give my favorite cigar a 4.5...what if I find one I like better?
I did give another 4.5 recently though, a Belinda Black which is my new equal to the ERDM...I think...
Blasphemy?
No worries Don. I dont think anyone is taking it the wrong way. You bring up some good points for good discussion. I think 5 stars should be reserved for the very finest of smokes as well.
Also, folks, I think the Reviews search is fixed now.
-Paul
No raw nerves here, Don. When I first started hanging around this forum I didn't have a whole lot of cigar experience. I used the reviews to point me towards cigars everybody seemed to enjoy so I gave some of them a try. Some I enjoyed, others I didn't. After a while I found that I came in pretty close agreement with the preferences of certain individuals. Whenever I saw they enjoyed a particular cigar I hadn't tried yet I was more inclined to give it a shot myself. Most times I enjoyed the cigar just as much as they had but once in awhile I thought they were complete morons for rating it so high. Personal preference plays a big part in this whole business it seems. Fer instance, I have never found a Rocky Patel I've truly enjoyed or a Padilla either. Personally, I would rate a $2 TNT Padron alternative higher than either of those two because I really enjoy them. I can't think of anybody on this forum who is a cigar snob so you can pretty much count on them giving an honest evaluation of what they really enjoy.
Does price and value affect the ratings? or should i say your rating?
I think you have started a great thread here Don. I have rated two cigars w/a 5 since I have been reviewing them. However after having smoked a lot more cigars since those reviews, I would have rated only one of them a five. There are also some cigars I have rated 4.5 and in retrospect I should have given a 4, even a 3.5 in one case. Experience, the foundation of life. Needless to say the more one smokes the more experience they acquire and I think a lot of the CG's would agree w/me unless they were very experienced herfers when they got here. I know my tastes will change over time and what is great today may be just good next year. However, I was sincere when I said I hope you continue to post your reviews and opinions. No nerve struck here Don, I really enjoy the multiple responses. Keep it up buddy.
Dennis :smoker:
Quotemountedshriner - 5/3/2009 6:53 PM
I think you have started a great thread here Don. I have rated two cigars w/a 5 since I have been reviewing them. However after having smoked a lot more cigars since those reviews, I would have rated only one of them a five. There are also some cigars I have rated 4.5 and in retrospect I should have given a 4, even a 3.5 in one case. Experience, the foundation of life. Needless to say the more one smokes the more experience they acquire and I think a lot of the CG's would agree w/me unless they were very experienced herfers when they got here. I know my tastes will change over time and what is great today may be just good next year. However, I was sincere when I said I hope you continue to post your reviews and opinions. No nerve struck here
Don, I really enjoy the multiple responses. Keep it up buddy.
Dennis :smoker:
One of the nice things about the reviews in this forum is that you always have the option of going back to a previous review and editing the content (only your own). That way, if you change your mind about a rating it's not locked in stone. I've noticed that several people have given an initial rating then come back later, maybe after the smokes have aged a bit longer, and modified their initial impression. Mostly I've noticed they make an additional note to reflect the added info rather than just change the review. I like that because it lets me know that a particular cigar either does or doesn't improve with aging.
Quotenukbucko - 5/3/2009 6:14 PM
Does price and value affect the ratings? or should i say your rating?
Sometimes they do for me...especially when there is some real good value going on. I am more likely to give a half star for cheaper cigar that is good than I am to deduct a half star for a cigar that I feel is over priced. In fact, I have never deducted for a poor value cigar.
First, great thread, and no raw nerves here.
Second, I understand your point. But to state the obvious, these reviews are inherently subjective. And I think that what you've noticed is that -- at least in non-blind reviews -- people tend to rate cigars by how well they match their expectations. From those to whom much is given, much is expected. If I pull out a house brand alternative and it's well constructed, burns well, and shows more complexity than I'd expect from a house brand, and, indeed, as much complexity as one of the better premiums I've smoked, I'd be inclined to give it 4-5 stars, because it was much better than expected. If, on the other hand, I smoked an uber-premium and it has any flaws in construction or has something less than sublime flavor and transcendental complexity, I'm inclined not to give it a 5, and maybe only a 4, because it didn't meet my expectations. Now, if I smoked the first, surprisingly good bundled cigar and the slightly disappointing uber-premium blind, in a head-to-head smoke off, I might rate the uber-premium more highly, and perhaps much more highly (but, since it's a blind tasting, maybe not . . .).
Thus, two cigars with the same rating -- even from the same reviewer -- can't be considered equal, simply by virtue of the equal rating. I don' t mean to pick on anyone by name, but just to take up your example, I wonder if Scott (Texlewee) would tell you that he'd rather smoke the Vegas de Fonsecas that he just gave 5 stars and not the Opus X Reserva de Chateau that he gave 4.5 stars. Maybe he would.
That's why the narrative description is so much more important to me than the rating. I try to explain why rated it where I did, and what standard I measured it against. Sometimes I'll say that this was a surprisingly good cigar for its price point, and therefore I've bumped it up half a star. Sometimes I'll say that a super-premium cigar was a bit disappointing, and therefore I've bumped it down a half star.
I guess my point here is that we can't demand mathematical precision from these ratings, nor expect that every 4.5 star cigar is equally good. What we can ask is that reviewers give enough information and explanation for us all to be able to understand why they liked or didn't like a cigar, and, in particular, whether they are tougher when they grade a super-premium as compated to a budget smoke. I'll admit that I can't help but demand more from super-premiums.
Again, great, provocative post.
Well said. great point.
Before I start, let me define reviewing a cigar accurately: reviewing accurately means giving a rating that exactly reflects the amount of total enjoyment you receive from the cigar, totally ignoring any external factors.
Reviewing a cigar accurately is nearly impossible. Your tastes will develop as you gain experience. Your palate will change depending on what you ate, how much you have been drinking, whether your nose is congested, etc. Your enjoyment will vary based on your mood, your ability to focus, whether you are in good company and have a decent adrenaline rush going or not. Your experience will be influenced by prejudices you have of the region, the back-story and the brand itself. And your review will be influenced by what other people think of the cigar, especially publications like cigar aficionado, even if you know for a fact that their reviews are based more on marketing considerations than actual enjoyment. Your review will also be influenced by your expectations, how much you paid, etc. If you paid $20, you are expecting a transcendental experience and if you pay $3 you are expecting at best a mediocre stick. This is not to mention that the construction of each cigar is different, the amount of time it has spent in the humi and how it has been kept are all factors in how it will taste.
I don't smoke very often, but I have been drinking wine and spirits for about 5 years and I don't think I am close to being able to judge accurately even my own tastes. I'd say I'm experienced enough for my own reviews to be somewhat useful in my purchasing decisions, but I am not satisfied with my ability to factor out all that I listed above.
And this is not even mentioning the problems that you run into with personal tastes....what makes a good cigar to you may not be the same for the next person.
How many movies do "critics" give one or two stars two that the general public loves?
It's kind of the same thing here. We are just everyday people with our own tastes and opinions. This forum allows us express our personal opinion about cigars. And, the beauty is, if you don't agree you can tell it.
Welcome to the site!
Just a few comments in regards to some of the replys. Referencing price, I have smoked some reasonably priced cigars that were really good! A few of them are regulars in my Humidor. I have smoked some high priced cigars as well, and agree with the comment that if you spend a good deal of money on a cigar your expectations are going to be higher. In both cases, the question addressed is does it justify a 5 star rating (of which, in my opinion, should be reserved for the extra ordinary cigar)
I have sampled some cigars that were very well constructed, and smoked well. Although others seem to like them, they just werent to my taste. In that respect, I chose not to write a review on them or wrote a review based on the quality of the cigar, not my tastes.
I hope everyone has a wonderful day! :thumbsup:
Funny..... right now I would rather have the Vegas de Fonseca than the Opus. here's part of my reasoning. For the overall package, this Vegas de FOnseca is one of the absolute best cigars I have smoked in a long time. Perhaps it was a perfect storm of sorts. Maybe my palate was conditioned just right, my attitude was just right, and mars was aligned with Jupiter, but that cheap ass little cigar flat knocked my socks off in every category. Did the fact that it was cheap increase its rating? YES. Just as it did when I rated some more expensive cigars and they didn't live up, so to speak.
The Miami was a great cigar, but not so different from every other Don Pepin I have ever smoked. A five star from me generally means that it was a great, unique smoke in every way, and the Vegas de Fonseca lived up.
One great thing about this post is that it has encouraged me to review my reviews. I have gone back to look at some of my previous ratings to see if I "5'd" something in my early inexperience that I would rate lower these days........ Perfect Example: I originally rated the Padilla Obsidian a 5. More experience and several Obsidians later, it has a four. I still love it, but it is not truly that unique.
Also, there is an inherent weakness in the short review on CG. What goes into a great rating?
I tend to rate with overall value per $$ in mind as well. That's probably why several more expensive cigars I smoked got 4s and 4.5s. I liked them, but not so much that I felt I could justify the price. Whereas the Padron 1926 I smoked was worth every dime... as were all the Graycliff espressos.
But it is hard to relay that in a single all encompassing rating style system. Here's a great example:
The Vegas de Fonseca and the Graycliff Espresso PGX. If both were free, which one would I choose? The Graycliff Espresso PGX. I like it more.
But, dollar for dollar, the Vegas De Fonseca is probably one of the most unique, best tasting cigars I have ever had. :confused:
I have gone, as I said I would, and reviewed many of my reviews.... And I found I have changed my opinion on many cigars I have rated over the last year.
That's why I think it is important for us all to occasionally review our reviews: to see if we still feel the same way.....
First of all, in over 200 reviews here Ive only given a handfull of 5 star ratings. My thought is this, I dont care how much the cigar cost, I dont care what other smokers think of it, and I dont care what the marketers want us to think about it. If a cigar meets all the criteria, its gets the 5!!! I dont care if its a $1 bundle cigar, if it is well rolled, has a good draw, a good burn, and most of all tastes great too me.....it gets a 5.
Ive read reviews from many different sorces and in my opinion, this site has the MOST realistic reviewers out there! :biggrin:
It's hard for me not to consider price in the equation. I love the Graycliff original, and, if it were 2 to 5 a stick, would be a smoke I would smoke every day. But, in the mid teens price wise, there are others I like better at that price point. The Graycliff Espresso line is one for sure.
Sure, it's all relative, but with the limitations of a simple one category 5 star rating, I do my best.
Here is some relative thought on the subject:
Vegas De Fonseca that I rated a 5. - Wow, what a smoke. I would recommend anyone try it. Awesome all the way around.
Now, if it were 20 bucks instead of sub-$5 would I feel the same way? I have no idea. Because it's not. Maybe I would have tended to be more hyper critical if it were. But as it were, the WHOLE package, including price, taste and everything, rated a 5, at least to me.
Graycliff Double Espresso: Much more expensive, but worth every dime. BUT, if it were a $50.00, would I still rate it a 5? I don't know. I would be scared to light it.
Opus X that I rated a 4.5: I loved everything about it, but it tarred up in the beginning requiring a second cut. At the PRICE, that bummed me out. An Opus X should be perfect. If I smoke a couple more, and get perfect results, I'll change my score.
I think we all rate things differently. Perhaps if we had a profile entry that discusses out specific rating criteria.
QuoteDuker511 - 5/4/2009 8:21 AM
My thought is this, I dont care how much the cigar cost, I dont care what other smokers think of it, and I dont care what the marketers want us to think about it. If a cigar meets all the criteria, its gets the 5!!! I dont care if its a $1 bundle cigar, if it is well rolled, has a good draw, a good burn, and most of all tastes great too me.....it gets a 5.
Ive read reviews from many different sorces and in my opinion, this site has the MOST realistic reviewers out there! :biggrin:
I agree w/Duker. I pay no attention to the price of the cigar. That may be an oversight on my part but I don't feel price should be reflected in the review (personal opinion only). BTW, this has turned out to ba an extremely enjoyable as well as an edcation thread for me. Thanks guys and thanks Don. :respekt:
Dennis
I think that we can debate this topic forever if we really wanted to. But obviously a persons review and the amount of stars they give a cigar is based on their own tastes and judgements.
This is the way it is and will always be. It should be that way.
However, I will say that I can understand what Don is talking about, or at least what I am interpreting him to be saying. Without saying any names, I have noticed that some reviewers seem to hand out more 5 stars or 4.5 and then a few 1.5 or 2, and nothing in between.
But as everything is subjective, it is the reviewer that makes the decision and picks the ratings.
Are we all going to change the way we rate cigars now? I hope not. I would try any cigar that you guys would rate highly. and sometime I admit when i want to try something new I do look at the reviews. I am more likely to buy a 5 star then anything else (if i can find Them). I trust your guys opinion ( well most of you :lmao: J/k )
I'm not changing my review technique... I will continue to suckle at the teat of my mistress tobacco, enjoy the sweet nectar of the leaf, and drone on too long.
Good day sirs!
QuoteChristopher62 - 5/4/2009 1:21 PM
I'm not changing my review technique... I will continue to suckle at the teat of my mistress tobacco, enjoy the sweet nectar of the leaf, and drone on too long.
Good day sirs!
As it should be my friend. Did I ever tell you how much I love the suckling part? Just thought I would mention it... :shades:
Dennis
Quotemountedshriner - 5/4/2009 3:28 PM
QuoteDuker511 - 5/4/2009 8:21 AM
My thought is this, I dont care how much the cigar cost, I dont care what other smokers think of it, and I dont care what the marketers want us to think about it. If a cigar meets all the criteria, its gets the 5!!! I dont care if its a $1 bundle cigar, if it is well rolled, has a good draw, a good burn, and most of all tastes great too me.....it gets a 5.
Ive read reviews from many different sorces and in my opinion, this site has the MOST realistic reviewers out there! :biggrin:
I agree w/Duker. I pay no attention to the price of the cigar. That may be an oversight on my part but I don't feel price should be reflected in the review (personal opinion only). BTW, this has turned out to ba an extremely enjoyable as well as an edcation thread for me. Thanks guys and thanks Don. :respekt:
Dennis
I hear you, Dennis and Tim. Problem is that I can't help but consider the price of the cigar. I DO NOT consider ratings, marketing, etc., but my overall impressions of a cigar are necessarily shaped by the price. In fact, in my reviews I'll try to answer the question "Would I buy this cigar again?" To answer that question I need to consider the price.
This isn't to say that my approach is better than anyone else's -- not at all. But I think I should be honest and spell it out clearly.
QuoteDuker511 - 5/4/2009 8:21 AM
My thought is this, I dont care how much the cigar cost, I dont care what other smokers think of it, and I dont care what the marketers want us to think about it. If a cigar meets all the criteria, its gets the 5!!! I dont care if its a $1 bundle cigar, if it is well rolled, has a good draw, a good burn, and most of all tastes great too me.....it gets a 5.
I agree that a great cigar should get a 5 regardless of whether it's a bundled value smoke or a super-premium. The tougher question, for me, is what if it's NOT a great cigar? I know that when I rate a value smoke, I'm likely to be more forgiving of a little wobble in the burn than I would be if I were smoking a God of Fire. For the value smoke, I'd probably say something like "The burn was a bit uneven, I needed to give it one touch up, but nothing that interfered with my enjoyment of the cigar." If it was a God of Fire or some other super-expensive premium, I'd probably say something like "The burn was a little uneven, and I even needed to give it a touch up at one point, which is a bit disappointing for a cigar in this price range."
Again, this is just my approach and I'm not trying to tell anyone that they should do it this way. I'm just describing my mindset, so you can read my reviews and know where I'm coming from.
I'm with Eddie in that I (watch for the double negative) can't not consider the price as I am reviewing a cigar. I just expect more from an expensive smoke, and if I don't get it I will judge harshly and if it meets the minimum expectations, then it would rank merely average. I personally like the blind tastings just for this reason, I think it puts all cigars on an even playing field. You may disagree with me, but I have seen study after study that suggests that even though people don't think they are influenced by advertising or name brand, they are.
I almost wish there was a rating separately for 3 categories. YOu know, the main ones.....
COnsturction. taste, value......
When I review I do take the price of the cigar into consideration for value purposes but usually will say when I am giving some value points. Otherwise the cigar is what it is. I pay more attention to what people say than how many stars it gets and if it is something I really want to try, then I will reguardless of the ratings here because in the end everything is subjective. Each has their own palate which is why there are so many different types of cigars. I think the saying is one man's trash is another man's treasure. :shades:
My review methodology will remain intact.
I'm with Pete....
WHile I appreciate everyone's opinion and method of rating, mine is what it is..... And shall remain so.
The good thing about it is, if you read enough of my reviews, you'll probably get a pretty good idea of my POV.
When I review a cigar, I take into account all factors. I think of how burned, how it tasted, how it smelled, how it felt and how it made me feel. Sometimes I do take into account how much I paid for it. If I paid double-figures for it ($10 and above), there is an expectation factor involved. If a cigar is priced that high, that means that someone, somewhere, thinks this cigar is worth that much. That tells me that this cigar should be pretty-well above-average. If it is, then I'll rate it accordingly with a high rating. If it, in my opinion, falls short of those expectations, then I'll knock a half-star, or even a full star, from its score. I feel that the cigar didn't meet its value and was a disappointment. On the other side of the coin, if I paid $2 or $3 for a stick and it blows my friggin mind, then I'll bump up the score a half-star, or even a full star, due to its delivery on value. With that being said, I rarely run into that situation, because I spend an average amount on a per-cigar basis. I don't purchase a lot of $2-$3 sticks, nor do I spend $15-$20 on a lot either. I feel that I am honest and up front with my opinions and what kind of score I award a cigar. I usually base my ratings and reviews on the basic factors of the smoke: construction, aroma, flavor, strength, draw, burn, etc. I think that most of members of this site do, too. I haven't read too many 'unrealistic' reviews, EVER, on this site. I think just about all of us are completely honest and upfront with our reviews.
The five star rating for the Moonshine Crooks Rum highlights the real point of this thread, doesn't it? Oh well, to each his own.
Wow..... Really?
I went and read the review. And it is a perfect example of how arbitrary the simple 5 star rating can be.
Twinky was very specific in his review.
For a cigar that cost 69 cents, this cigar was perfect for him.
I agree with most people here. I think a review should encompass the whole experience- construction, the burn, draw, smoke production, unique tates, complexity, etc. For that reason, I think that a 5 star rating is very hard to come by. Everything must be just right. I've probably only given out a handful of 5 star reviews and they deserved it.
That being said, reviews also are influenced by external factors, such as cost or poor aging and storing. I've given a $$$ cigar a lower rating, if it was lacking something more than a $1 cigar with the same issues.
I think the best thing about this site is that we all know each other and who has similar tastes. For example, Podman and I have similar tastes and when he gives a high or low review, I know I would feel the same. Plus, he has deep pockets and tries cigars I would only dream of!!! :biggrin: :biggrin:
I also take into account the reviewer as well as the review. After reading a few reviews you can start to learn about individual tastes so it helps.
As for the the cigars I get...I am very fortunate to be amongst a group of cigar aficionados that are very generous with cigars as well as information. It is very common here for cigars to be traded or just gifted as well as any information about where to get something you might want. A couple of the guys have collections that make mine look like VW bug in a group of Hummers. Anyway the side job at the shop learning takes care of my cigar habit and the discounts aren't bad either. :shy:
An important thing to remember are the differing levels of experience of the reviewers. My palate is nowhere near as sophisticated or experienced as many of you, and my humidor holds cigars some of you would probably never consider buying (likewise, I'm sure some have what amounts to my 17 year old's orthodontist bill wrapped up in theirs). I just try to review honestly. I don't think anyone would intentionally try to mislead anyone.
Also, it's not out of the realm of possibility that differences in multiple reviews of the same cigar are caused by "real" differences in the cigars. There's always potential for a dud.
I found this quote that I believe is pretty apropo:
"No one can tell me what is a good cigar - for me. I am the only judge. People who claim to know say that I smoke the worst cigars in the world. They bring their own cigars when they come to my house." - Mark Twain
Quotestogie_foggie - 5/11/2009 4:47 PM
I found this quote that I believe is pretty apropo:
"No one can tell me what is a good cigar - for me. I am the only judge. People who claim to know say that I smoke the worst cigars in the world. They bring their own cigars when they come to my house." - Mark Twain
Well said! And that's the end of discussion as far as I'm concerned. :shades:
I thought we had worn this thread out, but I guess not. As for the Mark Twain quote: Awesome! Maybe we need a Mark Twain Rating
My head is going to explode over this thread...
Lighten up! Its a damn cigar and thats all, just a cigar!
:biggrin:
This horse has been beaten so hard the legs have come off.
Yeah, I agree. I think we've beaten the hell out of this topic. The bottom line is that quote from Mr. Twain. No one has the right to tell anyone else that their review and/or rating of a cigar isn't realistic. If that person liked that stick, they liked it and rated it accordingly. Maybe if that person decided to give that cigar a try, they would find out for themselves. It's all in the eye of the beholder.
Gee, All you people are getting touchy.
It's all cigars. It's all good.
We're all BOTL.
Smoke 'em if you got 'em.
:lmao:
I'm not gettin touchy. I just think that we shouldn't make a huge deal out of someone else's review. If they liked the stick, they liked the stick. Who is someone else to say it isn't a good stick? That's all I'm saying.
Mike's Getting Touchy !!! Mike's Getting Touchy!!! Nya nya na Nya Nya :lmao: :lmao:
:lmao:
Thank you for that. My day was starting to turn into a reminder of the seventh circle of Hell! It's not even 10 am and my kids are bouncing off the walls and frustrating the heck outta me. I needed a little laugh! Thanks!
Bumping this thread because it was such a good read...enjoy!
Quotejunglepete - 12/19/2018 4:24 PM
Bumping this thread because it was such a good read...enjoy!
Quite timely, Pete. thanks!
:thumbsup: yeah! i've had folks pm and say "really dude?" about a review i did for Podman's release once. (and they were probably right!) he had been hooking me up and i think i was bit enthusiastic about a soso cigar. but hey that was my take that day.
i really think some folks have never smoked a cigar that wasn't 4 stars or better. once again. that's their thing.
i've also never tasted some of the wild stuff others do. but hey, that's their thing. the furniture polish finish a guy put in a review i read the other day made me grin. so a grin is always good for the soul... and there you go.
If you want a good laugh reading a great review, go read Bruce's, Brlesq's, review of the Pineapple White Owl here:
http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?action=cigars;area=showcig;cigar_id=86616
E
QuoteMcBryde - 12/19/2018 4:37 PM
If you want a good laugh reading a great review, go read Bruce's, Brlesq's, review of the Pineapple White Owl here:
http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?action=cigars;area=showcig;cigar_id=86616
E
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Wow, thanks for sharing Em, I had never read that one. A detailed review by a true connoisseur.
This is an oldie but a goodie:
http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?action=cigars;area=showcig;cigar_id=6974
-Paul
QuoteSenorPablo - 12/19/2018 10:49 PM
This is an oldie but a goodie:
http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?action=cigars;area=showcig;cigar_id=6974
-Paul
Fantastic :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
A true classic.
QuoteSenorPablo - 12/19/2018 10:49 PM
This is an oldie but a goodie:
http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?action=cigars;area=showcig;cigar_id=6974
-Paul
That is a damn good one Paul.
THIS thread was a classic................. http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?topic=4675.0
QuoteSenorPablo - 12/20/2018 1:49 AM
This is an oldie but a goodie:
http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?action=cigars;area=showcig;cigar_id=6974
-Paul
Best review ever :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :biggrin:
You all had to resurrect a thread I started over 9 years ago, Thanks :lmao:
I will offer my review of the Vega Fina Nicaragua Robusto
Vega Fina (DR) Nicaragua Robusto 6/25/2015 1:23:15 PM
Rating: 1 Star Rating Edit this Review
It is nice to know that in this world of shoddy workmanship, participation trophies, and the Yugo that this cigar can be held up as a beacon of darkness to those same standards.
Trying to find the flavors in this cigars is about as easy as finding a good steak restaurant in Pyongyang. With the courts ruling out waterboarding the NSA has a new weapon in which to torture enemy combatants.
I got this cigar for free and still somehow feel I was cheated out of money.
QuoteMcBryde - 12/19/2018 4:37 PM
If you want a good laugh reading a great review, go read Bruce's, Brlesq's, review of the Pineapple White Owl here:
http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?action=cigars;area=showcig;cigar_id=86616
E
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: Hilarious! I read this out loud so my wife and I could enjoy a good laugh.
Longhorn's review of the Asylum Dragon's Milk is a classic :lmao:
http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?action=cigars;area=showcig;cigar_id=91907
(http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?action=cigars;area=showcig;cigar_id=91907)
Reviewed by: Longhorn 12/28/2014 10:44:27 PM
Rating: 1 Star Rating
Fortunately, for this cigar, CG doesn't offer a lower rating.
Marketing Description:
"Asylum Cigars are from the mind of Christian Eiroa. Solidly packed with all Nicaraguan tobacco, these cigars are sure to please anyone who enjoys a fine cigar. It's Habano wrapper releases plenty of smoke and gives a mellowed earthy taste with hints of leather to inundate your senses for an all around enjoyable smoke. Pick some up today!"
My Description:
"Asylum Cigars are from the mind of Christian Eiroa and an old barrel of musty beer. Solidly packed in a novelty milk carton with Nicaraguan tobacco leaves that wished they had been picked to go into a Philly Blunt. These cigars are sure to please... almost no one. Its Habano wrapper releases a pungent odor of New Holland beer that has been sitting in the sun for 3 hours (or a barrel for God knows how long). Oh, yea, there's plenty of smoke that yields a mellowed taste of moldy cheese with hints of a someone who spent all weekend drinking and hasn't showered. These cigars numb your senses for an all around yak inducing smoke. Save your money today!"
QuoteCfickter - 12/21/2018 10:33 AM
I got this cigar for free and still somehow feel I was cheated out of money.
Ole Mr. Fickter at his finest right there...