I can not help but be amused (sometimes concerned)with posts that slam a cigar line or even the whole brand when someone has a poor experience with a couple of sticks. Hey, I am even guilty of writing a negative review or two. I am however, not so closed minded to believe much less state that, because I did not enjoy a smoke, that they all must be crap.
Granted there may be poorly designed blends of filler, someone using less than premium leaves to increase profit, or a number of other reasons that result in some "dog rockets". But, we must also remember that those little loves of our lives are mass produced. And, with anything that is mass produced there is going to be a large number of "units" or batches/lots which should have been rejected that hit the retail market.
I think one of the qualifications that is taken into consideration for a cigar to be "premium" or "super premium" is consistancy. If a cigar is the best tasting thing on the market yet has a high frequency of irregular problems, it is not going to be considered a premium or better.
Case in point: I recently had an El Ray Mundo Larga and it tunneled up the middle when smoked. A friend had a similar experience with the same cigar, purchased from a different retailer.
Now, do I say that because of this all Larga are crap or better ERM brand on the whole sucks? Nope, I lay the remainder down for a long nap and send a communication to the manufacturer. Besides I have had many previously that were great.
I guess what I am saying in a long round-about way is there should be nothing wrong with our posting negative experiences as well as the positive ones if done in a mature, fair manner. And on the flipside if it is posted, we should accept (and expect) there will be both positive confirmation and/or negative rebutal.
We can all post in whatever fashion we desire but let's remember; there are many (myself included)who read this forum in hopes of gathering good information on cigars. CBid gave us the cigar board for that purpose (I believe). They also have the misc. board for banter and debate (where almost anything goes).
I can live with that - BUD.
