smoss11 wrote:I would be very interested in any thoughts forum members have on the validity of cigar ratings. Here are some of my random observations:
1. There sure are a lot of them. Cigar Aficionado, Puff, Cigar Inspector...The list goes on
2. Inexpensive cigars (less than $5 per stick) can be as highly rated as cigars that cost 4x as much.
3. My local cigar retailer thinks ratings are rigged or influenced by manufacturers or advertising spend.
Recognizing that cigar enjoyment is a subjective endeavor, does anyone use ratings in their decision to purchase cigars? Does anyone completely ignore ratings in their purchase decision? Is it legitimate to expect that a cigar with a 93 rating is meaningfully better than a cigar with an 88 rating?
Just askin???
Ratings for most consumer goods are subjective, however, for some things the ratings have value. IMO, for cigars, they do not. By far, the only 'rating' that I've found value in is: Get on here and other cigar forums...spend a lot of time reading - start paying attention to some posters/reviewers who like cigars that you have liked...and dislike cigars that you dislike. Until you find your footing, this can be a somewhat decent way to fall into cigars you haven't tried before.
Another thing to try to do is find aspects of cigars you like and seek them out in different cigars. Origin of wrapper, or certain vitolas, or blender(s).
Price is another dangerous measure. I have had nasty $10 cigars...if you count Gurkha and Graycliff, I've had nasty $15 cigars. OTOH, I've had cigars that cost me a buck that I thoroughly enjoyed. Your shpo is correct that ratings can often be influenced by manufacturers.