Cigars, Cigars, Cigars
Cigars, for me at least, are an indespensable adjunct to a well rounded, and well lived life. They force a pause on the willing participant, as to be properly and deliberately enjoyed they must be lingered over and savored to the very end. The robust aroma, and powerful flavors make for some of the best moments in life. It is a way of being connected to nature in a very direct way. It is a way of paying homage to the fecundity of nature. And celebrating all of God's creation in a single encapsulation. In short, when properly engaged in, cigars are a mystical almost zen experience that remind the smoker of their connection with the world, the universe, and the creator all at the same time. No other experience in life achieves so much in such a small package.
How I rate cigars
Everyone's method for rating a cigar is subjective. Each follows a specific methodology that works for the rater, and is usually based upon personal baises and experiences. My process is simple... I rate based on 4 factors; look, taste, smell, and feel. I grant each factor an equal percentage of the total score and based on that I tally it up and use a typical A through F grading scale to determine what I personally think of it.
As to my biases, I have to admit that I have a thing for larger cigars, and don't fully appreciate ones with a ring gauge of less than 40. The smaller the cigar, the smaller the heft, the less I appreciate it. I used to feel similiarly about cigar length, but with the release of my new favorite cigar from Oliva, the Nub Habano 460 and 466, my opinion has changed. I will say that I typically prefer a Churchill or Toro cigar with a 50 or better ring gauge.
As for what I don't like, I have to say that machine rolled cigars top the list. I haven't tried one that I've found to be worth the time yet. I also am typically not fond of maduro cigars. Rarely are they blended well enough to be strong, but flavorfully complicated enough to justify the strength. More often than not, cigar makers just create a stunningly powerful maduro without much else to endear me to the cigar. Yeah, the average maduo will knock your socks off, but more often than not there is nothing else there. It's like food that's hot simply because it can be without any other reason to make you want it. After the thrill seeking aspect of eating hot food for the sake of eating hot food passes, what's left? The answer, nothing... So I ask you, what's the point. The best example of a good maduro from my perspective is the Hoyo De Monterey Sultan double maduro. It's taste is complicated with a powerful kick, but with hints of vanilla and other wonderful flavors strongly present in the entire experience.
My advice on rating cigars is simple... Go try a few. Try a broad spectrum of cigars, and use the experience to figure out what you like and what you don't. You should ignore what other people think for the most part while you're doing this. The key is to figure out what you personnally like, not what others like, not what the experts say you should like, but what your brain enjoys and takes pleasure. No other method of rating a cigar will work for you.
As to my biases, I have to admit that I have a thing for larger cigars, and don't fully appreciate ones with a ring gauge of less than 40. The smaller the cigar, the smaller the heft, the less I appreciate it. I used to feel similiarly about cigar length, but with the release of my new favorite cigar from Oliva, the Nub Habano 460 and 466, my opinion has changed. I will say that I typically prefer a Churchill or Toro cigar with a 50 or better ring gauge.
As for what I don't like, I have to say that machine rolled cigars top the list. I haven't tried one that I've found to be worth the time yet. I also am typically not fond of maduro cigars. Rarely are they blended well enough to be strong, but flavorfully complicated enough to justify the strength. More often than not, cigar makers just create a stunningly powerful maduro without much else to endear me to the cigar. Yeah, the average maduo will knock your socks off, but more often than not there is nothing else there. It's like food that's hot simply because it can be without any other reason to make you want it. After the thrill seeking aspect of eating hot food for the sake of eating hot food passes, what's left? The answer, nothing... So I ask you, what's the point. The best example of a good maduro from my perspective is the Hoyo De Monterey Sultan double maduro. It's taste is complicated with a powerful kick, but with hints of vanilla and other wonderful flavors strongly present in the entire experience.
My advice on rating cigars is simple... Go try a few. Try a broad spectrum of cigars, and use the experience to figure out what you like and what you don't. You should ignore what other people think for the most part while you're doing this. The key is to figure out what you personnally like, not what others like, not what the experts say you should like, but what your brain enjoys and takes pleasure. No other method of rating a cigar will work for you.
