You may have noticed that StogieGuys.com cigar reviews are measured by a much different ratings system than those of other leading cigar reviewers.

Take Cigar Aficionado, for example. CA reviews cigars on a numerical scale where stogies receive an assigned number (usually anywhere from 60 to 100).

But we here at StogieGuys.com believe that something as subjective as an individual’s cigar preference cannot – and should not – be measured by exact numbers. In fact, much like you, we have no idea what differentiates an 86-rated cigar from an 88-rated cigar (except, of course, for 2). And don’t get us started on those crazy reviews in Smoke Magazine – they use decimal places!

So StogieGuys.com has designed and implemented a very simple ratings system whereby cigars receive anywhere from one to five stogies. And, unlike Cigar Aficionado, we’ll explain to you – in simple terms – why we chose that particular rating for a given cigar. Our ratings system is described as follows:

One out of five stogies. These are cigars you would smoke if you had absolutely no choice. Say, if someone put a gun to your head.

Two out of five stogies. Decent at best, these cigars make tolerable companions while you mow the lawn. They’re not going to be terribly good, so it doesn’t matter if you can’t pay attention to them.

Three out of five stogies. While they’re nothing to write home about, these cigars are pretty respectable. We recommend taking them on the golf course.

Four out of five stogies. Now we’re getting somewhere. Enjoy these fine cigars after a delicious meal or with your favorite cocktail.

Five out of five stogies. These cigars are truly an occasion. We recommend you give these babies your full and undivided attention. If not, you’d better be at a wedding or some other significant celebration.

One final note: In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com an open forum for all cigar enthusiasts, we welcome comments on our ratings from all readers. Submitted comments – however vulgar and inappropriate – are directly published on the website without censorship.

-The Stogie Guys