I like to have four or five cigars on hand when I review a stick, but how many I actually need to smoke depends. Here's how I approach it:

I generally take notes on two sticks, then I like to have a third just to see if my observations hold. If I find that the cigar varies from stick to stick, then I'll go back and have a 4th or 5th cigar, and take notes on them as well.

At times, for whatever reason, (often because I'm enjoying them, or because I smoked others before) I end up in the 7 cigar range, and I will then incorporate any observations from them into the review as well.

On some occasions, due to limited access to the cigar or because it hasn't been released yet and I've been able to get a preview I will base a review on two sticks. Extremely rarely do I review based on just one, but at times it is that or no review at all so I do it.

If I've only smoked one or two, I always note it the review.

Quick question, in the review you said you smoked 7 of these guys for the review. Is that the typical number of cigars you smoke to review a cigar? I usually do 2-3. Just curious.

Keep up the great work!

On the question of which Cuban Crafters to try, I strongly recommend the Cameroon if you're a fan of Cameroon wrappers. Also, the CC web site has a list of retailers where you can pick up singles if there's one near you.

Both are medium to full bodied and fantastic values, particularly if you get them during their online specials.

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Maybe some think that. But I've bought a few boxes on your recommendation (La Carolina Capitan and Cupido Criollo Corto) and they were just like you described. Simply fantastic and a great value! Keep up the good work.