Comments on: Stogie Commentary: What’s With All the High Ratings?

By: st

st — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:44:16 +0000

Hey, your 4-stogie reviews led me to the CAO Criollo Pato and Brazilia Gol, and I just can't stop smoking those things. So no complaints here.

That said, I thought George's "We Smoke Them So You Don't Have To" series was hilarious, so it's not all about the good'uns.

By: Danny

Danny — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:34:22 +0000

Hey guys, good cigars are good cigars. If you feel like giving 5 stogies you are entitled! It is your site! That being said; I have yet to read a review and felt you guys were being inappropriate. I’ll start to scratch my head when I see the Grape Swishers at 4.5 stogies.

By: George E.

George E. — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:50:02 +0000

One other element I think is worth noting. Stogie Guys always sign the reviews so you know whose opinions you’re reading. That’s important so you can get a feel over time for what appeals to each of us and how we judge cigars. That way, you can decide how well each of our views match — or conflict — with your own when you evaluate our reviews.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:22:11 +0000

FWIW, I read reviews because the reviewers typically know a good bit about the cigar and the company that makes it, which I find far more interesting than the actual rating.

By: Ahmed

Ahmed — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:11:47 +0000

you r doing great job guys, i really wish that you go for Videos that would be fantastic

By: Israel

Israel — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:17:37 +0000

No worries Patrick. A review on a cigar is a personal one, and no one will hold it against you if they should disagree with you on the taste of a cigar. Taste is subjective, and while I don't care for some of the cigars you've reviewed, they are all quality reviews. Thanks for the great site!

By: Patrick A

Patrick A — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:48:21 +0000

Thanks for all the great feedback, guys. I appreciate your thoughts.

In retrospect, maybe this piece came across as apologetic. That wasn't my intention. I just wanted to bring up the issue, read some comments (for which I am thankful), and perhaps give readers further insight into how we conduct reviews.

The best way to keep our reviews meaningful and effective, though, is for you to comment and share your own impressions. So I thank you in advance for your continued participation.

By: furious

furious — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:11:21 +0000

I think that cigar reviewers are, for the most part, accurately reflecting the current situation with regard to production quality across the board. In other words, generally speaking, the sticks being reviewed are of better quality than those of the recent past.

What I have a problem with is the creation of artificial hype about a value or boutique brand that turns out to be a complete dud. Of course, we all know why this happens.

By: Marc E.

Marc E. — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:05:12 +0000

Stop apologizing for being a great resource. No worries about the recent great picks. This site and stogiereview are my go to source for cigar reviews. I go to CA's site for the forums…say how about you guys start video reviews and a forum? That way I would have a one stop shop

By: Robert

Robert — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:30:31 +0000

No worries here. It just seemed like a selection issue to me. I mean: it's the best time of the year for cigar smoking, so why not pick the ones you know are going to turn out well? Besides, have you ever read Smoke magazine or Cigar Press? Now there's ratings inflation. If I followed their advice, I'd be buying every cigar rolled.