How do I rate my cigars?

Here you'll find some details on how I rate my cigars. It looks more complicated than it is (and it's all calculated automatically in an BaseRow database)

Obviously, Smell and Taste are the most important and make up 50% of the score. The other 50% depends on the quality of a cigar (burn, draw, construction,...) and it's value (compared to smoking time). I rate each cigar, on every smoking session. Therefore, cigar ratings published here may evolve over time. I call this my Living Average Score.

Finally, don't take the scores and ratings too seriously. In the end it all boils down to a simple question: do I like a cigar, or not.

1. Aroma & Taste (50% of the score)

Aroma (1-5 stars - 10%)

How does the cigar smell after the cut, pre-light? How about the smoke? 3 points for an average cigar. Added points for exceptional aromas.

Flavor (1-5 stars - 40%)

This one is obvious (I hope). 3 points for a decent, average cigar. Bonus points for complex cigars (with a lot of different flavors). Minus points for boring or bland cigars.

2. Appearance, Construction, Value... (50% of the score)

Appearance (1-5 stars - 10%)

How does the cigar look?

Are there any visual defects? Does the wrapper look dry? What about the band? Is it appealing? Does it fit the cigar?

In short: how attractive is the presentation of the cigar by its appearance? Minus points for cracks, visual defects, really boring bands…

Draw (1-5 stars - 10%)

How is the draw of the cigar?

Spot on grants 5 stars, minus points for cigars that have either a too-light or too-tight draw, but also when a cigar doesn't have a consistent draw (thigh draw becomes lighter, or vice-versa)

Burn (1-5 stars - 10%)

How does the cigar burn?

Does it need corrections or even a relight? 5 stars for cigars with a perfect burn.

Minus points are given when a cigar needs (several) corrections, a relight, or when it's experiencing severe canoeing, tunneling, or anything else related to the burning of a cigar that needs attention.

Subjective Rating (1-5 stars - 10%):

A cigar may tick all the right boxes, but somehow I might not like it (for whatever reason). Or a cigar that doesn't have a good draw, or needs several corrections, but despite it all, I do like it...

The Subjective Rating-part is a slight subjective influence on the final score, as a way to slightly favor a good cigar, or disfavor a bad one.

Relative Value (1-5 stars - 10%)

When time permits, I'll always favor a cigar with longer smoking time. This part puts the value of a cigar against its smoking time and slightly favors cigars with more bang for their buck.

3. Final Score

Final Session Score (SUM)

All of the ratings mentioned above will be added up, and result in a 'Session Score'. This is the evualution/score of every Single Smoking Session/Cigar, hence 'Session Score'.

Living Average Score (AVG)

Over time, I may smoke certains cigars multiple times, and may evaluate them differently. A bad burn or thigh draw may be better a next time, or a mediocre cigar may prove it's worth over time.