I was once using a ratings system for my cigar reviews that assigned a numerical score to a cigar. The more I used it, the less comfortable I was with it. I would look at the different scores on the cigars I smoked and found that I didn’t like what the numbers were suggesting about the various cigars. I began to feel that it was a bit inaccurate. I thought about it more and came to the conclusion that numbers are just to concrete and finite to be used to describe or rate something as subjective and fluid as a person’s experience with a cigar. I decided a more categorical approach would be better so I have put together this grading system. Think of the grades as categories. Cigars that rate as a B+ are all very good cigars that I could see as being part of my regular rotation of smokes. As far as which B+ cigar is the best of the B+’s and which is the worst… Each person can decide that for themselves rather than having a number like 88.6 suggest that a cigar is better than one with an 87.9. The numbers just don’t work in my opinion. So I will be assigning the following letter grades to cigars to help categorize them according to what my personal experience was like with the cigar in question. I’ll use this for a while and see how I like it. If it turns out to not work well for me I’ll go back to the drawing board and try to come up with another idea. But for now…
Here is what each letter grade means to me.
A+ = The rarest of the ratings. A fantastic cigar that is an absolute joy to smoke. These cigars demand your full attention. This is a smoke you go for when you want to reward yourself for a big accomplishment or when celebrating a very significant event.
A = A top shelf smoke with good, complex flavors and excellent construction. Maybe not an everyday smoke but something that is destined to be part of your regular rotation.
B+ = Very good smoke with decent complexity and good construction. This is a regular rotation smoke and a humidor staple.
B = A good cigar at a good value. It may lack some in complexity but the flavor it does have makes it an enjoyable cigar.
C = Yard ‘gar. One dimensional but ok flavor. Good for yard work or a windy day on the golf course, or any time you can’t give a cigar the attention it deserves. With these, if you aren’t paying attention you won’t miss anything, but can still be an enjoyable smoke when engaged in those types of activities.
D = Bland, flavorless, or just plain bad. It’s just not worth the time and effort to smoke even when mowing the lawn.
F = Not even smokable. This is a cigar you are likely to toss before you’re half way through it. Unpalatable flavors often accompanied by intolerable harshness. Don’t even waste your time with these.
If you want to know how the old rating system worked click the link below.
Old Ratings System
Matt,
I love this letter rating system. It is more simple and complex.I just started my own review blog and am using it as well. Great site you have here. I am new to your site but have really enjoyed your reviews. Keep up the excellent work and hope to hear from you soon. Smoke Up!!!
Greetings Matt,
I’ve been using the Cigar Magazine rating system on the reviews I do at http://www.vintagecigarclub, but this is very cool and I think will do a much better job!
I like the new syst. you have a way with words as well, wich is the most impt. thing when you are trying to convey such a complex volume of information,information that has to be prossesed by more than just your o/factory senses, this is no walk in the park. I only hope this can be fully appretiated by those around you.( That’s it, you can have that 35% raise this yr.) Maybe consider shortning up the word “amount” yet sharpen what’s left for the reader.(Just a little bit.!!) What do i know, you keep doing what your doing i enjoy most things you write, i was just a humble Ashton cigar maker and critic of fine tobacco’s in the “past” your in the here and now have a nice day…Mr.Robb…Now rolling in wisc.& Florida.