After sitting on a stock-pile of queries for going on two years now, I've decided to cobble together publicly what I've already answered many-a-time privately. This FAQ shall be updated HERE as more trickle in. The questions herein are shortened to get to the meat of the thing.
This was asked before I begun including the following key in each review posted:
A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79 D 60-69 F 0-59
Lettuce look at B, and then take that to cover the other letter grades, shall we? B on-the-nose is 85. Too, so is 84 and 86. 86 to 8 is a B+, and 80-84 is a B-. There-a-bouts. Mileage varies. If I wanted a direct numerical correlation, I'd a' used numbers. Why do I not use numbers? Because I don't.
Why don't you use a number style of grading?
As stated above, because I don't. I'll 'splain just this one more again: whenst I set out reviewing cigars, I was keenly aware I was not, say, Cigar Aficionado. I could not fathom that number gatherers would want my take alongside CA, Cigar Journal, Cigar Snob, etc. To be clear, I do not know if them last two employ numbers. I do not read them. Humsoever, you get the gist.
How much rest off the truck do you allow a sample prior to review?
At the very least, unless noted in the write-up, a week. Most of what I receive has spent upwards of that time in transit, so it feels about right. My local B&M offerings are an immediate go; or I would find another B&M.
How many cigars do you review per day?
One. In the beginning, more than one, but that was nigh a couple years ago. At times I'll do a Redux on a second offering that day, but only on a fuller blend and only on a clean palate. How clean? Clean 'nuff to eat off of.
Why don't you always review in thirds?
18) not every cigar operates thatta way,
3) I don't like following other people's formats.
A note on formats: I do use 'em. Word and syllable counts, meter, rhyme schemes, etc. I simply bury them in drab prose. Ever get something I wrote stuck in yer head? That.
Do you take price into account in your final grade?
Not the grade per se, but I do mention MSRP if it bears mention. Say if a stick is worth it or not. Say if a stick is a splendid value. Prices are changeable, and I write for all eternity.
Do you eat or drink while reviewing?
No. On the rarest of occasions I do, I say-so.
What do you mean by "complex?"
There are two ways a cigar exhibits complexities:
1) notes are deeply nuanced and them notes dance in their under-bellies,
2) transitions
How do you calculate balance?
Intensity levels of flavor/body/strength should be on-par or meaningfully close, and all the basic tastes should be met: sweetness, sourness, saltiness, bitterness, and umami. Also piquancy, which is not a basic flavor since the brain is sent those signals via a different method.
In your reviews, you sometimes only refer to strength. What does that mean?
Over-all "intensity." A mean of flavors/body/strength.
Why don't you mention any aging on the cigars you review?
I do if it bears mentioning.
Why do you employ different review styles?
Boredom. Artistry.
What cutter(s) and lighter(s) do you use?
In a review, I use a nice cutter I won't promote here because they do not pay me to do-so. I light with wooden matches or the occasional Bic, as I smoke out-side and wind is oft a female canine. I used to swear by D'Jeep, but their quality hath sadly diminished. As an aside, I bite or pinch on my own time.
How far down do you smoke during a review?
I stop reviewing at the band, or traditional band-point. Then, I tooth-pick the heck outta it, if warranted.
Do you note the retro-hale?
Yes, if notable. Please read my reviews.
Why don't you use more images or at least ones in color?
Schtick.
Do you review Cubans?
No. I do not judge peoples.
Nor do I review Cuban cigars. If /when they become as readily available as other country's offerings, I shall.
