Who are the taste experts?

muhren · 09-18-2009, 09:40 AM

I'm new to the boards (see intro thread) and in order to get adjusted quickly, I'm curious who the 'in-the-know' guys are around here when it comes to reviews.

i.e. who are the vets who post a favorable review and you say to yourself, "Well, XXX said it's good, it must be good!"

I wanna know who's reviews I should be paying the most attention to. I'll read them all, I just figured you guys who know better than me!

Feel free to rattle of a list of names rather than narrow it down to one.

Thanks,

M

NCRadioMan · 09-18-2009, 09:45 AM

I would advise against that. Taste is completely subjective. What they like, you may not and what they don't like, you may.

If you do decide to do it that way, read through the reviews of cigars you have tried and see if the reviewer thought the same as you then, search for more of their reviews. I know alot of people like the read reviews before they have a cigar and there is nothing wrong with that, I just think they are pointless for me as I like to make up my own mind without any influence.

I know I am in the minority with this opinion.

croatan · 09-18-2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

I would advise against that. Taste is completely subjective. What they like, you may not and what they don't like, you may.

If you do decide to do it that way, read through the reviews of cigars you have tried and see if the reviewer thought the same as you then, search for more of their reviews. I know alot of people like the read reviews before they have a cigar and there is nothing wrong with that, I just think they are pointless for me as I like to make up my own mind without any influence.

I know I am in the minority with this opinion.

Count me in the above minority

Garbandz · 09-18-2009, 09:50 AM

Welcome to the forum.You will figure it out,everyone has his own palate and favorite brands.Some folks like certain flavors,certain aromas.Ultimately you need to try a cigar for yourself,but you can get a good idea about a smoke if there is a good review.
More members should attempt to offer reviews,it adds to the database and can help you to learn what to look for in a cigar, and how to analyze your taste profile.It can also save you from disappointment by steering you away from something you will not like....

09-18-2009, 09:50 AM

I like the help as far as getting in the general area of what profile I like. But each cigar has to be smoked by you to tell if YOU like it. Makes no difference if I like it and you don't.

It's a fun process, enjoy.

09-18-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by croatan

Count me in the above minority

+1

I like to read reviews, and even enjoy writing the odd one, but it is just an opinion, and the only one that knows your opinion is you.

gnukfu · 09-18-2009, 09:51 AM

Don't read any reviews posted by Skywalker....he is totally clueless.....

I believe my reviews are the best!!! I don't think I have one though hehe

Seriously though you need to find someone with tastes similar to yours. Just because "the top reviewer" says a certain cigar is good doesn't mean you will like it.

kelmac07 · 09-18-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahc4353

I like the help as far as getting in the general area of what profile I like. But each cigar has to be smoked by you to tell if YOU like it. Makes no difference if I like it and you don't.

It's a fun process, enjoy.

Well said!!

NCRadioMan · 09-18-2009, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garbandz

.It can also save you from disappointment by steering you away from something you will not like....

But that's the thing, Tom. How can you say you will not like it if you don't try it? Based on what somebody else tastes? That's just not logical.

Kreth · 09-18-2009, 09:58 AM

I wouldn't go out and buy a box on anyone's say-so, because as has been pointed out, taste is subjective. I would however grab a 5er to try and decide for myself.
Posted via Mobile Device

Scottw · 09-18-2009, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by croatan

Count me in the above minority

+1 for me. Learn from as many people as you can despite their time on the forum.

JJG · 09-18-2009, 10:08 AM

There's one guy who does a ton of video reviews. I think his name is Kaelaria or something like that. He's really good at describing the cigars he reviews and he probably posts at least 1 video a week. check the review section.

TheTraveler · 09-18-2009, 10:14 AM

I like reviews for a few reasons.

The style of writing, the cigar is unknown to me (or hard to find, very rare, extremely old, etc), past reviews by this person have matched closely with my experience.

IMHO the best use for a review is to calibrate the reviewers taste buds with yours. Kinda like when you hear someone say "Celebrity X is so freakin' hot !!!" and you think to yourself, "eh, they're not that hot, they're just average" and you then calibrate that person's opinion with your own. Next time they say something like that about someone you've never seen you've got a better feel for what they mean.

(did that to my buddy the other day - he said "So-and-so is so hot!!!" and I gave him a funny look and said "Calibrating. Calibrating."

)

However, even if I buy a cigar based on a glowing review I still go in with the knowledge that I may not like the cigar at all.

itsme_timd · 09-18-2009, 10:14 AM

I agree with what most others have said.

IMO, over time, you learn who you share similar likes and dislikes with and that can help you decide which cigars to try. I've got a friend here that if he tells me he likes something, I'll try it. But one of his all time favorite smokes is one I don't care for.

At least you'll have fun figuring it out!

muhren · 09-18-2009, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJG

There's one guy who does a ton of video reviews. I think his name is Kaelaria or something like that. He's really good at describing the cigars he reviews and he probably posts at least 1 video a week. check the review section.

I guess this is the kinda thing I was looking for...who does the best reviews...ones you can read/see and say, now THAT sounds like something I wanna try.

M

Whee · 09-18-2009, 10:33 AM

Reviews are too subjective to count on as being the "gospel" on a certain cigar. While I respect many of the reviewers that post here, I would only use their reviews as a guide, not a definitive.

We have a saying here."Like what you smoke, smoke what you like."

What i find to be a good cigar, you might find it to be crap, and vice versa.

Doctorossi · 09-18-2009, 10:38 AM

I'm an expert. I know exactly what I like. Don't know how anyone else feels about my reviews, though.

JJG · 09-18-2009, 11:02 AM

I agree with those who say they're best for entertainment value. I really enjoy reading and seeing pictures of rare and vintage smokes getting torched. The video reviews are fun to watch as well.

but taste being so subjective, I don't really base my decision to smoke something off of a review. I know many times I'm listening to someone describe a cigar I've tried and it sounds like they're talking about a completely different smoke than the one I had.

wayner123 · 09-18-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

I would advise against that. Taste is completely subjective. What they like, you may not and what they don't like, you may.

If you do decide to do it that way, read through the reviews of cigars you have tried and see if the reviewer thought the same as you then, search for more of their reviews. I know alot of people like the read reviews before they have a cigar and there is nothing wrong with that, I just think they are pointless for me as I like to make up my own mind without any influence.

I know I am in the minority with this opinion.

This post is almost exactly what I would have posted. It sums up everything very well.

As a sort of aside, most of you say that you go off of what you like, but yet I see a number of posts elsewhere telling people that such and such cigar "needs more time", "it will be better in a few months", etc. And also asking questions like "how are such and such smoking right now". How does that fit into the whole equation of taste is subjective?

HK3- · 09-18-2009, 11:11 AM

Too many variables involved. I would say tobacco fields and curring barns are not as controlable as lets say a Hershey factory.

(my candy bar will most likely be exactly the same as yours... but cigars will vary within the same box, possibly)

09-18-2009, 09:40 AM	#1
muhren The Cigar Artist Join Date: Sep 2009 First Name: Mike Location: Ohio Posts: 1,268 Trading: (43)	Who are the taste experts? I'm new to the boards (see intro thread) and in order to get adjusted quickly, I'm curious who the 'in-the-know' guys are around here when it comes to reviews. i.e. who are the vets who post a favorable review and you say to yourself, "Well, XXX said it's good, it must be good!" I wanna know who's reviews I should be paying the most attention to. I'll read them all, I just figured you guys who know better than me! Feel free to rattle of a list of names rather than narrow it down to one. Thanks, M

09-18-2009, 09:45 AM	#2
NCRadioMan Chutney Lovebusciut Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Chutney Location: On the shores of Loch Shiel Posts: 4,281 Trading: (66)	Re: Who are the taste experts? I would advise against that. Taste is completely subjective. What they like, you may not and what they don't like, you may. If you do decide to do it that way, read through the reviews of cigars you have tried and see if the reviewer thought the same as you then, search for more of their reviews. I know alot of people like the read reviews before they have a cigar and there is nothing wrong with that, I just think they are pointless for me as I like to make up my own mind without any influence. I know I am in the minority with this opinion. __________________ The path to loyalty is trust.

09-18-2009, 09:50 AM	#4
Garbandz Feeling at Home Join Date: Mar 2009 First Name: Tom Posts: 775 Trading: (53)	Re: Who are the taste experts? Welcome to the forum.You will figure it out,everyone has his own palate and favorite brands.Some folks like certain flavors,certain aromas.Ultimately you need to try a cigar for yourself,but you can get a good idea about a smoke if there is a good review. More members should attempt to offer reviews,it adds to the database and can help you to learn what to look for in a cigar, and how to analyze your taste profile.It can also save you from disappointment by steering you away from something you will not like....

09-18-2009, 09:50 AM	#5
ahc4353 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Who are the taste experts? I like the help as far as getting in the general area of what profile I like. But each cigar has to be smoked by you to tell if YOU like it. Makes no difference if I like it and you don't. It's a fun process, enjoy.

09-18-2009, 09:51 AM	#7
gnukfu I like cigars Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: George Location: Massholia Posts: 1,466 Trading: (27)	Re: Who are the taste experts? Don't read any reviews posted by Skywalker....he is totally clueless..... I believe my reviews are the best!!! I don't think I have one though hehe Seriously though you need to find someone with tastes similar to yours. Just because "the top reviewer" says a certain cigar is good doesn't mean you will like it. __________________ Curious George

09-18-2009, 09:58 AM	#10
Kreth Ronin smoker Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Jeff Location: Oneonta, NY Posts: 3,620 Trading: (14)	Re: Who are the taste experts? I wouldn't go out and buy a box on anyone's say-so, because as has been pointed out, taste is subjective. I would however grab a 5er to try and decide for myself. Posted via Mobile Device

09-18-2009, 10:08 AM	#12
JJG Have My Own Room Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Jeff Location: Houston Posts: 1,260 Trading: (4)	Re: Who are the taste experts? There's one guy who does a ton of video reviews. I think his name is Kaelaria or something like that. He's really good at describing the cigars he reviews and he probably posts at least 1 video a week. check the review section.

09-18-2009, 10:14 AM	#13
TheTraveler giggity giggitty Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jonathan Location: Near a Walmart Posts: 1,813 Trading: (12)	Re: Who are the taste experts? I like reviews for a few reasons. The style of writing, the cigar is unknown to me (or hard to find, very rare, extremely old, etc), past reviews by this person have matched closely with my experience. IMHO the best use for a review is to calibrate the reviewers taste buds with yours. Kinda like when you hear someone say "Celebrity X is so freakin' hot !!!" and you think to yourself, "eh, they're not that hot, they're just average" and you then calibrate that person's opinion with your own. Next time they say something like that about someone you've never seen you've got a better feel for what they mean. (did that to my buddy the other day - he said "So-and-so is so hot!!!" and I gave him a funny look and said "Calibrating. Calibrating." ) However, even if I buy a cigar based on a glowing review I still go in with the knowledge that I may not like the cigar at all. __________________ "My life is my own."

09-18-2009, 10:14 AM	#14
itsme_timd Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jul 2009 First Name: Tim Location: Woodstock, GA Posts: 338 Trading: (3)	Re: Who are the taste experts? I agree with what most others have said. IMO, over time, you learn who you share similar likes and dislikes with and that can help you decide which cigars to try. I've got a friend here that if he tells me he likes something, I'll try it. But one of his all time favorite smokes is one I don't care for. At least you'll have fun figuring it out!

09-18-2009, 10:33 AM	#16
Whee formerly illinoishoosier Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Sean Location: Bishopville, SC Posts: 3,592 Trading: (17)	Re: Who are the taste experts? Reviews are too subjective to count on as being the "gospel" on a certain cigar. While I respect many of the reviewers that post here, I would only use their reviews as a guide, not a definitive. We have a saying here."Like what you smoke, smoke what you like." What i find to be a good cigar, you might find it to be crap, and vice versa. __________________ "Maybe I'm wrong, when they tell me they're right…..naaaaahhhhhh, I'm an asshooooooleeee"--Denis Leary

09-18-2009, 10:38 AM	#17
Doctorossi Have My Own Room Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Burlington, VT Posts: 1,684 Trading: (8)	Re: Who are the taste experts? I'm an expert. I know exactly what I like. Don't know how anyone else feels about my reviews, though. __________________ Marvin Shanken is a terrific guy... for me to poop on!

09-18-2009, 11:02 AM	#18
JJG Have My Own Room Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Jeff Location: Houston Posts: 1,260 Trading: (4)	Re: Who are the taste experts? I agree with those who say they're best for entertainment value. I really enjoy reading and seeing pictures of rare and vintage smokes getting torched. The video reviews are fun to watch as well. but taste being so subjective, I don't really base my decision to smoke something off of a review. I know many times I'm listening to someone describe a cigar I've tried and it sounds like they're talking about a completely different smoke than the one I had.

09-18-2009, 11:11 AM	#20
HK3- Cashmere Jungle Lord Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Boffa Location: The town so nice they named it twice Posts: 5,035 Trading: (48)	Re: Who are the taste experts? Too many variables involved. I would say tobacco fields and curring barns are not as controlable as lets say a Hershey factory. (my candy bar will most likely be exactly the same as yours... but cigars will vary within the same box, possibly)