What's most important when rating a cigar?

[pnoon]

But Bill makes a good point that if a cigar is not constructed well (burn, plugged, etc.) any enjoyment from flavor is greatly reduced or eliminated.

A couple of years ago, I was gifted an 83 Cohiba Lancero by a very generous BOTL. When I fired that puppy up, I could tell I had a real flavor treat ahead of me. Lo and behold, the stick was plugged. I worked and worked on it to try and loosen it up - to no avail. I had to pitch it.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by pnoon

But Bill makes a good point that if a cigar is not constructed well (burn, plugged, etc.) any enjoyment from flavor is greatly reduced or eliminated.

On the other hand, who cares if a cigar is perfectly constructed if it tastes like ass?

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by icehog3

On the other hand, who cares if a cigar is perfectly constructed if it tastes like ass?

Originally Posted by pnoon

But Bill makes a good point that if a cigar is not constructed well (burn, plugged, etc.) any enjoyment from flavor is greatly reduced or eliminated.

This is why rating a cigar is tough -- great flavor and poor construction OR great construction and poor flavor both make for a bad cigar.

Flavor and construction are very tightly coupled when reviewing a cigar, but I would put flavor first as you can ususally do something about a plugged cigar or a pealing wrapper.

(BTW, Tom -- how do you know what ass tastes like???)