Cigar Subjectivity

One topic he glosses over is taste subjectivity. To address this in detail would, of course, call his whole mission into question. But he does quote a remark by the great chef Alain Ducasse: "The point is not to say which one is better or worse. Each steak is a different pleasure." So maybe there is no such thing as perfection. - James Oliver Cury

Over the weekend, I smoked three cigars (other than my usual smokes), they were:

A Macanudo Hyde Park, and it was good.

A Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro Toro, and it was good.

A Don Pepin Garcia Series JJ Maduro Selectos, and it was great!

The problem is that I can't say, with any objectivity, which is the superior cigar. They are all very well made, look great, and cost more than I'd like to pay for a cigar. To tell the truth, I just don't get Macanudos, but other people love them - by sales figures alone, the Macanudo would be the objective standout. The Olde World had the fanciest ring and sleeve - by presentation alone, it would be the best cigar. The Don Pepin Garcia was the most expensive of the lot, so maybe that makes it the best?* The simple fact is that almost all premium cigars taste good, it's just that some taste better to the individual than others.

It almost makes cigar reviews useless, except for two things. One is that reviews help keep standards high and manufacturers honest. Two, is that somewhere out there, you may find a reviewer or blogger who has similar tastes to yours. When you find one, and it takes time, you'll have yourself a great resource. So, if you are familiar with this blog and like the cigars that I like, try the Don Pepin, if you don't like what I like, try the others.


*I got all these cigars in samplers and didn't look at the individual prices, or even descriptions, until after I had smoked them. Image: Don Pepin Cigars