Cigar Journal top 25 2021

[Cigar Surgeon]

I haven't seen the finalist list for the CA top 25 for 2021, but going in blind I'm expecting more CC representation YoY.

[Silverstix]

20 hours ago, Monterey said:

I think the point that he was making is that  what the buyer is told to buy is where the bias could happen. Maybe the reviews are accurate, but if they don't buy cigars evenly and fairly, the bias happens on day 1.

Yes that's exactly what I meant.  Not accusing anyone of anything because I have no clue, but it seems like there is an opportunity for someone to claim bias for sure

[Hammer Smokin']

this thread made me think of my perfecdraw...which is missing at the moment (I think it's with my fishing gear). 

The crazy things is, I haven't used it in 2021. 

I know that is a pure luck situation, as I'm certain there isn't any real reason (aside from keeping my cigars at 62), but in the five years I've smoked Cubans, 2021 was certainly the only year where I basically didn't need the tool. 

My first two years was different...

I think the difference is instead of purchasing singles, or five'rs from B&M stores, or even on here, I've been buying boxes, and sitting them for long periods. 

I know the recent stock has been smoking better fresh, but I also know of many plugs I read in reviews. 

Hopefully I didn't jinx myself for 2022. Better go find that tool!

[Carrie Nation]

That list looks like it was put together by Thompson or Cigars International. And to make matters worse, the one Cuban hasn't even been released yet. Bravo. 

 

[Monterey]

23 minutes ago, Carrie Nation said:

That list looks like it was put together by Thompson or Cigars International. And to make matters worse, the one Cuban hasn't even been released yet. Bravo. 

 

What Cuban do you believe belongs on their list?

[Nevrknow]

On 12/20/2021 at 4:21 PM, Juliano88 said:

Their non cuban clients need their return on investment. 

Truth. I literally had my neighbor tell me yesterday about some JD Powers best rated whatever. 
 

Deer in the headlights look as I explained that they specifically said the top $$ contributors win the awards. Unreal. 

[juri]

best way to use reviews is to find some you have similar tastes, works great for movies cigars are little tricky.... best bet would be here and read user reviews and try to find even 1 person lucky if you get a site

FoH should do a user review top 25

[Monterey]

4 hours ago, Nevrknow said:

Truth. I literally had my neighbor tell me yesterday about some JD Powers best rated whatever. 
 

Deer in the headlights look as I explained that they specifically said the top $$ contributors win the awards. Unreal. 

We need a drinking game.  Take a drink every time someone brings up this contribution argument (without any proof) every time a top 25 list is made.  I look forward to 100 people saying this immediately after CA releases their list.

[Islandboy]

I believe bias exists everywhere, and certainly in a magazine that relies on advertising money for its very existence. I agree that the CJ list is meant to represent new releases and that this will affect what makes the list, but I’ve been paying attention to the CA top 25 since 2016, and every single year since there have been exactly 3 Cuban cigars in the list - one in the top 5, one in the top 15, and one in the top 25. I can’t help but wonder what the statistical chances of this data array consistently happening year after year are?

[Carrie Nation]

6 hours ago, Monterey said:

What Cuban do you believe belongs on their list?

Why don't we start with a Cuban cigar that's actually been released. By the criteria you stated, the cigar had to be a "new release in the last 12 months." Your words but actually not theirs. According to them, they have a larger window. From their website: "Only the cigars that were released less than two years ago were eligible for selection."  See for yourself: https://www.cigarjournal.com/top-25-cigars-2021-the-countdown-begins/

 

And after all this blubbering about not reading their rules or ignoring your comments, it turns out that the lone Cuban on the list doesn't even meet their own criteria LOL!!!! Coprova didn't release it yet. So fail and fail. 

[Juliano88]

6 hours ago, Nevrknow said:

Truth. I literally had my neighbor tell me yesterday about some JD Powers best rated whatever. 
 

Deer in the headlights look as I explained that they specifically said the top $$ contributors win the awards. Unreal. 

It’s unfortunate because I remember when I first started smoking years back, I would buy any cigar with a 90 + rating on Thompson cigar. Most of those cigars now wouldn’t even make it in my collection lol. 

[Monterey]

2 hours ago, Islandboy said:

I believe bias exists everywhere, and certainly in a magazine that relies on advertising money for its very existence. I agree that the CJ list is meant to represent new releases and that this will affect what makes the list, but I’ve been paying attention to the CA top 25 since 2016, and every single year since there have been exactly 3 Cuban cigars in the list - one in the top 5, one in the top 15, and one in the top 25. I can’t help but wonder what the statistical chances of this data array consistently happening year after year are?

Will be interesting to see how this plays out in a few weeks.  Any cigar that makes the top 10 is going to advertise.  So it is more about getting revenue from doing these lists in the first place vs intentionally selecting a cigar for revenue.  If Nudies make #1, I'm sure FOH would advertise all over CA!!

Honestly, I'm glad Cubans fail on CA and others.  Why would I want any of my favorite cubans cigars on the list?  Would only make it harder to get.  So hopefully no cubans make in their top 10.  Fingers crossed.

[Cairo]

On 12/21/2021 at 11:18 AM, Monterey said:

So far, my non-cubans over the past 12 months have been phenomenal.  Not a single construction issue.

That is my experience as well.

The recently released "Top 25" list that I have used in the past is this one--this only includes non-Cubans--I have only tried a few so far since I smoke a lot of Cubans:

https://kohnhed.com/2021/12/21/my-top-25-cigars-of-2021-cigar-reviews-by-the-katman/

[Monterey]

1 hour ago, Cairo said:

That is my experience as well.

The recently released "Top 25" list that I have used in the past is this one--this only includes non-Cubans--I have only tried a few so far since I smoke a lot of Cubans:

https://kohnhed.com/2021/12/21/my-top-25-cigars-of-2021-cigar-reviews-by-the-katman/

I have tried one of those!  Most I haven't even heard of.

I don't mean to bash on Cubans.  I love my cubans and I smoke primarily cubans.  There are just so many good non-cubans.  That is why I bought 2 bundles of the nudies.  It is almost a guarantee I'm going to get 50 perfectly constructed lovely smokes.  I feel in the minority loving both.  In Cuban forums all I hear is how great cubans are.  In the non-cubans forums, nothing but jokes about cubans. 2 of my all time favorite non-cubans meet the requirements to be on CA's top 25 list this year(they were reviewed in the past 12 months, and they received at least a score of 91).  I know if they make the top 5, I won't see them again for a year until the next list causes people to go and buy something else.  By then they will likely be overproduced and quality will suffer.  Fingers crossed they don't make it on the list!!!

Thanks for sharing the list.

[Cairo]

2 hours ago, Monterey said:

Most I haven't even heard of.

A couple of comments on the list:

--Highclere Castle Victorian--a truly complex non-Cuban, true quality--corona size is a good place to start.

--HVC--these are among the best non Cuban maduros out there imho--including more well known ones that cost twice as much.    The Hot Cakes are another good HVC choice.

--La Familia Robaina Ilegal--These are on my "definitely try" list because the related HR blends have been solid.    The HR cigars can be a bit overpowering, and the reviews warn that these may be as well.