Observe cigars rather than judge them – How to understand cigars better

Observing a cigar rather than judging it 7 Two people. The same cigar. Imagine two aficionados. Both are sitting at the same table. Both are smoking the same premium cigar. Both start at the same time. After an hour, they compare their impressions. The first says: “Fantastic. Just my sort.” The second replies: “It didn’t really do it for me.”

Which of the two is right? Both.

Because they weren’t rating the same cigar – but rather their own personal experience. This is precisely where the difference between rating and observing begins.

This article is part of the „Understanding Cigars“ series – a series covering the basics of cigars by Zigarren.Zone. You can find the whole series here

A brief explanation

Observing a cigar means assessing its characteristics as objectively as possible, rather than immediately forming a personal judgement. Aspects to be observed include, for example, draw resistance, burn, smoke density, consistency, balance, strength and the development of the blend. An assessment, on the other hand, is always subjective and depends on personal preferences, experience and the situation at hand. Those who observe first and only then form an opinion gain a much better understanding of cigars.

A cigar does not reveal itself with the very first puff. Those who observe it carefully often discern more than a hasty judgement of flavour would suggest. / Observe cigars rather than judge them

A cigar does not reveal itself with the first puff. Those who observe it carefully often discover more than a quick judgement of its flavour would suggest.

Why reviews are always subjective

Everyone has their own preferences. Some prefer mild cigars. Others seek strength and intensity. Some like a smooth draw, whilst others prefer a slightly tighter draw. Your form on the day, your mood, what you’ve eaten, what you’ve drunk, or your surroundings also influence your personal experience. That’s why the same cigar can elicit different reactions in different people. This is perfectly normal. A judgement therefore primarily reflects the person making it, rather than the cigar itself.

To observe is to describe

An observer first tries to establish what is actually happening.

For example:

How evenly does the cigar burn?
How thick is the smoke?
Does its strength change?
Does the blend remain harmonious?
Is the pull constant?
Is the smoke pattern developing evenly?
Does the character remain the same right to the end?

All these questions can be observed. They do not require any personal preference.

The pitfall of judgements of taste

Many reviews begin with statements such as: „This cigar tastes excellent.” Or: “I don’t like this cigar.” Such statements are honest. However, they are of limited help to the reader. After all, what one person likes may be precisely the reason why another person chooses not to buy it. The real purpose of a review is therefore not to convey personal preferences. It is to explain the characteristics of a cigar in a way that is easy to understand.

Observation enables comparison

Imagine two car reviewers. The first writes: “I don’t like this car.” The second writes: “The steering is precise, the chassis remains stable even in fast corners, and the brakes respond smoothly.” Which review is more helpful to you? Probably the second one. Not because it’s objective in an absolute sense, but because it describes what others can observe too. That’s exactly how good cigar journalism works.

The cigar doesn’t have to prove anything

Sometimes one gets the impression that a cigar must constantly surprise the smoker. It must become more intense. Become more complex. Constantly change. But a cigar isn’t there to put on a show. Its purpose is to reproduce the blend exactly as the master blender composed it. Whether you like this blend is another matter. First of all, you should be able to recognise what it actually offers.

Observation changes one’s perspective

Anyone who observes a cigar notices things that were often overlooked in the past. For example:

How clean is the train when it sets off?
How stable do the ashes remain?
How quiet is the burn-off process?
Does the smoke density change?
Will the balance be maintained?
How does a cigar react to increasing heat?
Does the blind remain closed right until the end?

The more you observe, the less you rely on individual taste sensations.

Good questions rather than hasty judgements

Next time you smoke, try not to decide straight away whether you like the cigar. First, ask yourself a few questions:

What makes this cigar special?
How is it different from the others?
Will her character remain the same?
Does the blend work well together?
How carefully does it appear to have been made?
What decisions made by the Blender can be identified?

These questions often lead to a deeper understanding than a simple “good” or “bad”.

Why observation is more respectful

Behind every cigar lie years of work. Tobacco farmers tend their plants over many months. The leaves are harvested, fermented, cured, sorted and finally rolled by hand. Not every cigar will suit your personal taste. Nor does it need to. However, if you take the time to observe it first, you’ll recognise the craftsmanship involved before forming your own opinion. This fosters respect for the product – regardless of whether you end up preferring it yourself.

Observing does not mean having no opinion

It is important to have your own opinion. It is part of the enjoyment. The difference lies simply in the order of things. First, observe. Then, understand. Only then should you evaluate. This leads to a judgement based on verifiable observations, rather than merely on a spontaneous impression.

Things you could try with your next premium cigar

For the first third, make a conscious effort to put all notions of taste aside. Instead, focus on what you can see and experience:

How does the train behave?
How does the volume of smoke change?
Do the embers stay even?
Does the intensity change gradually or in sudden bursts?
Does the blend seem calm or restless?
Will the cigar remain true to its own style right to the very end?

You’ll be surprised at how much you can observe without jumping to conclusions.

Conclusion

An assessment is personal. An observation is objective. Both have their place. But anyone who really wants to understand cigars does not start with a judgement, but with attention. Because a cigar does not demand a rating straight away.

It invites us to take a closer look. And often it reveals the most precisely when we pause for a moment and refrain from judging it straight away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I observe a cigar first, rather than judging it straight away?

An assessment always depends on personal preferences. By first observing the draw, burn, smoke texture, balance and the development of the blend, one can better understand the characteristics of a cigar and only then form a well-founded judgement.

Is a cigar review always subjective?

Yes. Taste, experience, mood and personal preferences all influence every assessment. That is why two people may judge the same cigar differently, even though they are observing the same characteristics.

What should I look out for when examining a cigar?

Pay attention to the draw, the burn, the density of the smoke, the balance, the strength and how the flavour develops as you smoke. These characteristics are much easier to compare than personal taste impressions.

Why does Zigarren.Zone focus on observations rather than flavour notes?

The aim is to explain the identifiable characteristics of a cigar. Observations help us to better understand its construction, blend and workmanship, whilst descriptions of flavour always depend on individual perception.

The comprehensive guide to cigars

Every cigar tells its own story. If you really want to understand them, you should also know how tobacco is grown and processed, and why a cigar behaves the way it does. This educational series takes you step by step through the most important basics – explained in an accessible way and backed by scientific evidence.

How aroma descriptions are created – and where their limitations lie

Many cigars are described in terms of their flavour. But does that really capture the essence of the cigar? Find out why the tobacco itself is the most important benchmark.

→ How aroma descriptions are created – and where their limitations lie

What really makes a cigar strong? Explaining a cigar’s strength

Strength and flavour are two completely different characteristics. Find out why the same cigar can be perceived differently by different people.

→ What really makes a cigar strong? Explaining a cigar’s strength

What fermentation actually does

Fermentation is one of the most important stages in tobacco processing. Find out what happens to the tobacco during this process and why it is so crucial for the final cigar.

→ What fermentation actually does

Cigar Wrapper – Why wrappers are underrated

The wrapper is much more than just an attractive covering. Find out how it influences the character of a cigar and why its colour is often misinterpreted.

→ Cigar Wrapper – Why wrappers are underrated

Cigar Blend – What really makes a great blend

A great blend doesn’t happen by chance. Learn how different tobaccos come together to form a harmonious whole, and why balance is more important than dramatic changes.

→ Cigar blends: What really makes a great blend

How tobacco changes physically when smoked

As you smoke, the tobacco changes with every puff. Discover how heat, moisture and the moving ember affect the smoking experience.

→ How tobacco changes physically when smoked

Why consistency is a greater achievement than constant change

Many people believe that a cigar must constantly change. Find out why consistency, in particular, can be a sign of great craftsmanship.

→ Why consistency is a greater achievement than constant change

Terroir Cigars – Soil, climate and tobacco cultivation explained simply

Climate, soil and origin shape the tobacco long before it is harvested. Discover how the terroir influences the character of a cigar.

→ Terroir Cigars – Soil, climate and tobacco cultivation explained simply