Why my cigar reviews are often positive - and what „paid“ really means
Every now and then I hear the same accusation: my reviews are too positive and therefore not „the truth“. This is usually based on the assumption that anyone who receives money from the industry cannot be independent.
That's why it's quite clear: I will for the effort compensated, not for the result. Not for points, not for praise, not for „only positive please“.
What I actually get paid for
A review is not based on a spontaneous gut feeling. I test every cigar three times. This is followed by further work: comparing and categorising tasting notes, formulating the text, taking photos, selecting and editing images. A short clip can be added on request. This is time, concentration and craftsmanship. And it is precisely this effort that is rewarded.
Why the result is often positive
Many cigars today are of a high to very high quality. Complete failures are very rare. If a cigar is structurally weak or simply doesn't taste good to me, I write about it. When I regularly test established cigar brands with quality control, the result is often solid to very good. That seems „positive“, but is simply realistic.
Visibility is not a rating
Yes, large companies can finance visibility more easily than small brands. But visibility is not the same as a purchased judgement. The decisive factor is whether a judgement can be bought. And it is for me not.
Criticism is welcome - but with substance, please
I like discussing cigars, quality and evaluation logic. What is of little use is the generalised insinuation „You get money, so you are untrustworthy“. If you really want to know, all you have to do is ask a question:
„How is your review created - can you please explain that to me?“
That's exactly what I answered here.
Your comment is welcome below.
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These are about the same „connoisseurs“ who constantly drag Cuban Puros through the mud ...
Yes, dragging people through the mud is not expertise, it's just a hobby. 😅
Hello Vasilij,
I really appreciate your articles and your work!
Kind regards
Thank you very much - that really makes me happy. Feedback like this is the best motivation for me to keep at it.
Kind regards
Vasily
I have always been convinced of your honesty. You explained it well.
Keep up the good work. Thank you for your valuable commitment to the cigar. 🙂
It goes down like a perfectly pulled train. 😄💨
Thank you - really. And yes: I'll keep going. Not because it's always convenient, but because it's the right thing to do.
If I serve the cigar with my „valuable commitment“, then you are the best tailwind with your feedback. 🙂
Stay enjoyable - and: Happy Cigar Smoke! 🥂
The only newsletter I actually read, for that very reason. I love your transparency. Thank you so much!
Wow - that's a compliment with a gold rim. 😄
If this is the only newsletter you actually read, then I'm obviously not just blowing smoke, I'm making sense 😉
Thank you for your trust! Transparency is not just a paragraph in my text - it's the whole concept.
And now: Happy Cigar Smoke! 🥂💨
Hello Vasilij, just keep up the good work and don't let it get you down. You're doing a great job.
Haha, don't worry - letting it get you down is not an option. 😄
I just thought to myself: before anyone starts wondering whether I was secretly bribed by a cigar, I'd better write the article now - so that it's crystal clear.
Thank you! I'll carry on in exactly the same way: friendly, thorough, triple-tested 👋