The internet, a supposed wellspring of knowledge for the cigar aficionado, can become a source of immense frustration when it comes to online reviews. Here's a look at the reasons for their discontent:
The Shill Squad: Fake reviews, often glowing and overly positive, can mislead the aficionado. Discerning genuine user experiences from marketing ploys can be a real challenge.
The Palate Pitfall: Everyone's taste buds are unique. A reviewer might rave about a cigar that the aficionado finds unpleasant, leaving them questioning their own judgment.
The Experience Enigma: Aficionados often have specific preferences – burn, strength, flavor profile. A review might not address these points, making it difficult to gauge if the cigar will suit their taste.
The Brand Bias: Brand loyalty can cloud judgment. Positive reviews for a beloved brand might be overly generous, while negative ones for a disliked brand might be overly harsh.
The Calibration Conundrum: There's no universal scale for cigar reviews. A reviewer's "full-bodied" might be another's "medium," making comparisons and trusting recommendations difficult.
This frustration stems from the desire to make informed decisions. Aficionados rely on online reviews to explore new brands and blends, but the prevalence of inaccurate information makes it a gamble. It's a constant battle to sift through the noise, to find reliable reviewers with similar palates and preferences. The dream of using online reviews to expand their knowledge and discover new favorites becomes a frustrating exercise in skepticism.
Comments