After joining the CRA (Cigar Rights of America) and beginning my training for my CCT (Certified Consumer Tobacconist), I decided it was time to change the way I was rating cigars. I was so used to reading Cigar Aficionado’s 100 point scale that I complicated myself by giving the ratings such a broad spectrum. Cigars are too subjective for a 100 point scale, and there’s too much room for error using that system, so I was referred to the ICRS download page by Jorge Armenteros and found this to be quite useful in my reviews of cigars.

By using the ICRS, you critically examine all aspects of a cigar, gaining a broader understanding of the various components of that particular cigar. The evaluations made can be used to keep track of what you liked and disliked about the cigar. Quoting Colin Ganley, “Cigar magazines use their own systems and the ICRS is an alternative. I believe this is a very good alternative and in some cases, a much better one.”

I agree. Check out the ICRS yourself and you’ll see how much easier it is to properly review and understand what you have come to love, cigars! From now on, this is what I’ll be using, so stay tuned for some more great reviews!

Here is the rating system in a 1-10 point scale:

1 – Unpleasant Flavor
2 – Contains Bad Flavors
3 – Seriously Flawed
4 – Slightly Flawed
5 – Acceptable
6 – Good
7 – Very Good
8 – Excellent
9 – Nearly Perfect
10 – Best Cigar Ever

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie