Ratings are everywhere. Whether it's the college football preseason rankings or where the network talking heads have this years' NFL draft prospects ranked, everyone has an opinion. Time often proves many of these rankings to be wrong. We never know how a team is going to play or a rookie is going to develop until we see it for ourselves.

The same can be said for product ratings. Whether it is wine, beer, or cigars, whatever rating that item received is someone or some groups’ opinion of that particular item. Just because a "pro" may think highly of a certain wine, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will be a hit with your palate. If you can't get enough of a wine that is rated 88 but can't stomach that 92 rated bottle, then to heck with the experts. You drink what you want.

A rating that includes tasting notes is more helpful than just one with the number

When it comes to cigars, this is especially true. Purchasing a cigar solely based on the rating and nothing else is absolutely the wrong way to go. There have been many times that I have recommended a cigar to a guest based on their taste and strength preference, only to have them reach for a different cigar just because it has a higher number in front of it.

My thought is that ratings are for those who are more seasoned cigar smokers. Often times the cigars with the high ratings are those with lots of complex flavors that would most likely be lost on a more inexperienced palate. You wouldn't serve up a $300 bottle of Bordeaux to someone who has never tried red wine before, so why would you pay extra money for a cigar that is too strong for you or has flavors you may not like.

This number rating does little to tell you about the cigar

Now this doesn't mean that you can't expand your horizons and try cigars out of your comfort zone. The only way to educate your palate is to try new things, but this is a process that takes time. I also don’t want you to think that ratings are worthless and should not be used in your purchasing decisions. I just don't want them to be your only reasoning. The regions where the tobaccos are from, the strength of the cigar, and its flavor profile are equally, if not more important, than what a reviewer has to say. The thing I love most about ratings is the debates and dialogue that they create. Whether you think the reviewer got it right or you wonder if they were smoking the same cigar, it is good to compare your palate with the experts.

So if you are having trouble selecting a new cigar, please ask for some help. A good tobacconist will always introduce you to a cigar that is right for you and not just one with the heftiest price tag or highest rating.

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits North Florida Regional Manager. Certified Tobacconist and Cicerone Beer Server. Follow me on Twitter @abccigarchris.