So.. been in communication lately with some of the top brass at Shanken Communications, publisher of Cigar Aficionado magazine. Most here know it's that time of the year where they announce their Top 25 cigars of 2022.. with the top Cigar Of The Year (COTY) being highly heralded and sought after upon winning. We don't always agree with their choices, but it is a big deal in the industry nonetheless.
That said, I have been asked to participate in this year's process. I received my first bundle of 6 "naked" cigars for review and scoring today. Technically, they're not naked, they have generic bands with codes on them. Only a 3rd party independent auditing company knows their true identity. I will receive 6 cigars at a time, consisting of 3 different blends, 2 of each.
I will not know their identity. I will eventually, but no specific dates have been given and some cigars may be used for different purposes. I may not even know until
after publication. I have my own unique ID and login password where I submit my data.
I will post pics and initial prelight thoughts here, but not my full review or score. I WILL share it all..
after and IF it goes to publication or given a greenlight. Feel free to ask questions when I post, just please understand my responses may be limited, if at all. And I know not everyone will see or read this post, so I may just post the link to it in the future as a reply.
I'm excited to do this and to be able to share what I can with you guys. That said, make sure you're a subscriber... REAL people are giving REAL reviews! I get my sub at discountmags.com, don't know if it's cheapest, but that's where I get it. And no, I'm not being paid, just the sticks.
And, with all that out of the way.. about to start my very first smoke! Gonna just go L-R over next 3 days:
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