Call it like it is....or let it slide....

[El Presidente]

I had a brief look at the vids done yesterday (on the Patagas and HDM Anejado's). One was very good, one was woeful. Beyond woeful. Montecristo Open woeful. I just ran through the video camera, hasn't been edited as yet. I must say that even to my eyes and ears.....there is a price to pay for what was said

I will let it run. I doubt I will sell any. I expect some retribution from the powers that be. I can recommend other suppliers of Habanos cigars should the shite hit the fan

Have a cracker weekend!

Rob

[JohnS]

That's what we like about yours and Ken's reviews, you (both) call it as it is. I can guess which was the good one. (Partagas Coronas Anejados?)

[Corylax18]

Hahaha. Now I can't wait to watch.

[LordAnubis]

There's being honest then there's being insulting. I'm sure you are in the former basket and that's why we love you pres!

And i tried 2 HDMs and thought they were both quite nice.

[Jeremy Festa]

Exciting times

[zeedubbya]

Just like everything else you do--now I can't wait to see it!

[ayepatz]

Excellent. Can't wait.

[Colt45]

I must say that even to my eyes and ears.....there is a price to pay for what was said

I expect some retribution from the powers that be.

Let it slide / sugar coat it, and you risk alienating clients who would've bought them based on your review......

[westg]

Cant wait

[Fugu]

As mentioned, this business is all about honesty and credibility! Don't let that slide, Rob !

[wabashcr]

I appreciate the straight talk. Of course nobody would want you to jeopardize your relationship with HSA and PCC. But on some level, surely even they can appreciate that a vendor who builds trust with his clients will sell more in the long run. I'm sure they'd rather have you toe the line, but they know they're better off with you inside their tent pissing out.

[earthson]

Show an extremely edited version and explain you're doing so to avoid claims of slander!

[SofaKing]

Call it for what it is, HSA is aware if it's a winner or a ****. Quite sure your annual sales are one of the top ranking in the Asia Pacific market. This coupled with the respect you have in yhe industry affords you the right to voice your constructive yet honest opinion.

[Guest photorob]

if you guys were around the clock compliment kings then I wouldn't take your reviews all that seriously.

The way it stands, I really enjoy the format. A sacrificial lamb has to be brought out to slaughter every now and then (a la Monte Open) and for me that the straight talk and honest recommendations really gives you guys credibility.

[earthson]

if you guys were around the clock compliment kings then I wouldn't take your reviews all that seriously.

The way it stands, I really enjoy the format. A sacrificial lamb has to be brought out to slaughter every now and then (a la Monte Open) and for me that the straight talk and honest recommendations really gives you guys credibility.

That's a very good point. If HSA/PCC get pissy, remind them that favorable reviews on 50 cigars become more reliable because of 1 review that calls garbage 'trash.'

And I find you and Ken typically very forgiving regarding cigars you're reviewing; you don't hold a cigar's age against it. PLUS, it's not like y'all are nitpicky or overly critical. I'm reminded of several prominent online reviewers who seem to NEVER give a cigar a bad review - I figure those folks are more concerned with keeping their free samples rolling in.

[Puros Y Vino]

Years ago you slagged the Trinidad Short Robusto T EL during a video review. IIRC, you pitched it halfway and gave up. You then dropped your price on them immediately in disgust and even recommended against purchase. I think you won over some hearts and minds back then when you did that.

[skalls]

I don't see anything wrong in calling it how you see it. But there is a fine line between being honest and going overboard.

I prefer seeing/reading honest reviews rather than fluff jobs that call a **** cigar great to sell some magazines.

[Orion21]

Rob,

Have this playing in the background while you edit the tape

[RijkdeGooier]

With disappointing messages - I've always found it helpful to stick to the facts and avoid personal opinions or insults.

[Orion21]

Agreed. If it's a crap cigar say so. Call a spade a spade, especially when you are reviewing as a service to your clients. It's not like PCC is going to pull your contract over one bad review. The Anejos program is a joke and everyone knows it.

[potpest]

Haha brilliant, can't wait for these. I was actually watching the Monte open series last night smoking an eagle I got in a sampler pack. I forgot how much you bagged them. I actually enjoyed the first third, toast bit of spice, then it just went to crap and every draw had this awful dirt taste to the finish. They really are crap cigars.

[Ken Gargett]

well so much for make sure you don't give away any spoilers.

mind you, the fact we (and when i say we, i mean rob) v videoed the useless yacking and then turned the machine off for the serious bits, instead of the other way around, may save it.

[SparklePony]

Nah. You can't let it slide. If it's bad, then everyone's going to find out eventually. You might as well tell the truth.

[Lotusguy]

I bet I know which one was the ****. Call it like it is, pres.

[DONSVO]

Unbiased reviews are welcome and, in reality, should be the norm. If the cigar isn't up to snuff just call it like it is. We'd prefer it.