Atabey Brujos 2021 (CSSRW)

[sho671]

I was never a fan of the 100 point cigar scoring scale because there is rarely a score under 80-85/100. So if virtually all cigars are over, let's say, 80 points then that would be the floor and there would only ever be a 20 point difference between the best and worst cigar. That's 80 free points for all cigars and really doesn't account for much. When I started reviewing cigars on this forum I went with a binary liked or didn't like the cigar. That then evolved to a 0-5 scale that I currently used after it was introduced to me by another member here, who I can't name off the top of my head. The 0-5 scale I use is depicted in the last photo below.

On to the review portion. This was the second Atabey I've smoked with the first one being the 4x40 Hechizos. The brand gets a lot of praise but the Hechizos didn't really do much for me. I decided I should try a bigger vitola to see if I really missed anything. The construction was great with a good draw, burn line and ash that held on for a couple inches. But for flavor, I really only got this bitter cream note. It was a mix of bitter grass and cream but you know without the grass part. I was smoking outdoors mid-day under shad and drinking slightly chilled water. To me the cigar isn't quite worth the asking price. It was solid 2 (good/average) cigar in my book. I was planning on buying a box for a friend's wedding in October but think I will be going with something else at this point.

2/5

[El Presidente]

Love the scale correlation 

[sho671]

6 minutes ago, El Presidente said:

Love the scale correlation 

The interesting thing is that if I were to use the 100 point scale, based on the graphic then the Atabey was a 70-79/100, which to others might be considered a poor cigar because it falls under 80. If every cigar is over 80 then they are all "very good, excellent, outstanding or classic." But then what is considered the real "average" cigar if everything is technically better than average?

[Islandboy]

That background has a Hilo or Kona vibe to it....you in Hawaii?

[sho671]

5 minutes ago, Islandboy said:

That background has a Hilo or Kona vibe to it....you in Hawaii?

Good eye, Kona. I'm out here until the end of the year. Looks like you're in Maui. I might be headed out there at some point.

[Islandboy]

2 minutes ago, sho671 said:

Good eye, Kona.

Nice! I grew up in Waimea small kid time, there’s just something about the unique old-school tropical warmth that sets the Big Island apart.

[El Presidente]

48 minutes ago, sho671 said:

The interesting thing is that if I were to use the 100 point scale, based on the graphic then the Atabey was a 70-79/100, which to others might be considered a poor cigar because it falls under 80. If every cigar is over 80 then they are all "very good, excellent, outstanding or classic." But then what is considered the real "average" cigar if everything is technically better than average?

I know it doesn't quite fit but alas it was a good crack!

1-100 is very imperfect.  It works on "feel". The sheer scale of the number makes a "93"l remarkably different to an "89". 

Why not 1-20? 

What would be the 93?   -  16/17

the 89 ? 10/11? 

5 Stars always "feels" too pigeonholed. Not enough room for expression. 

Love the Smithy scale 1-13 although he developed that for women.  Tsk Tsk I know.....very unWoke. Bad Smithy 

...Works brillantly however with just the right amount of "feel". 

[Bijan]

1 hour ago, sho671 said:

That then evolved to a 0-5 scale that I currently used after it was introduced to me by another member here, who I can't name off the top of my head. The 0-5 scale I use is depicted in the last photo below.

I believe the scale that you posted is from CCW.

I think @JohnS suggested it to you in this thread:

 

I'll take some credit for advocating a 1-5 scale earlier in that thread 😎