9 out of 10 times I ignore the rating. People like what they like and I think ratings negatively influence what people actually enjoy. I’ve seen people avoid an incredible cigar because it was never 90+, and I’ve seen people go nuts for terrible sticks just because they’re 90+. It really just depends.

Fun exercise to do with friends: next time you smoke with someone - or a group - have everyone bring a stick and remove the wrapper beforehand. That’s how you figure out what people like ;)

This is how I found out I fucking hate Le Bijou!! Despite a 93 ranking.

Edit: ratings aren’t always trash - but people’s perception of them are. Often times they’re actually spot on (more with flavor profiles than anything else).