Consumer Certification

[Schatzman]

Sounds interesting! I'll definitely take a look.



I hear you, but it's not about the certificate as opposed to the knowledge from an "Industry insider" point of view.



If you took yourself out of being in the industry, what benefit do you see as a smoker/hobbyist?

I think the benefit is you get a history lesson and you will learn somethings you didn't know before. I think the bigger benefit is you are supporting the idea of a certified standard in the industry. Also the entry level is worth it as a consumer if you are the type of consumer who likes to hang out at the shops and talk cigars. I have found customers take me more seriously knowing I am "certified". I think you would be surprised at how many fellow consumers in the shop would take your opinions and statements more seriously as well.

Would you say this is the equivalent of becoming a Cicerone or Sommelier? Is this something thats worth getting into if your not involved in the industry?

I think the entry level certification is not the same as a Cicerone or Sommelier. I think the Master level is. The Master level requires significant time in the fields or factories. I don't mean you do a simple tour or cigar safari. You actually have to be in the dirt working with crops from what I understand. You also have to write a scholarly article that is approved by Jorge. So to answer your question, in order to get to B you have to do A first.