Different Vitola Flavors

[KRam311]

Im curious how much of a difference the shape of the same blend makes. I fully understand gauge plays a huge role- changes the filler/binder/wrapper ratios. But in particular im asking about the EPC Encore Majestic vs Valientes. They are the same gauge but the Valientes is a torpedo. So i guess I don’t understand how cigar aficionado ranks one as cigar of the year and the other is quite a few points below. Even more confusing is the flavors of the 2 dont seem to be listed similar to each other. I know its all subjective but does anyone have any input on this? I had the Valientes this past weekend and looooooved it- i guess i need to try the Majestic and see for myself

[jrfoxx]

Good question.
Curious to see the answers from those more knowledgeable

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[AlanS]

Cigar Aficionados numbers are skewed by $$$ influences out of our control.

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[jrfoxx]

Cigar Aficionados numbers are skewed by $$$ influences out of our control.

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This possibility is why I only use them as a jumping off point for further reviews

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[AlanS]

Think about it Rocky rates high every year, somebody's greasing somebody's palm

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[jrfoxx]

Think about it Rocky rates high every year, somebody's greasing somebody's palm

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I've honestly never paid much attention to how those who spend more advertising dollars with them correlates to who gets better reviews or rankings, but this is a pretty common belief I've noticed.

I still find them useful for ideas on what to research further and are only 1 step un my decision making process, with forums opunions carrying the most weight with me.

And i still enjoy reading and looking at pictures in the magazine regardless

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[AlanS]

I enjoy their publication just not their playing of favorites. One guy has the best cigars in the world IMHO but they don't give him the time of day

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[cheaphumidors]

The only thing I could think of that would change the flavor of the cigar based on shape alone would be that as you smoke a Torpedo, the smoke is tunneling through a slightly narrowed opening which may cause tar build up as you progress through the cigar.

[jrfoxx]

The only thing I could think of that would change the flavor of the cigar based on shape alone would be that as you smoke a Torpedo, the smoke is tunneling through a slightly narrowed opening which may cause tar build up as you progress through the cigar.

I have also heard this possibility mentioned before.

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[chain_gang]

Not much experience with shaped cigars (not a fan), but I'd say your comment of ratios/rg would apply to these kinda sticks. You'll probably get more of a transitioning taste early on with perfectos and/or shapes where tapering occurs near the foot, and it'd overall be a different experience that a regular shape. Probably the same with torpedos if you're a nubber, but more on the back end.

So, your cigars are the same brand and line, but the Aficionado ranked cigar probably scored higher because of said transitions, which made it less linear and maybe more complex.

Only personal theory with little experience thrown in.