How to Rate Cigars for Repurchase, Not Memory

A cigar rating is only useful if it helps your future self. A score that captures mood but not buying intent can make your humidor worse, not better.

The Problem With Normal Scores

Many smokers rate the moment. Good company, a perfect drink, and a relaxing night can inflate the number. Later, that number becomes a buying signal even though the cigar itself may not deserve it.

The Repurchase Rating Method

1. Score the cigar, then score the decision

Give the experience a normal rating, but add a second question: would I buy this again at full price?

2. Separate quality from fit

A cigar can be well-made and still wrong for your palate. Mark that difference. It prevents guilt-based rebuys of cigars you respect but do not crave.

3. Capture context

If a cigar only worked with coffee, after dinner, or during a long smoke window, record that. Context-specific winners are useful, but they should not masquerade as everyday rotation cigars.

4. Use three buying labels

• No rebuy: good to know, not worth repeating.
• Single rebuy: worth another test in a better context.
• Rotation candidate: proven enough to keep around.

Why This Saves Money

The method blocks the most common waste pattern: rebuying a cigar because the memory was good but the evidence was thin. Cigar AI keeps those distinctions visible when you are ready to purchase again.