A-     Sometimes.  This is an awful answer, I realize, but there is simply no better way to go at it.  Sometimes cigars receive ratings due to advertising.  Sometimes people who rate online have very little knowledge but they feel they should like cigar because it is rare or expensive.  My way to go at it is to do my own ratings.  After all, who knows better than the smoker?  Some of my favorite cigars get subpar ratings and are never rated at all.  The best case scenario is to find a store owner you trust that knows his or her cigars, a task that is almost impossible. But, have faith, we are out there.