Benchmark Cigars: The New Standard

BENCHMARK CIGARS

"cigars in the Tobacconist University database with objective data, image(s), a mini-review, and Brand and Line information" (noun)

and...

"to document the objective facts (of a cigar) as a point of reference for sharing and comparing" (verb)

Words and facts matter and above all else, in anything we do, TU must get the information right.  Otherwise, we undermine our credibility and become useless or counterproductive.  

In 2020 we launched our Certified Cigar Reviews (CCR) platform and quickly realized that much of the data being entered by users was flawed and/or incorrect.  Over the long term it  would be a disaster to allow bad information to accumulate on a platform we created so we have been working diligently to create a system where we can ensure the integrity of the data - leading to substantive information and reviews.  To that end, we have initiated Benchmark Cigars. 

Benchmark Cigars is a multi-media database for premium cigars with objective data, a mini-review, cigar/brand images, and the "story" behind the company, brand and lines.  In addition, much of the words and data in the Benchmark Cigars Database is hot-linked into our Tobacconist University curriculum for added educational value.

TU creates these accounts (for security purposes) and hands the reigns over to manufacturers/distributors so they can maintain accurate data and promote their cigars: the process is free to all participants.  

The multi-media Benchmark Cigars database is a repository for accurate cigar data and information to be used by professionals and consumers.  In the context of CCR, Benchmarked Cigars allows users to select a cigar they want to review and create an accurate CCR review in seconds!  These reviews can be shared digitally, through social media and printed as shelf-talkers and tear sheets (white papers).   The Benchmark Cigars database is also the foundation of TUECOM sites: turnkey mail-order websites for Certified Retail Tobacconists (CRT).  

By default, the Benchmark Cigars Database will help us establish a factual and accurate repository of cigars in our industry; a huge step towards having reliable standards and facts in an industry that lacks marketing/terminology governance or anything similar to appellation standards.  We believe this is a significant step towards best-practices and substantive fundamentals. 

If you are old enough to remember Pereleman's Cigar Cyclopedia, consider this the 21st Century version, with added bells and whistles and a higher goal in mind.  If your interested in facts, standards and accuracy, look for the Benchmark Checkmark TU seal of approval as you review cigars or shop online with Certified Retail Tobacconists!

Click here if you would like to see what Benchmark Cigars has to offer you.

If you are interested in Benchmarking your cigars, please email info@tobacconistuniversity.org or call 609.651.2311.