Participant Guide
How It Works
From QR scan to shared result — the complete Test Your Palate experience in thirteen steps.
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1
Scan the QR Code
Each Ashology™ test pack includes a QR code linked to that specific cigar. Scanning takes you directly to the correct evaluation — no searching required.
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2
View the Cigar Introduction
Review the cigar name, manufacturer, vitola, blend details, and image. Official scores and community results remain hidden until you submit your evaluation.
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3
Confirm Legal Age
Confirm that you are of legal age to purchase and consume tobacco products in your jurisdiction. You cannot continue without this confirmation.
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4
Enter Participant Information
Provide your name, email, state, and optional details such as city, cigar shop, event, and experience level. Marketing consent is optional and separate.
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5
Choose Quick or Complete Evaluation
Quick Evaluation scores the eight main categories. Complete Evaluation adds third-by-third notes, flavor selections, construction observations, and a written review.
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6
Evaluate Using the 100-Point System
Score each of eight categories within its maximum range. Your running total out of 100 updates as you enter scores. Every category must be completed before submission.
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7
Select Flavors Experienced
Choose all flavor notes you identified while smoking — grouped by wood, spice, sweetness, earth, and more. Select as many as apply.
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8
Enter Optional Tasting Notes
Complete Evaluation participants may record first-, second-, and final-third observations, construction notes, overall impression, and whether they would smoke or recommend the cigar again.
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9
Review Your Evaluation
See all category scores, your total out of 100, selected flavors, and written notes. Confirm everything before final submission.
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10
Submit Your Final Evaluation
Once submitted, your score is locked. One official evaluation per email address is allowed per cigar campaign unless an administrator resets your submission.
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11
Reveal the Ashologist Score
After submission, compare your 100-point total with the official Ashologist palate-test score. Delayed campaigns reveal results when the evaluation period closes.
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12
Compare Categories and Flavors
Review category-by-category differences and flavor match percentage. Community averages appear only after you submit — never before.
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13
Receive or Share Your Result
View your full comparison, receive results by email, and share a public result card — without exposing private notes or your full legal name.
Same-Lot Evaluation
To create the fairest possible comparison, the cigar evaluated by the Ashologist and the cigars provided to participants are selected from the same master case or production lot whenever possible. This helps ensure participants are evaluating cigars from the same group under similar conditions.