Trust begins with knowing what you are reading, who is speaking and what informed the view.
01
Automation is labelled.
The release wire automatically selects headlines from named RSS sources. Article dates are not release dates; selection is not endorsement. Confirmed timing is checked separately. Reference copy and development use AI assistance, never invented first-hand tasting experience. Source coverage and outages are visible on the release page.
02
Guides are a starting point.
Our collection guides introduce a tradition, its common styles and the details worth noticing. They are category references, not evidence that a particular product has been tasted. Individual bottles vary.
03
A reader’s score belongs to the reader.
Reader observations are credited to their contributors. A score is that contributor’s assessment, not a house rating or a consensus. We review submissions for relevance, originality, conflicts and abuse, applying the same standards to favourable and critical opinions.
04
Access does not buy an opinion.
Samples and invitations are considered by prior arrangement. Relevant support is disclosed when it informs published editorial work. Acceptance does not guarantee publication, placement or a favourable assessment.
05
Commercial work is identified.
Paid placements carry a clear advertising or sponsorship label. Partners may check supplied facts and assets. Editorial judgments remain with the publication; payment cannot purchase a review score or a place in an editorial ranking.
06
Dates come with context.
The release calendar records announced timing, market and source information. Dates and availability may change. A listing records an announcement and does not imply a recommendation or a promise of stock.
07
Corrections are part of the work.
Send the page address, the detail in question and a supporting source through our contact form. We review corrections on their merits. Substantive corrections to editorial articles should be identified on the affected page.
Contributing to the ledger
Describe before you score.
Name the expression or vintage. Explain the aroma, texture, balance and finish—or construction and draw for cigars. Disclose any relationship with the producer in your note. Give enough context for another reader to understand your score out of 100.