Fooled by Labels

Cigar Magazine recently explored the impact of cigar bands by sending its test group of 12 cigars to two different volunteer tasting groups: one received cigars with the bands left on and one received cigars which were 'numbered' only; bands removed.
Here’s some examples of how the bands affected the scoring.
Appearance is often associated with being influenced by a band and sure enough, the 'better' cigars suffer without their bands, while the 'cheaper' stogies fair better when we don't know what we're smoking.
Padron 4000
– 85 with band, 77 without!
Romeo y Julieta Aniversario Toro
– 88 with band, 81 without.
La Finca Fifty Four Robusto
– 78 with band, 84 without!
Taste shouldn’t be substantially impacted by the presence of a band, but again it is surprising what impact the brand of a cigar can have on it's 'perceived' flavor.
Padron 4000
– 89 with band, 81 without.
Montecristo White
– 86 with band, 80 without.
Bolivar Cofradia No. 654
– 87 with band, 82 without.
La Finca Fifty Four Robusto
– 78 with band, 83 without!
Construction also would seemingly not be impacted much at all by band presence, but once again the higher-end cigars decrease while the low-end cigars improve once their identity is kept secret.
Padron 4000
– 89 with band, 79 without!
Romeo y Julieta Aniversario Toro
– 84 with band, 79 without.
Bolivar Cofradia No. 654
– 86 with band, 82 without.
La Finca Fifty Four
– 80 with band, 84 without!
I'm reminded of the Mark Twain essay in which he demonstrates how the price of cigars has absolutely nothing to do with our enjoyment of them once they're stripped of their indentification.

Cigar Magazine’s test results show the differences in band on vs. band off perceptions to be startling. Packaging, marketing and “branding” makes a difference that earns brand loyalty and creates higher prices. Even in cigars, just like in everything else.

Credit to cigarcyclopedia.com