The problem is, cigars change from batch to batch. Lot's of mid-priced cigars go from great to gross when you buy the next box. All short-filler cigars I've tried (with the exception of Cohiba Pequinos) have no consistency at all, so don't buy 'em.

With expensive smokes, your best bet is to go and sample a single cigar from a box at a shop that lets you smoke in a lounge. If that cigar is good, buy the box. This can be easier said than done since most places want to sell unopened boxes. In that case, buying a box from the same shipment still has better odds of having the same quality.

Also, some cigars get better with aging, while others get worse. I had some no-name maduros that were complete shit, but tasted decent after a years aging. I also had some mild Corojo wrapped cigars that started off as a nice mild smoke, but ended up flavorless after a year and a half in the humi.