Cigar Rating

Cigar rating is a standardized scoring system used to evaluate the overall quality and smoking experience of a cigar. Typically issued by cigar publications, competitions, or online review platforms, ratings are based on blind taste tests conducted by seasoned panelists who judge a cigar on key attributes such as construction, draw, burn, flavor complexity, balance, and overall impression.

While not the sole determinant of a cigar’s value or appeal, a high rating can elevate a brand’s prestige and influence consumer demand—sometimes overnight.

group of men rating a set of cigars

Who Rates Cigars?

The most influential cigar ratings come from established publications and review bodies, including:

  • Cigar Aficionado – the most recognized cigar magazine in the world, known for its annual “Top 25 Cigars of the Year” list
  • Halfwheel – respected for its detailed, technical reviews and consistent scoring methodology
  • Blind Man’s Puff – focuses exclusively on blind reviews, eliminating brand bias
  • Smoke Magazine, Cigar Coop, and other platforms also contribute to the rating ecosystem

Retailers and online communities may also publish user-generated ratings, but these tend to vary widely and are more subjective.

How Are Cigars Scored?

Most formal reviews score cigars on a 100-point scale, with 90+ considered “excellent” and 95+ viewed as “elite.” The process typically involves smoking multiple samples of a cigar without knowing its brand or blend (blind tasting), and then evaluating the following categories:

  1. Appearance – Color, sheen, uniformity, construction quality
  2. Draw – Resistance and airflow consistency
  3. Burn – Evenness, relight frequency, burn line integrity
  4. Flavor – Complexity, depth, transitions between thirds
  5. Balance – How the flavor, strength, and texture harmonize
  6. Overall Impression – The “X-factor” of satisfaction, richness, and finish

Final scores are calculated from the cumulative performance across all categories.

What Does a 90+ Rating Really Mean?

  • 96–100: Exceptional, rare, often reserved for Cigar of the Year contenders
  • 93–95: Outstanding cigars with superb flavor and balance
  • 90–92: Excellent cigars worthy of consistent purchase and cellaring
  • 85–89: Solid, enjoyable smokes with minor imperfections
  • Below 85: Often flawed in draw, flavor, or construction

A cigar doesn’t need to score 95+ to be enjoyable—many enthusiasts regularly smoke cigars in the 88–92 range that suit their taste preferences and budget.

Do Ratings Always Reflect Quality?

Not necessarily. While professional ratings are helpful, they are still subjective and based on the palates of a specific panel. Some top-rated cigars may not align with your personal preferences for strength, flavor, or country of origin.

Additionally, ratings often favor limited editions or new releases, which can create hype but reduce availability. It’s also worth noting that magazines have advertising relationships with many of the brands they review, which has led to some skepticism among consumers.

That said, highly rated cigars often do reflect a level of craftsmanship and consistency that makes them worth exploring—especially when curated from multiple sources.

Examples of Highly Rated Cigars

  • Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro – frequent 95+ scores across publications
  • Arturo Fuente Fuente OpusX – a consistent Top 10 contender
  • Oliva Serie V Melanio – named Cigar Aficionado’s #1 cigar in 2014
  • Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua – #1 in 2019
  • My Father Le Bijou 1922 – known for powerful flavor and balance

Should You Rely on Ratings?

Ratings are a useful starting point—but they’re best used alongside your own experience. Try cigars across a range of scores, countries, and brands. Track your own preferences and build a palate that reflects what you enjoy, not just what a panel recommends.

Summary

Cigar ratings offer helpful guidance in a crowded market, but they should be taken as one part of the larger picture. Use them to discover new blends, spot standouts, and build confidence in your selections—but don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path. Some of the best cigars you’ll ever smoke might not have a score at all.