Cigar Rating System

Cigar Aficionados have developed a system made up of four parts in order to assign a rating number to a cigar. Each cigar is rated out of a total possible score of 100:

Appearance and Construction

(1-15 points)

The premium quality cigar should have a smooth, perfect wrapper, while being consistent in shape and colour. When a cigar is held between thumb and forefinger, it should feel firm slighty oily and slightly moist.

If the cigar feels dry or the firmness is inconsistent along the length of the cigar, or the wrapper has sections of large veins, the cigar will have point deducted from the cigar appearance and construction score.
Flavour

(1-25 points)

Each premium cigar will have a unique taste, but all premium cigars should taste rich and smooth. Points will be deducted if you are left with a sour or harsh taste in your mouth after smoking your cigar.
Smoking Characteristics

(1-25 points)

When a premium cigar is perfectly made and stored correctly, it should burn both easily and evenly. Each draw should be comfortable and consistent during the whole smoking experience. The smoke should not burn and should feel cool in your mouth.

However, if the cigar burns too quickly, or if it burns faster on one side than the other, or if you are forced to draw hard to get a full mouthful of hot smoke, points will be deducted.
Overall Impression

(1-35 points)

This is the most important category, and due to this, it is the most heavily weighted of all the categories when it comes to rating a cigar.