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Cigar Ratings Explained

What are cigar ratings?

These section is here to demystify the curious methods of the cigar rating systems, or at least attempt to shed some light on how the ratings and grades come to be. Generally speaking the higher the number or the grade, the better the cigar.

At YumaCigarShop.com we feel it is important to not only give you our honest opinions and suggestions, but to also provide you with the advice from the experienced and developed palates of the cigar industry.

It is important to remember that a cigar rating is not the definitive tool when searching for your best cigar experience. Acquiring an understanding of your personal tastes and preferences is even more vital to the maximizing the experience. For example, if you find you prefer a mild-bodied cigar to a full bodied cigar, you might enjoy a 85 rated mild-bodied Macanudo over a 92 rated full-bodied Olde World Reserve. However, a 95 rated mild-medium bodied Rocky Patel Decade may deliver a significantly better smoke than a 94 rated mild-bodied CAO Gold. We encourage you to learn the different rating systems and explore our vast inventory to match your tastes with the right ratings and reviews.

Always remember, the next cigar you try might be the best cigar you will ever have.

Cigar Aficionado Ratings

The Cigar Aficionado Magazine is the definitive guide to cigars in America. Major celebrities regularly grace the cover and the magazine's reviews and ratings define the industry.  Since its inception in September 1992, the Cigar Aficionado Magazine has become the number one go to resource on cigars and the cigar lifestyle. The magazine has been credited by many as being responsible for the cigar boom of the 1990's.

The Cigar Aficionado Magazine cigar rating system is scored on the following 100-point scale:

95-100 - classic
90- 94 - outstanding
80-89 - very good to excellent
70-79 - average to good commercial quality
below 70 - don't waste your money
N/A = Not Available.

There are four components used in the system developed by CIGAR AFICIONADO™ for assigning a rating number to a cigar:

APPEARANCE AND CONSTRUCTION
(15 of the possible 100 points)

Visually, a premium cigar should have a smooth, flawless wrapper and be consistent in color and shape. When held, it should feel firm and give off a slightly oily moistness. Points are deducted if the wrapper has areas of large veins or if the cigar feels dry or firmer in some parts than others.

FLAVOR
(25 of the possible 100 points)

Although each premium cigar has a distinctive taste, all premium cigars should taste smooth and rich. If a cigar leaves a bitter or harsh taste on your lips, tongue or mouth, points are deducted.

SMOKING CHARACTERISTICS
(25 of the possible 100 points)

A perfectly made and stored premium cigar should light and burn easily and evenly. The draw should be comfortable and the same throughout the cigar. The smoke should be cool in your mouth. Points are deducted if the cigar burns too quickly, if it burns faster on one side, and if you have to pull hard to get a mouthful of smoke or if that smoke is unpleasantly hot.

A perfectly made and stored premium cigar should light and burn easily and evenly. The draw should be comfortable and the same throughout the cigar. The smoke should be cool in your mouth. Points are deducted if the cigar burns too quickly, if it burns faster on one side, and if you have to pull hard to get a mouthful of smoke or if that smoke is unpleasantly hot.

OVERALL IMPRESSION
(35 of the possible 100 points)

This is the most heavily weighted category because it is the most important.

This is the most heavily weighted category because it is the most important.

Robb Report Recommended

Robb Report Recommended

The Editors of Robb Report have explored, experimented, and tested numerous options on a quest to uncover the best of the best. After extensive sampling of the world finest, they created the Robb Report Recommended List.

For over 30 years, Robb Report magazine has served as the definitive authority on connoisseurship for ultra-affluent consumers. Robb Report not only showcases the products and services available from the most prestigious luxury brands around the globe, but it also provides its sophisticated readership with detailed insight into a range of these subjects, which include sports and luxury automobiles, yachts, real estate, travel, private aircraft, fashion, fine jewelry and watches, art, wine, state-of-the-art home electronics and much more. For connoisseurs seeking the very best that life has to offer, Robb Report remains the essential luxury resource.