How Catador Rates Cigars
Every cigar on Catador is scored on a 100-point scale across four categories. Here’s the breakdown:
Construction & Draw (25 points)
Roll quality, wrapper appearance, draw resistance, and ash structure. A perfectly constructed cigar should feel firm but not tight, with a wrapper that’s smooth and free of blemishes. The draw should offer just enough resistance to feel deliberate without being a workout.
Burn & Combustion (25 points)
Burn line consistency, smoke volume, and how well the cigar maintains its burn. A great cigar should burn evenly without frequent touch-ups, produce ample smoke, and hold an ash that’s firm and grayish-white.
Flavor & Complexity (35 points)
The big one. Depth, balance, and evolution from first third to final third. We’re looking for distinct flavor notes, transitions, and a profile that keeps you interested. A cigar that tastes the same from start to finish can still be good — but it won’t score here like one that takes you somewhere.
Value (15 points)
Does the cigar justify its price? A $12 cigar that smokes like a $20 one scores well here. A $25 cigar that drinks like a $10 one does not.
The Score Breakdown:
96-100: Exceptional — a must-try
90-95: Excellent — worth seeking out
84-89: Good — a solid, enjoyable smoke
78-83: Fair — has merit but with notable flaws
Below 78: Pass — your money is better spent elsewhere
We don’t accept free samples from manufacturers. Every cigar reviewed was purchased at retail or received as a gift from a fellow smoker, never from the brand.
