How Catador Rates Cigars
Every cigar on Catador gets two ratings — because “is this cigar excellent?” and “is this cigar a good buy?” are two different questions, and they deserve two different answers.
We score Quality on a 100-point scale that ignores price entirely. Then we assign a separate Value Grade (A through F) that judges what you get for what you pay. A flawless $80 cigar isn’t marked down for being expensive, and a $7 cigar isn’t marked up for being cheap. Quality is quality. Value is value.
The Quality Score (100 points)
Flavor & Complexity (45 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.
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.
Construction & Draw (20 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.
Consistency (10 points)
The best cigar is the one that smokes the same way every time you light one. Consistency measures how reliably a cigar delivers its construction, burn, and flavor — from sample to sample and box to box. A cigar that’s brilliant once and disappointing the next time out pays for it here.
Quality Score Bands
90–100: Exceptional — a must-try
85–89: Excellent — worth seeking out
80–84: Good — a solid, enjoyable smoke
70–79: Fair — has merit but with notable flaws
Below 70: Pass — your money is better spent elsewhere
The Value Grade (A–F)
Scored independently of quality. A $12 cigar that smokes like a $20 one earns an A. A $25 cigar that drinks like a $10 one earns a D.
A: Outstanding value — smokes above its price class
B: Fair value — you get what you pay for
C: Premium pricing — you’re paying extra for the name or the occasion
D: Overpriced — meaningfully better cigars cost less
F: Not worth the money — at any price
Every review ends with a line like Score: 95/100 — Exceptional | Value Grade: A, followed by the full category breakdown.
