Scoring System

The Stogie Syndicate score is based on the full smoking experience, not just flavor.

A cigar can taste good and still lose points for poor construction, a bad draw, burn issues, weak value, or a final third that falls apart. On the other hand, a cigar does not need to be ultra-complex to score well if it delivers a great experience for the price.

What the Score Means

10/10 — Exceptional. A cigar I would actively recommend, buy again, and want permanently stocked.

9/10 — Excellent. A standout smoke with very few complaints.

8/10 — Very good. Worth buying again and easy to recommend if the profile fits.

7/10 — Good. Enjoyable, but with enough flaws or limitations that I would be selective about buying again.

6/10 — Decent. Smokeable, but not something I would chase.

5/10 — Average. Not bad enough to hate, not good enough to care about.

Below 5/10 — Not recommended based on my experience.

What I Consider

Flavor matters most, but it is not the only thing.

I also consider construction, draw, burn, smoke texture, balance, strength, body, value, consistency, and whether the cigar fits a clear role in the humidor.

Buy Again / Box-Worthy / Permanently Stocked

Would Buy Again means I would spend my own money on that cigar again.

Box-Worthy means I liked it enough that buying multiples makes sense.

Permanently Stocked means the cigar fits my taste and smoking rotation well enough that I would want to keep it around long-term.

Final Note

Cigar reviews are subjective. My score is not universal truth. It is a record of my personal experience with that cigar, based on my palate, my preferences, and that specific smoking session.