Best 94-Plus Rated Cigars: What That Score Really Means

A 94-plus rated cigar is no accident. Getting a cigar to 94 points on Cigar Aficionado's 100-point scale requires outstanding performance across the board — blind-tested construction, balanced flavor, a smooth draw, and a finish that impresses critics who smoke dozens of sticks a week. It's a meaningful benchmark.

Here's what that score really means, and which 94-plus cigars deserve your attention.

Understanding the 100-point scale

Cigar Aficionado rates every cigar blind — critics don't know the brand when they're scoring. The scale breaks into tiers:

• 95–100: Classic. Exceptional in every dimension. Rare.
• 90–94: Outstanding. Excellent quality with minimal flaws. This is where most great cigars land.
• 80–89: Very Good / Good. Solid everyday options.
• Below 80: Not recommended.

A 94-point cigar sits at the very top of the "Outstanding" tier — one point from "Classic." In practice, the difference between a 94 and a 95 is often a small consistency question or a slightly narrower complexity window. For most smokers, both are extraordinary experiences.

For a deeper look at how the scale works, read our how are cigars rated guide.

What critics actually evaluate at 94+ points

To earn a score in this range, a cigar typically needs:

• Construction: Even burn, straight ash, no cracking wrapper, easy draw from first light to the band.
• Aroma: Both the cold draw aroma (before lighting) and the smoke itself contribute to the score.
• Flavor complexity: A one-note cigar can't reach 94. Critics want evolution across the three thirds of the smoke — flavors changing and developing as you go.
• Balance: No single note overpowering the others. Pepper doesn't smother sweetness; earthiness doesn't drown the finish.
• Overall impression: The gestalt. Is this a cigar that makes you want to clear your schedule and do nothing else?

Notable 94-plus rated cigars to try

Padrón Serie 1926 No. 2 (94 points)

One of the highest-rated entries in Padrón's legendary 1926 line. A bold Nicaraguan puro with leather, cocoa, and a long, rich finish. If you want to understand why Padrón dominates Top 25 lists, the 1926 No. 2 is an excellent place to start. See it on our cigar pages.

Arturo Fuente Don Carlos No. 2 (94 points)

A Cameroon-wrapped Dominican with a profile that's sophisticated without being aggressive — cedar, earth, and a hint of sweetness. The Don Carlos line has been a consistent performer for Fuente for decades, and the No. 2 is one of its highest-scoring entries.

Cohiba Behike BHK 52 (94 points)

The Cuban entry. Cohiba's Behike line is one of the most prestigious in the Cuban portfolio, made with a rare third leaf type called "medio tiempo" that adds richness and complexity few other Havanas can match. The BHK 52 scores 94 points and represents some of Cuba's finest contemporary work.

Partagás Serie P No. 2 (96 points)

Technically above the threshold, but worth including: the Partagás Serie P No. 2 is a Cuban torpedo that earned 96 points and is often described as one of the finest piramides Cuba produces. If you want an extraordinary Cuban cigar experience, this is a landmark.

Oliva Serie V Melanio (multiple 90+ ratings across formats)

The Melanio line consistently earns outstanding-to-classic ratings across its formats. While the Figurado won the 2014 Cigar of the Year at 96 points, other vitolas (sizes) in the line score in the 90–94 range and offer the same fundamental tobacco quality at accessible prices.

94+ vs. "Cigar of the Year" winners

Cigar of the Year winners are the Number 1 cigar in any given year — often scoring 96–98 points. A 94-point cigar is below that ceiling, but it's also something you can find more easily, often at a lower price, and in a wider range of formats. Many enthusiasts find the 92–94 range to be the sweet spot: exceptional quality, better availability, and prices that don't require a special occasion.

Browse our full list of Cigar of the Year winners if you want to see the 96–98 point territory.

Rate your own 94-point candidates

Once you've smoked a few highly-rated cigars, you'll develop your own sense of what earns a 94 from your palate. Log your experiences in the Casa DNC app and track how your ratings align with critics over time. You can also explore cigar pages on Casa DNC to find cigars with verified critic scores before you buy.

The bottom line

A 94-plus rated cigar is the work of skilled hands, aged tobacco, and a blend that can hold up under the most rigorous blind scrutiny in the industry. It's not a guarantee of your personal enjoyment — taste is subjective — but it is a well-founded starting point for finding something extraordinary. Try one, then read our what makes a cigar highly rated guide to understand the craft behind the score.