What Does a 90-Rated Cigar Mean? Understanding the 90+ Score

If you've spent any time browsing cigar reviews, you've probably noticed that the 90-rated cigar carries a kind of special status. There's a reason for that. In the world of cigar scoring, 90 is the threshold that most reviewers treat as the line between "very good" and "genuinely excellent." But what does it really mean when a cigar earns that score?

The 90 threshold: what it represents

On the 100-point scale used by most major publications, a 90 rating means the cigar is outstanding. It's not just good — it's genuinely impressive across multiple dimensions. Cigar Aficionado classifies 90–94 as "outstanding" and 95–100 as "classic." Cigar Coop states explicitly that a 90 represents a standard of excellence, and that a cigar must actively earn it, not simply avoid being bad.

In practical terms, a cigar that scores 90 has typically delivered:

• Solid construction — burns evenly, holds together throughout the smoke, no major flaws in the roll
• A good draw — not too tight, not too loose, comfortable to smoke for the full length
• Real flavor complexity — notes that are distinct and possibly evolving as the cigar burns through its thirds
• A cohesive overall experience — the cigar feels intentional, the flavors make sense together, and the finish is satisfying

What separates a 90 from an 88

Two points sounds small. In practice it's meaningful. An 88 is a very good cigar — enjoyable, well-made, with no serious issues. But it may have a flavor profile that's competent rather than interesting, or a burn that needs a touch-up, or a finish that fades quickly. A 90 cigar has pushed past those limitations into something worth talking about.

The gap is easier to understand once you've smoked a few examples of each. The 88 is something you'd happily smoke again; the 90 is something you'd recommend to a friend.

Does 90+ guarantee you'll love it?

Here's the honest answer: no. And that's not a knock on the rating system — it's just the nature of subjective experience.

A 90+ cigar is outstanding to the reviewer who scored it. If that reviewer loves earthy, peppery Nicaraguan blends and you prefer smooth, creamy Connecticut wrappers, their 92 might feel like an 85 to your palate. Ratings tell you the cigar performed excellently by a set of criteria; they don't predict whether it matches your personal preferences.

This is why it helps to read the tasting notes alongside the score. If a 91-rated cigar is described as "dark, intense, with notes of dark chocolate and black pepper," and you love that profile, it's a great pick. If you're newer to cigars, that same profile might be overwhelming — and you'd be better served by a well-rated cigar in a milder style. See our best cigars for beginners guide for gentler starting points.

Strength matters as much as score

One thing the number alone doesn't tell you is body and strength. A cigar can earn a 93 while being full-bodied — meaning rich, dense smoke and significant nicotine. If you're not accustomed to that, the experience won't match the hype. Always pair the rating with the strength profile. Our cigar strength guide explains what mild, medium, and full-bodied mean in practical terms.

Value: the best 90+ cigars aren't always the priciest

One of the more surprising things about cigar ratings is how little correlation there is between score and price at the top end. Price is explicitly excluded from most rating methodologies. This means a well-made cigar from a smaller producer can earn a 90+ score at a fraction of the cost of a prestige brand. Some of the best value in cigars comes from hunting 90+ scores in overlooked blends.

Browse our cigar library — many cigar pages show published scores — to find 90+ cigars across different price points and styles. When you smoke one, log it in the Casa DNC app and see if your rating agrees with the critics'.

A 90-rated cigar is a reliable signal of quality. But your 90 — the cigar that genuinely lights up your palate — might be something the critics rated 87. Both scores tell a true story. One's just yours.