The Cigar Profiler Rating Table

In the cigar profiling method, cigars are rated on three major aspects: appearance (10%), construction (30%) and taste (60%). Appearance has the lowest weight. Personally, I dislike cigar bands because they add nothing of substance and often damage the wrapper. Appearances are also known to deceive. A smooth, oily wrapper does not guarantee a great cigar. Nevertheless, a nice band and wrapper are evidence that the manufacturer has put some effort into presentation and, as such, deserve some credit.

The Ten Basic Flavor Groups

Cigar flavors are often categorized in circular form, in so-called flavor wheels. Such wheels usually consist of two bands: an inner band with flavor groups and an outer band with more detailed flavors per group.