When it comes to choosing a cigar, seasoned aficionados know that ratings can serve as a useful guide. While personal preference will always be king, expert scores and customer reviews can help narrow down the field—especially when the humidor is overflowing with options.
Two major sources of cigar ratings stand out: Cigar Aficionado magazine and everyday smokers on trusted retail sites like Cigars.com.
The former brings decades of tasting experience and industry knowledge, while the latter reflects what cigar lovers are buying, enjoying, and recommending.
In this post, we’ve gathered some of the top-rated cigars on Cigars.com—those that have earned a coveted 95+ rating from Cigar Aficionado, as well as customer favorites that average 4.5 to 5 stars.
Whether you're hunting down a celebrated classic or a crowd-pleasing gem, there’s something here worth lighting up.
What is a 95-Rated Cigar?
Cigar Aficionado uses a 100-point scale, but only a select few cigars ever break into the mid-90s. A 95+ rating indicates a truly exceptional product—one that shows complexity, balance, craftsmanship, and consistency from start to finish.
These are often limited releases or carefully curated blends from some of the most respected makers in the business.
95+ Rated Cigars at Cigars.com
At Cigars.com we offer a number of these 95+ rated cigars for you to choose from. Take a look at some of our top picks below.
Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Dominican Republic/Honduras/Nicaragua
Length: 6.75
Ring: 48
Strength: Medium-Full
A standout in the Hoyo de Monterrey line, the Double Corona is a large-format classic that received a 95 rating from Cigar Aficionado. It’s a beautifully constructed cigar known for its smooth draw and nuanced progression of flavors.
Expect a rich earthy profile, complemented by subtle cedar and spice, all housed in a golden-brown wrapper that smokes slow and cool. This one’s a must-try for fans of traditional craftsmanship.
Shop Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona
Pledge by E.P. Carrillo Prequel
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Habano Connecticut
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5
Ring: 50
Strength: Medium—Full
This bold, box-pressed stick from E.P. Carrillo made waves when it scored a staggering 98 rating—earning Cigar Aficionado’s No. 1 Cigar of the Year in 2020.
The Pledge Prequel is a full-bodied cigar with a dark, oily wrapper and a striking profile that combines dark espresso notes with a peppery edge and a sweet, raisin-like undertone. It’s layered, intense, and extremely well-balanced.
Shop E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel Cigars
Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Torpedo
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 6
Ring: 52
Strength: Medium
Padron’s 1964 Anniversary line has long been a benchmark for quality. The Torpedo shape adds a bit of flair and concentration to an already refined blend.
Aged Nicaraguan tobaccos provide deep, earthy richness with elements of cocoa, toasted nuts, and a slight spice on the retrohale. With a 97 rating to its name, this is one of those sticks that earns its reputation with every draw.
Buy Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Torpedo
Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Maestro
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 6
Ring: 52
Strength: Medium
Crafted by Rafael Nodal and blended by A.J. Fernandez, the Maestro received top honors from Cigar Aficionado with a 96 rating and a Cigar of the Year title in 2019.
This Nicaraguan puro is rich and refined, offering a mix of dark chocolate, baking spices, and earthy undertones. It’s medium to full-bodied with a slow, steady burn—a contemplative cigar that rewards patience.
Buy Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Maestro
Alec Bradley Prensado Churchill
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Honduras/Nicaragua
Length: 7
Ring: 48
Strength: Medium—Full
Named Cigar Aficionado’s No. 1 Cigar of the Year in 2011, the Prensado Churchill still holds up as a beautifully bold, box-pressed blend. It delivers strong flavors of leather, roasted coffee, and oak, underscored by a balanced spice that carries through the finish.
With a 96 rating, this cigar helped put Alec Bradley on the map—and it remains a staple for serious smokers.
Buy Alec Bradley Prensado Churchill
Top-Rated Cigars on Cigars.com
Customer reviews on Cigars.com offer a different kind of insight—the kind that comes from hundreds (or even thousands) of actual smoking experiences. These sticks have earned 4.5 to 5 stars, making them great choices for regular rotation.
Oliva Cain F Lancero
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 7
Ring: 38
Strength: Full
The Cain F Lancero is a bold offering from Oliva’s popular Cain line, featuring a straight ligero blend for maximum strength and richness.
Despite its power, the slim lancero shape ensures a balanced smoke with concentrated flavors—think black coffee, peppery spice, and dark wood. Customers praise its smooth construction and depth of flavor.
Rocky Patel Java Latte Toro
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 6
Ring: 50
Strength: Medium
One of the more distinctive cigars on this list, the Java Latte Toro blends Rocky Patel's precision with Drew Estate’s infusion expertise.
It’s a flavored cigar, but don’t mistake it for novelty—reviewers consistently note the creamy, mocha-like richness, clean burn, and aroma that turns heads. This is a customer favorite for a reason.
Shop Rocky Patel Java Latte Toro
CAO Italia Ciao
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Italy/Nicaragua/Peru
Length: 5
Ring: 56
Strength: Medium
The CAO Italia line celebrates Italian-grown filler tobacco—a rarity in the cigar world. The Ciao size brings out the blend’s nutty, slightly sweet characteristics, alongside deeper earth and leather tones.
With strong reviews across the board, it’s a conversation starter that also delivers a satisfying experience from foot to nub.
Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Robusto
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Length: 5.25
Ring: 50
Strength: Medium—Full
This cigar is part of Arturo Fuente’s legacy line, crafted to honor Carlos Fuente Sr. The Robusto size is a sweet spot, offering consistent combustion and a rich profile.
Smokers highlight its smooth draw and complex blend of cedar, toasted almond, and aged tobacco flavors. A firm favorite for good reason.
Buy Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Robusto
Macanudo Inspirado Orange Gigante
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Dominican Republic/Honduras/Nicaragua
Length: 6
Ring: 60
Strength: Medium—Full
Bigger isn’t always better—unless we’re talking about the Inspirado Orange Gigante. This 6x60 stick delivers a long, flavorful journey with notes of sweet cedar, citrus zest, and subtle spice.
It’s an approachable yet satisfying cigar that many reviewers call their go-to for everyday enjoyment.
Shop Macanudo Inspirado Orange Gigante
Top-Rated Cigars, Timeless Enjoyment
Whether you’re after a cigar that’s received critical acclaim from the likes of Cigar Aficionado, or you trust the collective wisdom of fellow cigar lovers, Cigars.com offers a wide array of top-rated cigars worth exploring.
With options ranging from powerhouse classics to surprising customer favorites, the only challenge is choosing which one to fire up first.