The best cigars,
ranked.

One score out of 100 for every cigar, built from what critics gave it, the year-end lists it made and how smokers rate it. No brand or store can pay for a rank.

Updated Nov 14, 2026 · 56 cigars scored · 4 critics and 3 year-end lists

No. 1 right now

E.P. Carrillo Encore

Medium · Nicaragua wrapper · Made in Dominican Republic · 2 independent sources

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The top 10

See all 56

E.P. Carrillo EncoreMedium · Nicaragua wrapperDominican Republic2 sources95 2Montecristo 1935 Anniversary NicaraguaMedium to Full · Nicaragua wrapperNicaragua2 sources95 3

Padrón Serie 1926Medium to Full · Nicaragua wrapperNicaragua2 sources95 4

E.P. Carrillo PledgeMedium to Full · USA wrapperDominican Republic2 sources95 5

My Father The JudgeMedium to Full · Ecuador wrapperNicaragua4 sources94 6

Tatuaje BlackMedium · Nicaragua wrapperNicaragua2 sources93 7

Oliva Serie V Melanio MaduroMedium · Mexico wrapperNicaragua2 sources93 8

Rocky Patel EmeraldMedium to Full · Ecuador wrapperNicaragua4 sources93 9The Wise Man MaduroMedium to Full · Mexico wrapperNicaragua2 sources93 10Trinidad Espíritu Series No. 3Medium to Full · Mexico wrapperNicaragua2 sources92

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The best lists

One question each, answered by the same score. A list changes the moment a score does.

Best full-strength cigars: the top three

All lists

Best full-strength cigars5 ranked Best maduro cigars3 ranked Best Nicaraguan cigars38 ranked Best Dominican cigars11 ranked Best cigars with a Mexican wrapper13 ranked Nicaraguan vs Dominican cigarsHead-to-head Every cigar, ranked56 ranked

How the score works

One number, three kinds of evidence. A score only climbs past 91 once two independent outlets agree, so one magazine can’t crown a cigar on its own.

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