Ashology™ Scoring

The 100-Point Palate Test

Eight evaluation categories totaling 100 points — designed exclusively for Test Your Palate Against the Ashologist on Ashologist.com.

Evaluation Category	Maximum Points
Appearance and Presentation Wrapper appearance Color and consistency Visible construction Firmness Overall presentation	5
Construction Cigar structure Wrapper application Cap construction Resistance to cracking Ash formation Overall craftsmanship	15
Draw and Burn Draw resistance Burn consistency Need for corrections Smoke production Combustion performance	10
Flavor Quality Flavor quality Flavor clarity Richness Enjoyment Distinctiveness Quality of the tobacco character	20
Balance Flavor Strength Body Smoke texture Sweetness Spice Finish	15
Complexity and Development Flavor transitions Development throughout the cigar Depth Layering Changes between smoking sections Ability to remain interesting	15
Consistency Flavor consistency Burn consistency Draw consistency Construction consistency Overall performance from beginning to end	10
Finish and Overall Experience Finish Aftertaste Satisfaction Memorability Overall impression Desire to smoke the cigar again	10
Total Possible Score	100

Separate From the 30-Point System

The official CigarOfTheYear.com tournament uses the established Ashology™ 30-point scoring system for rankings, matchups, and championship results. That system remains unchanged.

The 100-point scale exists only for Test Your Palate — giving participants more room to evaluate individual characteristics, develop their skills, and receive category-by-category feedback when comparing against the Ashologist.

The two scoring systems are stored separately and are never converted between one another.

Learn About the 30-Point Tournament