Cigar of the
Year 2026
100 cigars reviewed. 32 entered the official field. Padrón 60th Anniversary Perfecto was crowned the 2026 Cigar of the Year.
8 Groups. 32 Cigars.
Each group competed in a round-robin format. The top two cigars from each group advanced to the Top 16.
Follow the Journey
From 32 elite cigars to one undisputed champion — every round decided on merit.
The Master Ashologist's Choice recognizes a premium cigar that exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, flavor, construction, and overall smoking experience. Selected using the Ashology™ methodology, this award is a personal recommendation from the Master Ashologist and stands alongside the official Cigar of the Year and Cigar Company of the Year awards.
THE ASHOLOGY™ SELECTION PROCESS
Ashology™ — The Study of Great Cigars.
ASHOLOGY™ BLIND EVALUATION
Every contender is presented without visible branding and evaluated through the official Ashology™ Evaluation Process, ensuring an unbiased assessment based solely on flavor, construction, balance, and overall smoking experience.
ASHOLOGY™ PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
Draw performance, burn consistency, ash retention, flavor complexity, balance, and overall enjoyment are scored and tracked throughout the competition using the Ashology™ evaluation methodology.
ASHOLOGY™ FINAL JUDGMENT
The Grand 8 advance to head-to-head competition, where the finalists are evaluated side-by-side by the Ashology™ panel to determine the Official Cigar of the Year.
Padrón 60th Anniversary Perfecto
Evaluated through the Ashology™ Evaluation Process, the Padrón 60th Anniversary Perfecto earned Ashology™ Approved status as the undisputed 2026 Cigar of the Year.
Help Shape the 2027 Field
Know a premium cigar that deserves consideration? Submit your recommendation for the Official 2027 review process. Every suggestion is evaluated through the Ashology™ methodology.
how_to_vote Submit a 2027 Recommendation100+ Cigars Tested
More than 100 cigars were evaluated for the 2026 Cigar of the Year tournament. The 71 cigars in the official Evaluation Pool are listed here, and 32 advanced into the group competition.
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