Today, we look at the performance of cigars on Cigar Coop by vitola for 2023. The Performance Rankings were introduced in 2012 as a statistical analysis based on the average numerical score of all cigars assessed on Cigar Coop. Performance Rankings serve as a barometer regarding how the cigars were evaluated.
For the 2024 year, Cigar Coop reviewed 168 cigars (up from 148 in 2023). The average score for the entire set of 168 cigars was 88.45. (Statistically, this was down 0.14 points from 2023, when the average was 88.59)
We used the following criteria in this exercise:
- The cigar must have its score published from November 1, 2023, through October 31, 2024.
- All cigars scored were eligible regardless of the release date. The goal is to see how a vitola performed during the Cigar Coop Cigar Year.
- This year, we consolidated vitolas into two sample sets based on the number of assessments for the vitola: Large (13 or more cigars) and Small (less than 13 cigars).
- Robusto cigars are 5 inches or longer but under 6 inches. Toro cigars are 6 inches or longer but under 7 inches.
- Robusto Grande and Toro Grande have been separated from Robusto and Toro, respectively. The Grande size represents cigars that have a 54 to 56 ring gauge. Traditional Robusto and Toro have ring gauges of 50 to 52.
- Gordos had 58 and 60 ring gauges. Anything over 60 was classified as Super Gordo.
- Regardless of ring gauge or length, all sizes of Torpedo, Perfecto, Gordo, and Super Gordo were each put into a single category.
- This year, Churchills were 7-inch cigars with a 47-49 ring gauge. Seven-inch cigars with a 50+ ring gauge were classified into one category as: “Churchill Plus” (for lack of a better name for the 50-53 ring gauge) and “Double Corona” (54 ring or higher). It’s interesting to note that for 2024, there were no pure Churchill sizes reviewed.
- Box-pressed cigars were not separated out and were included with the rounded vitolas.
2024 Cigar Coop Performance Rankings by Vitola
The number of cigars in the sample set is listed in parentheses next to each average score.
Large Sample Sets (≥ 13 Cigars Reviewed)
| Rank |
Vitola |
Avg Score |
| 1 | Toro Grande (24) | 88.92 |
| 2 | Robusto Grande (13) | 88.77 |
| 3 | Toro (44) | 88.41 |
| 4 | Perfecto (14) | 88.36 |
| 4 | Robusto (20) | 87.50 |
Small Sample Sets (<13 Cigars Reviewed)
| Rank |
Vitola | Avg Score |
| 1 | Lancero (2) | 92.00 |
| 2 | Gordo (3) | 89.33 |
| 3 | Corona Gorda (7) | 89.29 |
| 4 | Short Churchill (5) | 89.00 |
| Salomon (2) | 89.00 | |
| 6 | Churchill Plus (5) | 88.60 |
| 7 | Firecracker (2) | 88.50 |
| 8 | Rothschild (3) | 88.33 |
| 9 | Belicoso (9) | 88.11 |
| 10 | Other (6) | 88.73 |
| 11 | Double Corona | 87.50 |
| 12 | Super Gordo (3) | 85.67 |
Assessing the Results
As I mentioned last year, this category is the least interesting in the Performance Rankings. It consistently shows that Toros and Robustos are the most commonly smoked sizes. I find the counts of vitolas smoked throughout the year to be more interesting than the average scores. Since Robustos and Toros are what many consumers prefer, Cigar Coop reviews more cigars in these formats.
In 2024, only two lanceros were evaluated: the Aladino Classic Elegante and the Casa Magna Colorado Lancero. Interestingly, these two cigars earned podium spots, finishing at #2 and #3, respectively.
