At Dominican Leaf, each cigar review follows a rigorous editorial protocol with precise documentation and objective evaluation. Our goal is to make every review a reliable reference, free from commercial or emotional bias.
1. Context and Selection
- Identify the brand, line, and vitola of the cigar.
- Specify whether it was purchased or received courtesy.
- Analyze its position within the Dominican and international markets.
2. Technical Profile
We record precise details about the cigar:
- Vitola and dimensions
- Estimated smoking time
- Strength perception
- Construction and assembly notes
3. Smoking Experience
- Evaluate the smoke in thirds, describing changes in the flavor profile.
- Document draw, burn, third transitions, balance, and consistency.
- Record objective tasting notes without exaggerated descriptors.
4. Construction and Performance
- Analyze the physical performance of the cigar: even burn, draw, and lighting.
- Highlight strengths and areas for improvement in construction.
5. Scoring System
Each key aspect of the smoke is numerically evaluated, with each category contributing to a total score of 100% according to our prompt master:
| Category | Weight in total score |
|---|---|
| Flavor and complexity | 30% |
| Balance and integration | 15% |
| Construction and draw | 20% |
| Burn and ash | 15% |
| Finish and persistence | 10% |
| Consistency | 5% |
| Value (price-quality) | 5% |
- Each category is scored objectively, and the sum determines the cigar’s final score, providing a technical summary of its performance.
6. Editorial Conclusion
- The conclusion summarizes the overall experience, highlighting technical and sensory characteristics.
- Disclose whether the review was conducted independently or courtesy, ensuring full transparency.
7. Transparency and Conflicts of Interest
- Reviews are never influenced by advertising or commercial relationships.
- Every review notes any relationship with brands (e.g., cigars provided by the factory).
This methodology and scoring system ensure that every Dominican Leaf review is citable, reliable, and clear about how each cigar is evaluated.
If you wish to contact us for inquiries, collaborations, or advertising information, or to learn more about our spaces and rates through the Media Kit, please visit our Contact and Advertise / Media Kit pages. We also accept submissions to review premium or emerging cigars, providing an objective and professional evaluation that accurately reflects the smoking experience. We are available to answer any questions and support brands looking to reach our premium cigar audience.
