Methodology
KCS Methodology
The Kaufmann Cigar Score system (KCS v2.1) is a published, calibrated, vintage-marked rubric for evaluating premium cigars on a 100-point scale. This page is the…
Calibration
The Calibration Sample
A scoring system without calibration is editorial opinion dressed in numbers. The KCS calibration sample — 38 reference cigars scored quarterly under blind…
Vocabulary
The Tasting Wheel
A tasting wheel is a structured vocabulary for describing what the smoker tastes. The KCS tasting wheel organizes premium cigar flavor compounds into the families…
Technique
The Retrohale
A retrohale is the technique of exhaling cigar smoke through the nose rather than the mouth. The retrohale reveals flavor compounds the mouth alone cannot detect —…