The rating system for cigars changes from magazine to magazine, but if a cigar gets a high rating, you can be rather certain that it's going to be pretty tasty. But you should not hold cigar ratings as gospel. Cigar ratings are simply a panel's collective opinion or person's individual opinion of a particular cigar. I can't tell you how many of my favorite cigars have been given mediocre ratings, and how many cigars that I thought were lackluster have been praised by the cigar press. Again, it all boils down to personal taste. Be your own cigar reviewer and decide for yourself!