2,400+
Live blend records
Maintained and updated monthly
The Science Behind CPFS®
A cigar is a dynamic biological and physical system.
Its behaviour is shaped by tobacco genetics, terroir, fermentation and processing, blend architecture, physical condition and combustion. The Cigar Peak-Flavor System® brings these variables into a structured framework for understanding how a cigar should be stored, settled, served and recommended.
A Living Intelligence System
The cigar is not one variable.
CPFS goes beyond brand, country and generic strength. ICSI structures blend intelligence at leaf level, distinguishing wrapper, processing, binder, filler and specialist tobacco characteristics before environmental and service decisions are made.
27+
Wrapper classifications
Named classifications plus hybrid / other
30
Filler classifications
Origins, primings and specialist leaf
34
Special tobacco flags
Regional, varietal, ageing and processing signals
14
Wrapper process classifications
From natural and shade-grown to double-fermented and barrel-aged
From Leaf to Behaviour
Six interacting layers shape the cigar.
CPFS treats these layers as connected rather than isolated. The objective is not to reduce a cigar to one descriptor, but to understand how its structure and condition interact.
Genetics & Origin
Seed family and origin influence leaf thickness, oils, sugars, nicotine, aromatic precursors and combustion behaviour.
Cultivation & Terroir
Soil, drainage, rainfall, sunlight, altitude and growing conditions modify how a given tobacco expresses itself.
Fermentation & Processing
Fermentation, ageing, shade or sun exposure and wrapper processing can materially alter colour, chemistry, texture and sensory behaviour.
Blend Architecture
Wrapper, binder and multiple filler components interact with ligero level, priming, proportions, vitola and construction.
Physical Condition
Moisture distribution, temperature, storage history, transport shock and settling state affect readiness and burn behaviour.
Combustion & Sensory Expression
The final experience emerges through combustion: aromatic volatility, smoke density, oils, sweetness, bitterness, spice, texture and finish.
Beyond Origin
Origin alone does not define tobacco behaviour.
PredictorPro distinguishes specialist varietals, growing regions, primings and processing characteristics because apparently similar blends can behave differently under identical storage and serving conditions.
Piloto CubanoMedio TiempoPelo de OroAndulloYamasáMata FinaArapiracaOmetepeJalapaVuelta AbajoPuriscalTalanga
Fermentation & Processing
Processing changes the material.
CPFS does not treat wrapper colour as a complete description. The underlying dataset distinguishes processing states and production treatments that can change leaf behaviour and sensory expression.
01Natural
02Claro
03Colorado
04Colorado Claro
05Colorado Maduro
06Rosado
07Maduro
08Oscuro
09Corojo-processed
10Sun Grown
11Shade Grown
12Double Fermented
13Barrel Aged
From Variables to Peak FlavorFurther reading: Ideal Cigar Humidity & Peak Flavor Timing →
Different blends do not necessarily peak under identical conditions.
CPFS uses blend structure and product condition to establish a controlled pathway toward an appropriate peak-flavor window. The framework supports blend-specific storage, settling and serving decisions rather than assuming one humidity condition is optimal for every cigar.
The proprietary coefficients and scoring logic remain within the CPFS engine; the operational output is translated into practical guidance for the sommelier, venue or collector.
The Science of Settling
Settling is not simply resting a cigar.
A stable humidor reading does not by itself establish that a cigar is ready for service. CPFS evaluates the cigar's transition toward a more stable internal and environmental state across multiple dimensions.
Axial moisture coherence
Assess moisture consistency along the cigar rather than relying only on ambient RH.
Radial humidor equilibrium
Consider movement toward equilibrium between the cigar and its surrounding storage environment.
Ammonia dissipation
Account for post-production and ageing-related factors that may affect sensory readiness.
Humidor reconditioning
Consider the starting condition and the time required after purchase, shipment or relocation.
Temperature-shock recovery
Account for thermal disruption during transport or environmental change before release for service.
Pairing Science
Pairing is a structural decision, not a brand association.
CPFS evaluates the relationship between the cigar's combustion and sensory profile and the structure of the beverage. PredictorPro then translates that framework into recommendations relevant to the selected cigar and, for professional venues, the beverages actually available.
Intensity
Match or deliberately contrast the weight and persistence of cigar and beverage.
Aromatic Structure
Consider dominant and secondary aromatic families rather than relying on category alone.
Texture
Account for smoke density, oils, tannin, acidity, sweetness, alcohol heat and mouthfeel.
Complement / Contrast
Build pairings that either reinforce compatible characteristics or create a controlled counterpoint.
Science Made Operational
From 2,400+ blend records to a service decision.
The live ICSI blend database is not simply a catalogue. Its structured blend data feeds PredictorPro so the scientific framework can be translated into usable outputs.
2,400+ICSI BLEND DATABASE
→
CPFS®
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Peak-flavor conditionsSettling readinessTasting intelligenceSimilar-blend discoveryBeverage pairing
From Science to Application
One framework. Two professional pathways.
Professional Education
CPFS principles are incorporated progressively across ICSI Levels I–IV, connecting tobacco knowledge, physical behaviour, service methodology and professional advisory.
Explore cigar sommelier courses →Hospitality Solutions
For lounges, retailers and hospitality groups, ICSI implements CPFS across storage, settling, service, staff capability, inventory intelligence and PredictorPro.
Explore CPFS for venues →