Your Comprehensive Guide to Different Cigar Shapes and Sizes: Exploring Different Cigar Vitolas and Utilizing a Cigar Size Chart

Key Takeaway:

• Cigar sizes vary widely, and they are typically categorized as parejos or figurados.
• Parejos are straight-sided cigars that come in many different sizes, including the corona, petit corona, churchill, robusto, and more.
• Figurados are cigars that are not straight-sided and may include shapes like pyramids, belicosos, and torpedos.

Introducing Cigar Sizes: Does Cigar Size Matter? What Are Different Cigar Shapes?

Cigar sizes refer to the physical dimensions of cigars, which can vary greatly. The size of a cigar can impact its flavor, draw, and overall smoking experience. Understanding cigar sizes is crucial for both novice and experienced cigar aficionados. Length is measured in inches. 

The most common cigar sizes include Corona, Robusto, Churchill, Torpedo, and Belicoso. Each size offers a unique smoking experience based on its length, ring gauge, and shape. For example, a Torpedo cigar has a pointed head, which can provide a more concentrated flavor profile.

Knowing the right size to choose can greatly enhance your smoking experience. For instance, a longer cigar such as a Churchill may be ideal for a leisurely smoke, while a shorter Robusto may be better suited for a quicker smoke. It’s essential to experiment with various sizes to find the perfect fit for your palate.

Parejos

As a cigar aficionado, selecting the right size can be a daunting task. Parejos, which include Corona, Petit Corona, Churchill, Robusto, Corona Gorda, Double Corona, Panetela, Lonsdale, and Grande, are the most popular cigar sizes. These Parejos come in a wide range of shapes and differ in length and ring gauge, which impacts the smoking experience.

In this section, I will dive into the world of Parejos and explore each sub-section, shedding light on the nuances that make each size unique. So whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a beginner, read on to discover what makes each Parejo size special.

Corona

The benchmark cigar size, commonly referred to as a ‘Corona,’ is typically 5.5 to 6 inches long with a ring gauge between 42 and 44. It has been around for over a century and remains one of the most popular sizes in the industry due to its balanced flavors and smoking time of approximately 45 minutes.

Coronas usually have a tapered head and closed foot, providing a smooth draw and even burn. The smaller ring gauge allows for more concentrated flavors, making it perfect for medium-bodied blends. Some popular examples of Coronas are the Partagas Serie D No.4 from Cuba or the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story from the Dominican Republic.

Interestingly, Corinas were initially named after their original packaging, which was a paper wrapper with an exposed top (resembling a crown). Today, however, Coronas come in various types of packaging but maintain their iconic size.

Fun fact: During World War II, Coronas were amongst the favored cigars offered to soldiers in care packages sent overseas by their families back home.

Smoke ’em if you’ve got ’em, but make sure you know the difference between a petit corona and a double corona.

Petit Corona

Small in size yet big on flavor, the shorter and slimmer cigar size often referred to as ‘Petit Corona’ is a popular choice for cigar enthusiasts looking for a quick smoke.

Below is a table showcasing the dimensions of Petit Coronas –

Petit Coronas are known for their compact size, which usually measure up to four inches in length with a ring gauge that can go from around thirty-five to forty-five. Despite the smaller size, Petit Coronas boast an incredible depth of flavors that make them stand out amongst other sizes.

According to ‘Cigar Shapes, Sizes And Colors’, Petit Coronas are more affordable than other larger vitolas yet offer similar complexity and depth, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious smokers who don’t want to compromise on flavor.

Smoke like a British statesman with the Churchill size, but be warned, it may lead to a desire for imperial conquest.

Churchill

With its tapered shape, the cigar variety known as the Champion, or Church Cubano cigar stands out from other regular sizes. It resembles a grandeur and imitates the humidifying capacity of a larger form factor while maintaining a traditional standard size. Its length is approximately 7 inches (178mm) with 47 ring gauge that is thick and keeps the smoke cool and lasts longer. This consistent and prolonged experience makes Churchill cigars popular among seasoned-smokers.

The Churchill cigar is also an iconic size favored by politicians, celebrities, and historical figures like Winston Churchill himself. The unique combination of its classic length and robust thickness permits smokers to indulge in an hour-long smoking session without overpowering themselves with flavor or excessive nicotine content. Moreover, these cigars allow for an excellent balance of flavor from their tobaccos that blend well together.

One interesting fact about Churchill cigars is that they were not initially designed for Winston Churchill’s smoking preferences. Instead, it was named after him during his reign as Prime Minister because he preferred this particular size cigar during World War II. Eventually, after such popularity among smokers worldwide from politicians to commoners alike, it became known as one of the prominent forms of cigars in the world today.

Robust flavor in a robusto size, perfect for those who want a shorter smoke with a punch.

Robusto

A robusto cigar is a popular and well-known size in the cigar community. It typically measures around 5 x 50, with a thicker ring gauge that allows for a bolder profile. The size has become highly sought after due to its balanced flavor profile that suits both beginners and experienced smokers. The tobacco used in a robusto is typically aged longer, giving it a smooth, rich texture and depth of flavor. Despite its popularity, it is important to note that not all robustos are created equally; some may be more full-bodied or have different flavors depending on the blend and manufacturer.

According to ‘Cigar Shapes, Sizes And Colors’, “The Robusto size first made an appearance in Cuba during the early 1900s at the H. Upmann factory”.

Why settle for a regular corona when you can upgrade to the grande size and feel like the king of cigars?

Corona Gorda

A cigar size that is larger than the benchmark Corona size is known as ‘Corona Gorda.’ It has a ring gauge of around 50-54 and its length measures approximately six inches. The name ‘Corona Gorda’ means “fat crown” in Spanish, and this refers to its thick diameter at the head. Like other cigars with a wider diameter, Corona Gorda offers a longer smoking experience with more flavor changes.

The wrapper leaf of Corona Gorda is generally oily and smooth, which helps to keep the smoke cool while enhancing the richness of the flavor. Being a size suitable for intermediate-level smokers, it demands slow puffing so that one does not overheat or burn out the tobacco prematurely.

Notably, not all cigar manufacturers make Corona Gordas due to their large size. However, some iconic brands such as Cohiba, Padron and Davidoff are known for producing excellent versions of this classic size cigar.

I spoke to a seasoned smoker last week who told me that his first experience with a Cuban Corono Gorda was life changing. The complexity of flavors coupled with an intense smoking session had him hooked on fine cigars ever since.

Double Corona: For those times when you need a cigar that lasts longer than your last relationship.

Double Corona

A cigar that is longer and thicker than the benchmark size is known as a Double Corona in the cigar industry. It typically measures seven and a half inches in length with a ring gauge of 49 to 54, making it one of the largest cigar sizes available.

The Double Corona offers an extended smoking experience that can last over two hours due to its length and thickness. Since it is longer than a corona, smoking this size requires patience and commitment, but it rewards smokers with complex flavors that develop gradually throughout the smoke.

According to Cigar Aficionado, the longest recorded Double Coronas can range up to ten inches and are handmade in Cuba at the El Laguito factory for Cohiba brand cigars.

Why settle for a regular cigar shape when you can add some flair with a Panetela?

Panetela

With its long, slender shape, the Panetela cigar is recognized for its classic elegance. The size ranges from 5-7 inches in length with a ring gauge of typically 34 to 38. It is a popular smaller format and perfect for those who prefer to enjoy a lighter smoke.

The Panetela size can be found in both Parejo and Figurado shapes. Like other cigars that taper at one end, the Panetela has a subtle vanilla-like flavor as the concentration of ligero increases towards the tapered end.

It is worth noting that due to its small ring gauge, one may need to take more time when smoking this cigar so as not to overwhelm their palate with too much smoke.

According to ‘Cigar Shapes, Sizes And Colors’, some popular examples of Panetela cigars are Montecristo No.4 (Cuban), Romeo y Julieta Reserve Panetela (Dominican), and Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story (Dominican).

Why settle for a regular cigar when you can add some length with a Lonsdale? (Don’t worry, size isn’t everything.)

Lonsdale

With its distinct size, Lonsdale is a type of cigar that is loved by many aficionados. It measures between 6 1/2 to 7 inches long with a ring gauge of about 40 to 44, making it a medium length and width cigar. Lonsdales usually have a pointed cap and offer a sweet and creamy flavor profile with hints of spice. They are perfect for those who prefer a mild-to-medium smoking experience.

This elegant cigar shape was named after Hugh Cecil Lowther, the 5th Earl of Lonsdale. Due to its unique size, Lonsdales take longer to smoke and allow the smoker to enjoy the subtle nuances of flavor that develop over time. It is also recommended to smoke these cigars slowly so as not to overheat them, which can result in bitterness.

Interestingly enough, some famous people who were fans of the Lonsdale cigars included author Ernest Hemingway, magician Harry Houdini and Britain’s Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

(Source: ‘Understanding Cigar Sizes’)

Go big or go home – the Grande size is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their cigar.

Grande

With regards to cigar sizes, ‘Grande’ cigars are known for their larger ring gauge. Typically measuring between 6 and 8 inches long, these cigars are usually 50-60 ring gauge in size. This bigger size results in longer smoke time and fuller flavor.

Grande cigars offer a tremendous smoking experience due to the fact that they contain a more extensive amount of tobacco than other sizes. The additional tobacco leads to increased complexity, creating richness and full flavors that many aficionados prefer. Due to the large surface area of the wrapper, with a Grande cigar offers a unique smoking experience which can make savoring it particularly special.

Grande cigars also come in an array of styles including Parejos and Figurados, offering more options for smokers with unique preferences. Additionally, some brands such as Arturo Fuente have perfected blends specifically designed for Grande size cigars.

One true story is that Winston Churchill himself favored the larger sized cigars referred to as “Churchills“. These grandiose smokes were named after him as he was rarely seen without one in hand – solidifying the smoke’s position among elite iconic indulgences.

Get ready for some twisted shapes and sizes in the world of cigars with Figurados.

Figurados

When it comes to cigars, I’ve always been fascinated by the wide range of shapes and sizes available. One particular group of cigars that caught my attention are figurados. Figurados are cigars that are tapered at both ends, giving them a unique shape that sets them apart from traditional cigars. In this section, I want to explore three specific types of figurados: the pyramid, belicoso, and torpedo. Each offers its own distinct smoking experience, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on each of them.

Pyramid

With a conical shape that tapers off towards the head, the Pyramid is one of the most challenging and unique cigar shapes. Its head is usually pointed, and its foot can either be round or flat. This shape requires an expert roller to create a perfectly shaped pyramid cigar with an even burn. Pyramid cigars offer a complex smoking experience with varying flavors throughout, due to the change in diameter along its length.

The tapered shape of the Pyramid allows for a gradual release of flavors and aromas from the tobacco, leading to a full-bodied smoke with rich notes of wood and spice. With every draw, more intensity builds up towards the pointed tip, which delivers a concentrated burst of flavor. This unique blend adds depth and richness to each puff that cannot be found in any other cigar shapes.

One interesting detail about this shape is that it tends to require more attention when smoking due to its smaller ring gauge at the tip. Cutting too much off would result in a loose draw and affect its structural integrity. Therefore, it’s recommended to cut slightly below the tip’s cone while lighting up.

To get the most out of your pyramid cigar smoking experience, pair it with a good whiskey or scotch drink that has similar woody or spicy notes. The longer length of this shape provides ample time for indulging in your selected beverage while allowing you to savor every variation in flavor brought forth by each draw.

Get ready to take on the belicoso, a cigar size that’s not for the faint of heart.

Belicoso

Belicoso cigars were initially created by the Hoyo de Monterrey brand in Cuba during the early part of the 20th century. It quickly gained popularity among cigar enthusiasts worldwide due to its distinct size and shape. Today, Belicosos are still produced by some of the top cigar brands, including Arturo Fuente, Ashton, La Gloria Cubana, Montecristo, and Partagas.

Why settle for a regular cigar shape when you can have a Torpedo?

Torpedo

A torpedo cigar is a type of figurado that tapers sharply towards the head or cap, producing a pointed shape. This cigar has become increasingly popular among aficionados due to its unique shape which influences the flavour and overall smoking experience. Torpedo cigars take longer to light and require more patience than parejo-shaped cigars, but their pointed tips allow for a more concentrated smoke. Additionally, torpedo cigars have a variety of wrapper types ranging from natural to maduro, providing smokers with further diversity in taste.

Smoking a torpedo can be an event in itself – an opportunity to savor the complexity of flavors it presents. As you gently toast the foot of the cigar with your lighter’s flame, notice how the natural oils shimmer on its surface; then commence your slow draw until you’ve brought it to life. The tapered shape lets you enjoy dense smoke as you progress further up into its pointed tip. For fans of complex tastes and aromas, this makes for an enlightening evening.

Interestingly enough, one brand claims that when smoking their torpedo cigar through a truly specific routine, it will pair as well with bourbon better than anything else in existence. Just imagine pairing this luscious cigar topped with your favorite single malt at any occasion!

Wrapping Up Different Cigar Shapes and Sizes

After discussing the various sizes of cigars, it can be concluded that each size offers a distinct set of characteristics, including flavor, strength, and smoking time. Cigar length and ring gauge also contribute to the smoking experience. The size choice ultimately depends on personal preference and occasion. It is important to note that the size can impact the aging process and the quality of the cigar.

Furthermore, it is recommended to try different sizes to discover one’s preferred cigar profile. Experienced smokers suggest starting with smaller sizes and gradually moving up to larger sizes. This allows for a better understanding of how the size affects the smoking experience. Additionally, storage conditions should be considered when aging cigars to maintain optimal quality.

Five Facts About Cigar Sizes:

• ✅ Cigars are measured by length and ring gauge, which is a designation of a cigar’s diameter broken into 64ths of an inch. (Source: Team Research)
• ✅ A cigar’s size does not determine its strength; the strength is determined by the tobacco it is rolled with. (Source: Team Research)
• ✅ Parejos are straight-sided cigars and come in a variety of sizes, including the benchmark size Corona and the popular Robusto. (Source: Team Research)
• ✅ Figurados are cigars that are not straight-sided cylinders and include shapes such as Pyramids and Torpedoes. (Source: Team Research)
• ✅ Double Coronas are large smokes that are steadily decreasing in popularity and are harder to find in cigar stores. (Source: Team Research)

FAQs about Cigar Sizes

What are the different cigar shapes and sizes?

The shapes and sizes of cigars vary greatly from brand to brand. Cigars are measured by length in inches and ring gauge, which is the diameter of the cigar broken into 64ths of an inch. There are two main categories of cigars: parejos, which are straight-sided cigars, and figurados, which are any cigars that are not straight-sided cylinders.

What is the benchmark size for cigars?

The corona is the benchmark size for cigars, with traditional dimensions of 5 1/2 to 6 inches in length and a ring gauge of 42 to 44. It is the size against which all other sizes are measured.

How is the strength of a cigar determined?

The strength of a cigar is determined by the tobacco it is rolled with, not by its size. A thin cigar rolled with powerful tobaccos will be full-bodied, while an 8-inch cigar made with mild tobaccos will be mellow. It is important to note that there is no consistency of strength from brand to brand.

What does “robusto” mean in cigars?

Robusto is a short, fat cigar that has become the most popular cigar size in America. The size is generally 4 3/4 to 5 1/2 inches in length and 48 to 52 ring gauge in diameter.

What are the different types of figurados?

Figurados include any cigar that is not a straight-sided cylinder. The basic categories of figurados are pyramids, belicosos, and torpedoes. Pyramids have tapered heads, while belicosos are short pyramids with slightly rounded heads. Torpedoes have a pointed head and are not as well-defined as other cigar sizes.

How do I read a cigar size chart?

A cigar size chart will usually list the name of the cigar size, its length in inches, and its ring gauge in 64ths of an inch. For example, a corona might be listed as “5 1/2 x 42,” which means it is 5 1/2 inches in length and has a diameter of 42/64 of an inch.