In terms of cigar sizes, there are several to choose from. Each size and style of cigar offers a different type of smoking experience and flavor, in addition to a longer or shorter burning time. Additionally, the different sizes can also have an impact on price, which can make choosing the right type difficult for anyone new to the cigar world.
There are many cigar sizes to choose from, based on style and type. Many standard styles will go by different names depending on the manufacturer and where they’re made.
Choosing the right size of the cigar is important since it can affect the draw, the burning time, how much the cigar smokes, and the overall flavor. When shopping for a cigar, you’ll notice there will be two numbers clearly written on the box and the wrapper. The two numbers listed will refer to the cigar’s length and diameter.
Size Options
Are you new to the wonderful world of cigars? If so, you probably stepped into it with the intention of imbibing in a relaxing activity after a long day or a tiring week. You probably did not think that you would have to make several decisions to experience the pleasures of smoking. What’s more, you would have to get them right to ensure optimum results.
One example is looking through different cigar sizes and choosing which one meets your needs the most. How big should your cigar be? You’ll be surprised how difficult it is to answer this seemingly simple question.
Cigars are available in all sorts of sizes and shapes, which can make it difficult to narrow it down to the cigar that’s right for you. There are also many conflicting terms used based on the country they are manufactured in. As an example, Americans will refer to a particular type of cigar as a double Corona, while the Cubans will call the same type of cigar a prominente.
Additionally, the cigar industry really hasn’t standardized the sizes, shapes, or their measurements. Because of this, it’s common for different brands to interpret the sizes in their own way.
Needless to say, going through the different types of cigars can be overwhelming, especially if you do not know what to look for. That said, there are ways to narrow down your options. Here are some simple tips to help you gain a better insight into cigar sizes.
Cigars are usually measured in inches and in ring gauge. The length of the cigars, such as Coronas, are measured in inches. Coronas are usually a little over five inches long.
The ring gauge refers to the diameter of a cigar. Since the ring gauge is usually pretty small it is typically measured by 64ths of an inch instead of a decimal. As an example, a Corona measures in at 0.68 inches, which equals 44/64. It’s then displayed as 44. The cigar’s overall dimension is displayed as 5.25×44.
Countries that use the metric system present the information in millimeters or centimeters for the gauge and the length. While many different sizes are done mainly for esthetics, the different sizes and shapes can actually impact your smoking experience. When a cigar is rolled into a different size or shape the tobacco may burn differently, which can impact the smoke time, aroma, and flavor. While in today’s cigar industry, there are a number of companies that have created their own names for the different size options available, there are some staples that will remain the same. Below you’ll find a list of the different shapes and sizes of cigars, which can make it easier for you to decide which type will be the best choice for you.
Parejo Styles
The individual sizes of cigars are usually divided into a couple of categories. In the first category, you’ll have the cigars that are known as Parejos. These are your basic round cigars and it retains its straight shape from the head to the foot. These cigars can vary in name and size, however, there are some common size options that have been used for decades.
Robusto
The Robusto size cigar has a typical length of 124 millimeters. It is one of the shortest Cuban cigar sizes you’ll find in the market. While it is not the largest ring gauge cigar, as its name implies, it is still pretty big.
These cigars feature a staple size that almost every cigar line does. It’s also packing a lot of flavor, and usually comes in a five by fifty size, however, this can vary slightly by brand. This is a perfect size for beginners to try out. They offer a smaller smoke time, however, they burn at a nice pace and give off plenty of smoke and flavor.
Robusto size cigars are also ideal for experienced smokers who like to light up at any hour of the day but have a shorter time to do it. You can have one during a short break from work or after a quick meal.
However, you’ll need to use the best cigar cutter to ensure you can easily, and cleanly cut a cigar of this size.
Petite Coronas
The Petit Corona is another popular option among cigar smokers, especially for those new to Cubans. It is one of the smallest among all the different types of cigars, not only in terms of length but also based on diameter. One Petit Corona would take 30 to 45 minutes to smoke, but it would ultimately depend on your personal pace.
This cigar has been around for centuries. It’s basically the smaller version of the standard Corona and measures in at around five and a half inches long with a ring gauge of thirty-eight. This type of cigar is very tightly packed, however, the tobacco is still packed loosely enough to allow for a deep draw. A real petite Corona produces an impressive amount of smoke. Because of the cigar’s compact size, it can even produce more smoke than the average-sized cigar. These cigars can be hard to come by since the larger ring gauge size is very popular these days.
Lancero
This cigar is very thin and long, measuring in at six and a half inches with a gauge size of thirty-eight. These cigars offer the most flavor because of the ratio of the filler tobacco to the wrapper. However, because of its thinner size, it’s easier for the smoker to get burned.
Toro
These cigars are probably the most recognizable. It’s basically the perfect middle ground cigar since it’s not too short or too long. Usually, a Toro is around six by fifty and is also referred to as a double Robusto. It offers a good amount of flavor and the perfect amount of smoke time. These cigars seem to burn more evenly compared to other styles of cigars, due to its gauge and length. These cigars are the most common size used by manufacturers.
Churchill
This is the only size of cigar on this list that takes its name from a famous person in history. This iconic style of a cigar is named after Winston Churchill, the legendary prime minister.
Sir Winston Churchill typically smoked between eight to 10 cigars. However, many people say he lets them burn out most of the time so that he can chew on them instead. Nevertheless, you will often see a cigar in the former prime minister’s hand or mouth in old pictures or videos. It is safe to say that his cigar habit is one of the many things that defined him.
Rumor has it that the Churchill cigar was the result of his visit to a Romeo y Julieta factory in the latter part of the 1940s. Some believe it was not until the 1950s that the Churchill cigar first made an appearance.
Regardless of which school of thought is correct, the Churchill is now one of the most popular Cuban cigar sizes. It is not the largest ring gauge cigar you will find in the market, but just like its namesake’s personality, it is quite big.
Usually, these cigars measure in at around seven inches in length and have a gauge size of fifty. These cigars are considered after-dinner smokes since they last so long. If you’re looking for a cigar that’s long enough to last for an entire round of golf, these are the ones.
Figurado Styles
This term is used to describe any type of cigar with an irregular shape. So basically, any type of cigar that’s not considered a Parejo is known as a figurado. If the cigar doesn’t have a rounded head or straight edges it will be categorized as a figurado.
Torpedo
The most popular type of figurado is the torpedo. The shape of this cigar is very similar to that of a real torpedo, which is where it gets its name. Known to cigar aficionados by the name Piramides, it is a larger cousin of the Cuban pointed cigar.
This type of cigar can be rolled into pretty much any size, but the average torpedo cigar is usually six by fifty-two. The cigar will remain straight until it starts tapering to a sharp point. These cigars tend to smoke quite a bit and offer a nice even burn. They also offer one of the most recognizable shapes of any cigar, aside from the Toro.
A torpedo would typically take 45 to 60 minutes for you to smoke. However, it would depend on your unique smoking pace.
The tapered end of the cigar is much more than an aesthetic element. It actually enhances the richness of the cigar’s flavor and gives you an intense smoke. If you see a Torpedo cigar, you can expect it to be mild to full-bodied.
Perfecto
The perfecto cigars also have a very distinguishable shape. These cigars taper at the foot. When you light one, the draw may feel pretty tight, initially, but once it opens up it does have a very nice draw. It also offers an even burn thanks to the tapered foot. Some types of perfecto may also come with a tapered head, although they offer the same type of smoking experience that you’ll get from the standard perfectos.
Belicoso
These cigars are often confused with torpedos, but there are some subtle differences between the two sizes. In order to differentiate between the two, the torpedo features a taper that’s more gradual, whereas the belicoso remains straight until right before the head of the cigar where it features a quick, short taper. In terms of overall size, the belicosos are generally much smaller with the average size coming in at five and a half inches by fifty. However, there are belicosos that are around six inches in length.
Pyramid
The pyramid cigar is pretty easy to distinguish between the torpedo and belicoso. Obviously, from its name, it features a shape that’s very similar to a pyramid. These cigars have a more gradual taper that begins at the foot of the cigar and gradually grows smaller as you reach the head. These cigars are the largest type of figurados with an average size that measures in at six inches by fifty-four.
Related Questions
How Do You Cut a Figurado Cigar?
Once you’ve decided on a style and size of cigar to try, the next challenge is finding the right type of cigar cutter that can easily slice through the cigar for a neat and clean cut. A poor cut can ruin a cigar which is why you need to use a durable, sharp cigar cutter, such as the Alaska bear cigar cutter. To learn more, read my guide on how to cut a cigar in order to avoid many of the common mistakes new cigar smokers often make.
Does the Size of a Cigar Affect Taste?
Many smokers agree that the length of the cigar will not have much of an impact on the taste, however, the ring gauge can have an impact on the overall quality and taste.
If you want to learn how to pair each of those cigar types with a warm coffee in the morning, visit my full article on the topic!
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many different cigar sizes to choose from. The size and style can vary from brand to brand, but the styles I’ve included here are some of the most common. If you’re new to cigar smoking, experimenting by trying different types, flavors, sizes, and shapes, is all part of the fun. Hopefully, this guide has helped to point you in the right direction so you can find the perfect cigar for your next smoking experience.