Cigars come in many shapes and sizes, from corona and toro to Churchill and torpedo. No matter your preference, you’re bound to find one to suit your taste. If you’re a budding cigar aficionado, the many options can be overwhelming when selecting a cigar. The shape and size influence multiple parts of the smoking experience, including smoking time and flavor. Therefore, knowing the differences is important to choose one to suit your taste. To guide you along the way to becoming a full-fledged aficionado, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to some of the most common shapes and sizes!
How is a Cigar Measured?
First things first! To better understand the different cigar sizes, you should know the dimensions used to measure them. Cigar size is based on two primary dimensions: length and ring gauge. Both length and ring gauge are measured in inches. The ring gauge indicates the diameter of the cigar and is measured in 1/64ths of an inch, for example, a cigar with a ring gauge of 40 means that its diameter is 40/64ths of an inch.
Cigar Shapes:
Cigars are typically divided into two categories: parejo and figurado. Parejo cigars are characterized by their straight, cylindrical shape, featuring uniform dimensions from end to end. This category includes popular formats such as Corona, Churchill, and Robusto, each varying in length and ring gauge to provide different smoking experiences. On the other hand, Figurado cigars encompass a diverse range of non-traditional shapes, often with tapered or pointed ends. Examples include Pyramid, Torpedo, and Perfecto cigars, each offering unique smoking dynamics and flavor profiles due to their distinctive shapes. Whether it’s the classic simplicity of a Parejo or the intriguing complexity of a Figurado, cigar enthusiasts have a wide array of shapes to explore and enjoy.
Does Size Affect Your Cigar?
The size of a cigar affects your smoking experience in several ways including smoking time, flavor profile, as well as the draw and burn of the cigar.
Smoking Time
Both the length and gauge of a cigar dictate the burn time. Thicker cigars
Flavor Profile
Smaller gauged cigars offer a more concentrated and intense flavor. Cigars with a larger gauge offer a milder smoking experience because in a thicker cigar, there is a higher ratio of binder and filler tobaccos which helps mellow the flavors.
Draw and Burn
Typically, smaller gauged cigars burn hotter than thicker cigars. The tighter draw allows less air through resulting in a hotter burn. A thicker cigar enables more airflow, which leads to a cooler burn.
However, it’s important to note that the size doesn’t affect the strength of a cigar. The type of tobacco used in constructing the cigar determines its flavor and quality.
Does Shape Affect Your Cigar?
The shape of a cigar significantly influences the smoking experience in various ways including flavor concentration, draw and burn, smoke output, handling, and aesthetic appeal.
Flavor Concentration
Different cigar shapes impact flavor concentration differently. Figurado cigars, with their tapered ends, may offer a more nuanced taste experience compared to Parejo cigars, as the shape influences how flavors develop and intensify throughout the smoke.
Draw and Burn
The shape of a cigar affects the draw and burn, with variations in airflow resistance. Figurado shapes may provide a different draw compared to Parejo cigars, influencing how smoothly and evenly the cigar burns.
Smoke Output
Cigar shape also impacts smoke output, with Figurado shapes often producing less smoke compared to Parejo cigars due to their tapered ends. This can influence the overall smoking ambiance and aroma.
Handling
The shape of a cigar affects how it feels in the hand and mouth. Certain shapes may be more comfortable to hold and smoke, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the experience.
Aesthetic Appeal
Finally, cigar shape contributes to its aesthetic appeal. Figurado cigars, with their unique and visually striking shapes, can enhance the overall enjoyment of the smoking experience through their distinctive appearance.
Some of the Most Common Cigar Types
Parejo
Corona: Typically 5.5-6 inches long with a ring gauge of 42-44, offering a classic, balanced smoking experience.
Petit Corona: A smaller version, about 4.5 inches in length with a 40-42 ring gauge, perfect for a shorter, yet fulfilling smoke.
Churchill: Named after Winston Churchill, this cigar is around 7 inches long with a ring gauge of 47-50, for a long, luxurious smoking session.
Toro: Offers a satisfying length of 6 inches with a larger ring gauge of 50-54, for a robust flavor and smoke.
Robusto: Known for its richness, the Robusto measures about 4.8 to 5.5 inches with a ring gauge of 48-54, a popular choice for many.
Corona Gorda: A bit thicker and longer than the classic Corona, measuring around 5.5 to 6 inches with a ring gauge of 46-50.
Double Corona: A larger version for an extended experience, approximately 7.5-8.5 inches in length with a ring gauge of 49-52.
Panetela: Long and thin, this cigar is about 5-7.5 inches long with a slender ring gauge of 34-38, for a more delicate smoke.
Lonsdale: Slightly longer than the classic Corona, Lonsdale cigars are around 6.5 inches with a ring gauge of 42-44.
Grande: True to its name, the Grande is big, over 6 inches long, with a ring gauge varying widely but often over 60, for an extended, bold smoking pleasure.
Figurados
Pyramid: Features a tapered head, broadening to a thicker body, typically 6-7 inches in length with a ring gauge of 40 at the top, expanding to 52 at the bottom.
Belicoso: Similar to the Pyramid but shorter and with a less pronounced taper, about 5-5.5 inches long with a ring gauge around 50.
Torpedo: Like a Pyramid but with a closed foot, a pointed head, and is roughly 6 inches long, ring gauge starts smaller, broadens in the middle, and may narrow again.
Perfecto: Both ends are closed, with a bulge in the middle; lengths and ring gauges can vary widely, creating a unique appearance and smoking experience.
Diadema: Extremely large, often over 8 inches, with a ring gauge of around 40 starting off, swelling to 60 or more in the middle, tapering off at the end.
Culebra: Three slender, intertwined cigars, each about 5-6 inches long with a ring gauge of 38, making for a distinct, shareable experience.
These cigar types offer a rich variety in flavor, smoking time, and experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick, flavorful smoke or a long, contemplative session, there’s a size and shape for every preference. Happy smoking!