A Comprehensive Overview of Cigar Shapes, Size and Color

Cigars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each offering a different smoking experience. From the slim and elegant Lancero to the short and stout Robusto, cigar aficionados have a plenty to choose from. The most common cigar shapes include Parejo, Figurado, and Presidente, with sizes ranging from Petit Corona to Double Corona. Understanding the different shapes and sizes can help smokers select a cigar that suits their preferences in terms of flavor, draw, and burn. Whether you prefer a mild Connecticut-wrapped Panatela or a bold Maduro-wrapped Churchill, exploring the world of cigar shapes and sizes can enhance your smoking enjoyment.

How to Size a Cigar

Sizing a cigar is an important factor in determining the smoking experience. The size of a cigar is typically measured by two dimensions: length and ring gauge.

1. Length: The length of a cigar is measured in inches. Cigar brands lengths can range from as short as 3 inches to as long as 10 inches or more.

2. Ring Gauge: The ring gauge of a cigar refers to its diameter, measured at 64ths of an inch. For example, a cigar with a ring gauge of 50 means the diameter of the cigar is 50/64ths of an inch.

Choosing a Cigar Size, Consider The Following Factors: 

Time: Larger cigars tend to have a longer smoking time, while smaller cigars offer a quicker smoke.

Flavor: Different sizes can affect the flavor profile of the cigar due to variations in the tobacco blend and the way the flavors develop during smoking.

Experience: Beginners may find smaller cigars easier to handle and smoke, while seasoned smokers may prefer larger cigars for a longer, more complex smoking experience.

Ultimately, the best way to determine the right cigar size for you is to experiment with different sizes and see which ones you enjoy the most. Experimenting with different lengths and ring gauges can help you discover your preferences and find the perfect cigar size for your smoking experience.

Does Cigar Size Affect Strength?

The size of a cigar does not have a direct impact on its strength. The strength of a cigar is predominantly influenced by the choice and combination of tobacco used rather than its physical dimensions. The filler leaves, a crucial part of the tobacco, are instrumental in shaping the strength characteristics of a cigar.

Although the size of a cigar can affect the overall smoking experience, including factors like smoking duration and draw, it does not inherently dictate its strength. The length and gauge of a cigar may enhance its flavor and complexity, but these aspects are subjective and can vary depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, when selecting a cigar, it’s important to contemplate variables such as the type of tobacco, the blend, and the smoker’s taste preferences for flavors and strength. These elements play a more significant role in determining the perceived strength of a cigar than its physical size.

Diving into Cigar Shapes

Parejos: Straight-Shaped Cigars

When it comes to choosing a cigar shape, there are various options to consider. One popular option is the Parejos, which are straight-shaped cigars.

Here are some common Parejos Cigar Shapes:

Corona: This is a classic cigar shape that typically measures around 5.5 to 6 inches in length. It has a ring gauge of about 42 to 44.

Churchill: Named after the British Prime Minister, Churchill cigars are longer and thicker than Coronas. They usually measure around 7 to 7.5 inches with a ring gauge of 47 to 49.

Corona Gorda: Similar to a Corona, but slightly thicker. This cigar shape typically has a ring gauge of about 46 to 48.

Double Corona: As the name suggests, Double Coronas are larger versions of the Corona shape. They are usually longer, around 7.5 to 8.5 inches, and have a ring gauge of 49 to 52.

Petit Corona: A smaller version of the Corona shape, Petit Coronas measure around 4.5 to 5 inches long with a ring gauge of 40 to 42.

Gordo: Gordo cigars are characterized by their thick ring gauge, which usually ranges from 54 to 60. They are shorter and squatter in appearance compared to the traditional Parejos.

Lancero: Lanceros are long and thin cigars, typically measuring around 7.5 to 8.5 inches with a ring gauge of 38 to 40. They offer a unique smoking experience due to their smaller diameter.

Panatela: Panatelas are long, slender cigars with a ring gauge of around 34 to 38. They are known for their elegant appearance.

Lonsdale: Lonsdales are similar to Coronas but slightly longer and thinner. They typically measure around 6.5 to 7 inches with a ring gauge of 40 to 42.

Robusto: Robusto cigars are shorter and thicker than Coronas, typically measuring around 4.5 to 5.5 inches with a ring gauge of 48 to 52.

Toro: Toro cigars are similar to Robustos but longer, typically measuring around 6 to 6.5 inches with a ring gauge of 50 to 52.

Exploring Figurados: Tapered Delights

Figurados are a unique type of cigar that is tapered in shape, with the blend and shape creating a distinctive smoking experience. The tapered shape can vary from a slight taper to a dramatic point, giving the cigar a visually striking appearance.

Figurados can be challenging to roll, requiring skill and expertise from the cigar maker to ensure an even burn and draw. The shape can also affect the way the flavors of the cigar develop as it is smoked, making the smoking experience dynamic and complex. Overall, figurados offer a different smoking experience compared to traditional straight-shaped cigars and are favored by many cigar enthusiasts for their visual appeal and unique flavor profile.

These are Three Figurados Shapes:

Belicoso

The belicoso is a short, tapered cigar with a rounded head that packs a punch in both flavor and style. Its compact size makes it perfect for a quick smoke break without skimping on the complexity of a premium cigar.

Pyramid

The pyramid cigar tapers to a point at the head, creating a shape reminiscent of its namesake. This elegant design allows for a gradual build-up of flavors, offering a dynamic smoking experience that unfolds with each draw.

Torpedo

The torpedo cigar features a pointed head and a wider foot, giving it a sleek and aerodynamic appearance. This shape concentrates the flavors towards the tapered end, providing a concentrated and intense smoking experience for aficionados craving complexity.

Understanding Cigar Wrapper Colors

Cigar wrappers exhibit a diverse spectrum of colors, ranging from the subtlest hues of greens and yellows to deep blacks. Similar to the seven fundamental colors composing a rainbow, there exist seven primary distinctions among wrappers. An easy way to grasp these color classifications is to associate the color “colorado” with its position at the midpoint of the color spectrum, akin to how Colorado stands at the heart of the United States.

The varying colors of wrapper leaves result from the myriad tobacco processing methods and the diverse strains of tobacco utilized. Moreover, sunlight can influence the coloration. Wrappers cultivated under sunlight typically possess a darker shade compared to those grown in the shade, even if they originate from the same seed strain.

Seven Widely Recognized Wrapper Color Categories: 

1. Double Claro (Candela):

The characteristic light green color of this wrapper is achieved through a rapid drying process involving heat, preserving the green chlorophyll of the tobacco. In the past, this wrapper enjoyed great popularity in the United States, often amusing Europeans.

2. Claro:

Sporting a light tan hue, this wrapper is typically cultivated in the shade under cheesecloth tents, with the plants being harvested early and the leaves air-dried. Claro wrappers are known for their subtle flavor profile, allowing the filler tobaccos to shine through.

3. Colorado Claro: .

A light reddish-brown shade, this wrapper is grown under direct sunlight and allowed more time to mature before harvesting.

4. Colorado: 

Positioned at the middle of the color spectrum, Colorado wrappers range from medium-brown to brownish-red, offering full flavor while maintaining a soft and delicate aroma. Often grown in the shade, these wrappers provide a balanced smoking experience.

5. Colorado Maduro:

Slightly darker than Colorado wrappers yet lighter than Maduro, this category showcases a deeper color profile.

6. Maduro:

Ranging from a rich reddish-brown to almost black, Maduro wrappers require a longer curing time compared to lighter shades. The term “Maduro” meaning “mature” in Spanish, highlights the robust, sweet flavors imparted by these wrappers, achieved through toasting in a pressure chamber or extended fermentation.

7. Oscuro:

Representing the darkest shade, Oscuro wrappers achieve their black-as-night color by prolonged leaf exposure on the plant, using only the top leaves, and undergoing an extended fermentation process. Often hailing from Brazil or Mexico, Oscuro wrappers are characterized by their rough texture, resulting from intensified fermentation. Referred to as “black,” “negro,” or “double maduro,” this category promises a flavor-rich smoking experience

Key takeaway: Improving your knowledge of cigar varieties elevates the experience of each smoke.

In conclusion, delving into the diverse world of cigar shapes and sizes can truly elevate your smoking experience. By understanding the nuances of each shape and size, you can match your desired flavor profile, draw, and burn preferences. Whether you gravitate towards the slender Lancero or the robust Robusto, there is a cigar waiting to be savored. So, next time you light up a cigar, remember that the perfect cigar size and shape can make all the difference in creating a truly enjoyable smoking session. Now relax, recharge and happy smoking!