Are you confused by the various sizes and shapes of cigars? Wondering about the differences between the main types of formats? Eager to discover the different cigar types?
This guide will assist you.
If you didn't know already, the shape and size of cigars impact their intensity and smoking time. Each cigar is crafted and "blended" differently based on its shape and final size. This guide offers an overview of cigar shapes and sizes to help you find varieties that might suit you better.
Among the most common types of cigars are:
- Lancero
- Churchill
- Gordo
- Belicoso
- Corona Gorda
- Panetela
- Double Corona
- Robusto
- Corona
- Gordito
And an indescribable one to discover.
In this article, we'll also cover:
- How to decipher cigar sizes
- The two main categories of cigar types
- The 10 (+1) most common types of cigars
Keep reading to learn more.
Understanding Cigar Sizes
Cigars are traditionally measured in imperial units, sometimes in metric units. The length and diameter (often referred to as "ring gauge" or "ring size") are measured in inches, with a slight complexity for the diameter.
Indeed, since a cigar's diameter is often less than an inch (with some exceptions), it's measured in 64ths of an inch for precision.
Here are two examples to better understand (remember 1" = 2.54 cm):
- A Robusto has an average diameter of 50, which corresponds to 50 / 64 = 0.78". The diameter is 0.78 inches. In cm, this is 0.78" x 2.54 cm = 1.98 cm in diameter.
-
A Corona has an average ring gauge of 42, so it's 42 / 64 = 0.656" in diameter. This results in 0.656" x 2.54 cm = 1.66 cm in diameter.
For the length in inches, simply multiply the indicated value by 2.54. For instance, if a cigar measures 7" in length, the calculation is: 7 x 2.54 = 17.78. Therefore, the length is 17.78 cm.
Once you understand this system and practice with a few cigars, it becomes second nature.
Different Cigar Shapes
First and foremost, although it might surprise a newcomer, cigar shapes fall into two broad categories.
Let's present them!
Parejos
Parejos (shown on the far left in the illustration above) are straight cigars with rounded edges and an open foot that you light directly. The cigar needs to be cut from the head. Parejos can also be "box-pressed." Box-pressing indicates that the cigars are compressed in the box and take on a square shape.
Figurados
All other shapes fall under the Figurados category – cigars of varying shapes and sizes. Most often, their heads are rounded, and occasionally both ends are pointed, forming a tapered shape.
In simple terms, any shape that isn't Parejo is called Figurado. These shapes won't be conventional and sometimes have variable thickness throughout their length. Also, in some cases, shapes like Torpedo and Figurado are essentially interchangeable.
As shown in the illustration, among Figurados, you'll find shapes like:
- Chisel
- Torpedo
- Presidente
- Perfecto
- Pyramid
- Belicoso
- And more..
The same cigar can exist in different shapes or sizes, offering an impressive variety!
The 10 Main Types of Cigars
There are over sixty different cigar shape variations, often differing by just millimeters.
The purpose of this article isn't to present them all, but rather to list the most common ones and those that are distinct enough to be showcased.
Here are the ten most iconic cigar types in history:
1. Lancero No.1 (Laguito)
The Lancero is a Parejo that's part of one of the earliest Cuban cigar "formats." It was originally named El Laguito No. 1 after its manufacturer in Cuba.
Later, Davidoff released its version called the Cuban Davidoff No. 1 (which has since disappeared). This format was also Fidel Castro's favorite, associated with the Cohiba brand.
Lanceros are recognizable by their spiraled head.
Size: These cigars measure between 6.5 and 7.5 inches with a ring gauge between 38 and 44. That's approximately 16.5 to 19 cm in length and 1.5 to 1.66 cm in diameter.
2. Churchill
Originally called "Clemenceau," the manufacturer renamed this cigar in honor of Winston Churchill during his 1947 visit. It's a shorter version of the Corona, offered by most manufacturers. The Romeo y Julieta Churchill from Cuba truly popularized this shape.
Other well-known cigars also come in the Churchill shape, such as the San CristoBal Elegancia and San Cristobal Triumph, both from Nicaragua.
Size: Approximately 6 to 7 inches with a ring gauge of around 50 to 60. That's about 15.2 to 17.8 cm in length and 1.98 to 2.4 cm in diameter.
3. Gordo
This behemoth, anything but discreet, has carved a place among enthusiasts of Nicaraguan cigars. Some cigars like the Padrón 1964 Anniversary No.4 and La Aroma de Cuba Reserve Pomposo enjoy a solid reputation.
A Gordo often offers wide, warm draws that burn slowly.
Size: A ring gauge of 60+ and a length of 6.5 to 7.5 inches. This means its diameter is over 2.4 cm, and its length ranges from
4. Belicoso
Often confused with Torpedos due to their pointed heads, Belicoso cigars stand out with their slimmer and tapered shape.
Belicosos are nicknamed so because they resemble bullets and are somewhat a hybrid between Torpedo and Parejo cigars.
Size: The Ashton VSG Belicoso Number 1, measuring 13.3 cm in length and with a ring gauge of 2.06 cm, is a splendid example from the Dominican Republic. The Flor de Los Antillas Belicoso from My Father is surprisingly larger, measuring 15.2 cm with a ring gauge of 2.05 cm in an elegant all-Nicaraguan blend.
5. Corona Gorda
The Punch Punch is a beloved representative of this classic shape, as well as the Ashton Symmetry Prisms, which offer tremendous complexity thanks to a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos under a shining Cuban wrapper.
Size: Traditionally, Corona Gordas measure around 5.6 inches (14.3 cm) in length with a ring gauge of 46, but it can reach 48 on certain vitolas (approximately 1.82 to 1.90 cm in diameter).
6. Panetela
Put on a white shirt and enjoy this slender cigar between your fingers as you stroll down the street. The Davidoff Signature No.2 is a sophisticated and demanding cigar in this shape. Other cigars in this shape include the My Father No.4 and the Tatuaje Black Petit Lancero.
Size: Variable length, ranging from 5 to 7.5 inches, with a slim ring gauge between 34 and 38 (approximately 12.7 to 19 cm in length and 1.35 to 1.5 cm in diameter). Cigars with a ring gauge of 39 are sometimes even referred to as Lanceros.
7. Double Corona
The most renowned representative of this shape is the Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona. In a different vein, the Ashton Heritage Double Corona also has its followers.
Size: This type of cigar has a diameter of 1.94 cm and a length of 19.4 cm. Honduran versions tend to be slightly thicker at 19.2 cm with a diameter of 2.3 cm.
8. Robusto
The most popular cigar shape in the United States. The epitome of this shape comes from Cuba with the Cohiba Robusto. However, other vitolas deserve attention as well, such as the Ashton Magnum and the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Robusto, offering the quintessence of the Dominican Republic.
Size: "Small but strong" is what comes to mind when seeing a Robusto. It measures 12.7 cm in length with a ring gauge of 1.98 (a true stout).
9. Corona
The Corona is the "normal" cigar. Ashton Coronas are good, mild, versatile cigars. In the higher range, the Davidoff Grand Cru No.2 delivers surprises. For more character and boldness, the Partagas Super Partagas is a sure bet.
Size: The "standard" cigar size. Its ring gauge ranges from 42 to 44 (approximately 1.66 to 1.74 cm) with a length of 13.3 cm.
10. Gordito
Vake a Robusto, shorten it, and pump it with steroids, and you get a Gordito. Gorditos were widely popularized by Oliva with their Nub cigar line. This short and robust cigar with a thick ring gauge offers a long, full smoke.
The Gordito is ideal when you're in the mood for a cigar but don't have time for a larger vitola.
Size: The Gordito is a successful hybrid between a Robusto and a Gordo. It takes the diameter of the former while approaching the length of the latter. This results in a cigar around 11 cm in length with a ring gauge of 2.4 cm.
11. Unclassifiable Bonus: Culebra
The meaning of "Culebra," which translates to "snake," might surprise you less upon seeing this rather unique cigar! Crafted by braiding three Panetelas together, making them is no easy feat. The roller must keep the tobacco moist to minimize the risk of breakage during twisting.
Once completed, the three cigars are bound together with a ribbon and lace at their ends. The original appearance is accompanied by the option of not smoking all three cigars simultaneously, but rather separating and sharing them with friends. A surprise indeed!
Size: The Partagas Culebras measures 14.6 cm in length with a ring gauge of 39 (approximately 1.54 cm). This diameter corresponds to one of the cigars.
Embark on your cigar hunt!
You've just had a glimpse of the cigar types that exist. This article focused on the most well-known ones, but unfortunately, the numerous variations can be quite confusing. Names can sometimes mislead smokers, and an appellation used in one country might not be the same elsewhere.
Cuban cigars, for instance, are sometimes called "Prominente," while Americans might use the commercial name "Double Corona." Even more frustrating is that the industry never standardized cigar shapes, weights, or sizes. This means that many brands have different interpretations.
But... all this "lore" is part of the smoker's adventure, making the discovery of their favorite cigar even more unforgettable!
Once you find it, remember to store it in optimal conditions. For that, nothing beats a wooden cigar humidor.
>> Discover our collection of cigar humidors in our shop!
