Shape matters for a good time - Cigar lovers exude a certain class when they smoke. Beyond elegance, every smoker wants a unique experience, which is achieved by the shape of the cigar. There are mainly 2 appearances for habanos. On the one hand, the classic and straight aspect, including the Parejos. And on the other hand, the slightly more original appearance of the Figurados.
Do the shapes of the cigar change its taste?
There are different shapes of cigars, each of which has an influence on the smoking experience. However, it is important to note that small-diameter cigars satisfy more quickly than those with a more developed ring gauge. This is because, due to their larger size, they concentrate less of the nicotine per square centimetre of smoke. Therefore, thick cigars are more succulent.
Thus, with the Figurados cigar, whose head is pointed at its ends, the smoker will experience a succession of varied flavours. At first, there will be a slight spicy taste during the first inhalations. Then the cigar will become richer in aroma as the smoke approaches the 'divine' aspect of the Habanos (the middle).
In addition, with the long cigar, the smokes are not too hot, allowing the smoker to enjoy richer aromas. The thicker cigar, on the other hand, burns slowly and has a more pronounced flavour. The smoker can therefore feel more aromas in his mouth.
The Parejo, the traditional cigar shape
As the cigar has been made for centuries in Latin America and mainly in Cuba, it is usually seen in the Parejo form. In fact, this is its most common appearance. Its development is relatively easy, as it does not require extensive knowledge of how to roll tobacco. As for its appearance, it is simple but effective. The producer only has to roll it without too many details: identical diameter all along the stem. In addition, the rod is straight and the ends are flat.
A straight, cylindrical cigar
The Parejo is a sober and classic cigar. It is characterised by its cylindrical appearance and its static shape. Like a cigarette rod, its thickness does not vary from one end to the other. Its diameter therefore remains unchanged throughout the cigar. Nevertheless, the taste will not remain the same as the smoker enjoys it. The head of the Parejo is rounded and flat. In this case, it will have to be trimmed a little before smoking begins.
The different types of Parejo
The most common shape of the Parejo is cylindrical. To preserve this appearance, the cigars are usually packaged to order. Each habano has its own place in the box so that each rod retains its characteristics in terms of appearance and taste. However, this is not the only form of the classic cigar.
Square Parejos
Some Parejos are not cylindrical, but square. Historically, this was due to packaging and economic concerns. In fact, the manufacturers manufacturers stacked their cigars next to each other. The aim of this stacking was to save paper and money by putting as many habanos as possible in the box. In this way, the makers earned much more while reducing production costs.
Square Parejos burn longer. Therefore, even if the smoker is sometimes distracted, he will at least avoid relighting his cigar too often. Moreover, the change in taste is minimal for this type of cigar. This is because the tobacco is well compacted as a result of piling up. The flavours are divided accordingly.
Cigars in spiral form
Other Parejos have an unorthodox shape. This is the case of the Culebra. This cigar is obtained by intertwining three fairly thin Parejos, better known as Panatela. Once the rods are tied, its makers will put a band at each end. Although the cigar looks unusual, it is a Parejo because its diameter does not change. In fact, it is only 3 classic rods that the manufacturers braid together.
The tobacco used here is relatively more humid than usual so that the cigars do not break. It should be noted that the Culebra is not smoked in one go, as this can lead to respiratory problems. Generally, each component of the snake is consumed individually.
Shapes of the Parejos according to their dimensions
Apart from the distinction between Parejos and Figurados, the shape of some cigars is specific. Indeed, even if most Parejos are similar, each stem is unique and has its own name and a predetermined aspect according to its dimensions.
Gordito Cigar
This cigar is small, but strong. It is 114 mm long and 24 mm thick. It has a very thick band, which results in a rather large smoke.
Panatela Cigar
With a length of 115 mm and a diameter of 10.32 mm, this habano is quite small and thin. It is a classic cigar, as it has been around for several hundred years. Given its dimensions, this Parejo has long been considered a cigar especially suited to women. It takes about twenty minutes to smoke. Compared to the thicker ones, Parejos are relatively rare on the market today.
Lancero Cigar
With a length of 192 mm and a thickness of 15.08 mm, the Lancero is long and refined. This Parejo is quite rare and because of its highly sought after character, it has an aristocratic and elitist connotation.
Mareva Cigar
The Mareva is called the Small Corona and is 129 mm long. The diameter of its band is 16.67 mm. Despite its size, this cigar has the three types of tobacco traditionally used: ligero, seco and volado. The main difference is that it is rolled by hand and not by machine. Thanks to its low cost, it is very popular with smokers who are on a tight budget. And to consume it in its entirety, it takes about thirty minutes.
Perla Cigar
This cigar is nicknamed the very small Corona, because it is characterised by its small size. It is barely 102 mm long and has a thickness of 15.87 mm. It should be noted that after 20 minutes, the most experienced smokers will smoke the Perla.
Corona Cigar
This cigar is a benchmark in terms of the dimensions of Parejos. With a length of 142 mm and a diameter of 16.67 mm, it can be said to be the standard shape of cigars marketed worldwide, especially in the USA. One of the specificities of the Corona is that it burns harder while accumulating smoke slightly. This makes it quite tasty. Since this cigar is usually smoked as a digestif, it takes less than 2 hours to consume it completely.
Cervantes Cigar
This cigar is called Lonsdale. Its stem is 165 mm long and has a thickness of 16.67 mm. This Parejo is then almost identical in size to the Corona. Legend has it that an eponymous English lord had this line of cigars made especially for him. The Lonsdale has a rather aristocratic designation, but it still has a refined taste. It takes about an hour to smoke it completely.
Churchill Cigar
Smokers call it Julietta N2. This cigar is a tribute to the late British Prime Minister who was a fan of Habanos. The Churchill is 178 mm long with a diameter of 18.65 mm. The smoker consumes it for about 1 hour to enjoy a rich taste experience. The taste changes as the burning progresses. This is because the oil and smoke affect the tobacco inside.
Prominente Cigar
The Prominente is a very large cigar. It is well known as a double corona. Given its length: 194 mm, but also the rather large diameter of its stem: 19.45 mm, it will take more than an hour to finish. The Prominente is very aromatic. The more it is smoked, the more pronounced flavours the smoker experiences.
Robusto Cigar
At 124 mm long and 19.84 mm in diameter, the Robusto is considered by cigar enthusiasts to be a successor to the Corona. It is said to be smoked more and more by many people, especially in America. Its dimensions, especially its length of only 12.4 cm, make it a Parejo that can be smoked in less than an hour.
The Figurado, the stylish look of cigars
Figurados form the second family of cigars according to their shape. Their shafts are more diverse in appearance. Generally speaking, these cigars are distinguished by their varying dimensions. Some have pointed ends, others are relatively curved. Moreover, it takes a certain amount of professionalism to make these Figurados. Indeed, they are quite difficult to make given their appearance.
A cigar with rich dimensions
Cubans are cigar lovers. They like to smoke habanos with original shapes. Like the Parejos, these Figurados are known for their non-fixed shapes. Their main characteristic is related to their appearance. This is because these cigars have a diameter that changes along the stem.
Most of the time, the ends of these cigars are pointed. In some cases, however, their base and head may be more refined than their body. The body may be straight or curved. It is this variety of aspects that makes this type of cigar so rich.
Shapes of Figurados
The point that unites all Figurados is in fact their more extravagant and sometimes more stylish appearance. As a result, the sobriety and traditional, even monotonous appearance of classic cigars are forgotten in favour of an original design. Below are the most popular shapes of these unorthodox looking cigars.
Torpedo Cigar
Called Torpedo, Torpedoes are known for their missile-like shape. The smoker will enjoy his cigar by consuming it through the head of the rocket. The dimensions of this cigar are usually 152 mm long and 19 mm in diameter. Its thickness is much thinner at the head, which is its main characteristic. The head is also inclined, but in the form of a point.
Pyramid Cigar
The pyramid is a cigar that is thin lengthwise but not as thick at the top. And as the name suggests, the base is flat, but the head is bevelled. In this respect, the cigar is somewhat similar to torpedoes. However, its main difference is its dimensions. These are 156 mm long and 20.64 mm in diameter. The advantage of the pyramid also lies in the sensation obtained when the smoke is drawn in. The thin head of these cigars allows for a much greater concentration of flavours in the smoker's mouth.
Belicoso Cigar
Belicosos are a kind of hybrid between Parejos and Figurados. The name refers to the balls. This is explained on the one hand by the size of the cigar which is quite small: about 140 mm long and 20 mm in diameter. On the other hand, its tapered head is shorter, yet rounded.
Perfecto Cigar
Cigar lovers also call the Perfecto, Exquisito in Cuba. It stands out for its two pointed ends. This Figurado is usually conical in shape with a head and base that can be symmetrical. It provides precise flavours. Aromas such as chocolate or slightly spicy will be felt when consuming it. This is due to the concentrated tobacco on the tips of the habano.
In general, Excquisitos are 145 mm long and 17.82 mm thick. However, there are some large ones. An Excquisito called Presidente has a length of 203 mm coupled with a thickness of 22 mm. So this cigar is both long and thick. It should be noted that some of the thinner Perfectos are smaller and may even have a slightly curved body, but this depends on the type of cigar.
Because of the diversity of cigar shapes, their flavour and the experience they give the smoker are not the same. Their length and thickness, and even their curvature can change everything. But whether they are Parejos or Figurados, one thing remains: smoking in moderation.
