Once you start the great hobby of cigar smoking you may ask yourself What Are Cigar Shapes And Sizes. Understanding the different sizes and shapes of cigars starts with knowing the anatomy of a cigar. Mastering the anatomy and the sizes and shapes will make you a true aficionado. Especially true when talking to others as you will sound like a master tobacconist.
Cigar Shapes And Sizes – Anatomy
There are three basic areas to a cigar to understand before you get to the point of understanding cigar shapes and sizes. The end of the cigar that goes into your mouth typically will have a cap. The other end of the cigar that you light is called the foot. The area between the cap and the foot is the body of the cigar.
The Cap & Shoulder
The Cap is a piece of Tobacco that is placed over the back end of the cigar. And the cap is attached to the body of the cigar by a vegetable based adhesive. If you look at the Cap of the cigar you can see a nice ring that runs around the cigar, look at the picture. The area where the cap attaches to the body of the cigar is called the shoulder. You want to cut the cap above the line of the cap and before the shoulder.
The Body
The body of the cigar is the nuts and bolts of the cigar. This is where the tobacco filler is placed. This can make or break a cigar for sure. You can read my post here describing the tobacco used for the filler.
So there is the filler tobacco that is placed in the body of the cigar. Then there is the binder tobacco that holds the filler in place. Finally, there is the wrapper that holds the cigar together. The combination of all the tobacco in the filler, binder and wrapper is what gives the cigar its complexity.
The Foot
This is the area where the action happens. Lighting the cigar happens at the foot. The foot of the cigar will typically be exposed tobacco for lighting. When you look real close at the foot of the cigar directly you can see the filler, binder and wrapper all in one.
The Ring Size Of The Cigar
Cigars are measured like most other things with length and width. However the width is measured in circumference and not across the cigar. This is what they call the ring gauge. So the ring gauge is the measurement around the cigar in 64ths of an inch. For example, a ring gauge of 36 is 36/64ths of an inch. Just like a 50 ring gauge is 50/64ths of an inch.
The length is typically in inches. However, in other countries the length may be noted in centimeters if they use the metric system.
An example of this measurement is a cigar that is 5 x 60. The cigar is 5 inches long and 60/64ths of an inch around the cigar or 60 ring gauge.
The Shape Of A Cigar
There are many shapes of cigars and trying to understand them all can be confusing. If you go to a cigar store and ask for a specific shape of a cigar. You still may not get what you want. Because not all workers will know cigar sizes and shapes.
However, if you know what you want and the basics of cigar sizes and shapes then you will be the true enthusiast. You may just educate the worker, which will just help him or her help the next person to a better degree. Remember that not all people who work in cigar stores know the sizes and shapes better than anyone else. Some employees could be there for a paycheck and not an enthusiast.
Ok, now lets get to shapes of cigars. There are two types of cigar shapes, Parejo and Figurado.
Parejo – This is the regular type of cigar that most people are familiar with. It has a rounded end with the cap. There is the shoulder that attaches the cap to the body of the cigar. Then there is the body of the cigar, which holds the filler and binder. Finally the foot of the cigar that you light.
Figurado – This is a cigar that is not straight but can come in different shapes. Some have a tapered cap and an open foot. Within this type of cigar you various shapes as noted below.
Cigar Shapes & Sizes - Parejos
Corona: This cigar is a typical Parejo cigar that comes in sizes ranged from 5 inches with a ring on average from 46-56. Average ring gauge is typically 48. One of the best cigar sizes to smoke for me depending on the time you are willing to take to enjoy the cigar.
Petit Corona: A smaller version of the Corona. This cigar measures between 4-5 inches and a ring gauge between 38-42. Great cigar if you are short on time. This could burn hot if you try to smoke it too fast so becareful.
Corona Gorda: Great cigar with a bigger ring gauge. You could have guessed it with the name Gorda. This cigar is still around 5-6 inches and a thicker ring gauge of 50 or even greater.
Double Corona: As per the name this cigar is bigger and fatter. Measuring around 6 1/2 inches with a ring gauge over 50. You need some time to enjoy this cigar as it will take you a good hour or more to enjoy. Interesting note is that Hoyo De Monterey had a Double Corona named Prominente that scored 99 points at Cigar Aficionado.
The Other Parejos
Churchill: The grand master of all cigars. Named after Winston Churchill. This cigar typically measures over 7 inches and is thick like a double corona with ring gauges 50-to even 60. This is an all day smoke for sure. Going to play a four hour round of golf, then this is the one you light up on the first tee and finish on the 18th green.
Robusto: This is a shorter cigar that is also a Parejo. It will be in shorter sizes ranging from 4-6 inches and ring sizes like above from 46-56.
Panetela: There are a lot of people who like the thin cigars. Therefore a panatela is a great option. Measuring around 6 inches but a ring gauge of around 38. There are some really good cigars in this category if you are willing to accept a small thin cigar.
Lonsdale: This is the cigar that is bigger than a panetela and smaller than a corona. It reminds me of the three little bears story. “This one is too big and this one is too small and this one is just right.” That is the case for most people in the cigar smoking world also. Measuring around 6 1/2 inches with a ring gauge of 42 on average.
Cigar Shapes and Sizes -Figurados
Pyramid: If you want a cigar that looks like a pyramid, then this is the one for you. The head of the cigar is tapered like the top of a pyramid. The foot of the cigar is open. The typical size is around 6 inches long with a ring gauge of around 50. However, there can be many different shapes and sizes with this shape.
Belicoso: A smaller version of the Pyramid but with a less tapered head. The head of the cigar has a taper to it, but not as obvious as the pyramid shaped cigar. Smaller ranges of sizes and shapes but average around 5-6 inches and a ring gauge of 48-52.
Perfecto: A cigar with a closed foot and a tapered head. Unique looking cigar that appears to have a bulging midsection because the head and foot are closed. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes but the main point is the shape of the cigar. Arturo Fuente has the most popular one with it’s Hemingway series.
Torpedo: A great smoking cigar but not much different than a pyramid cigar. It will have a tapered head and an open foot. The two cigar names are used interchangeably in most circles of discussion. Average sizes are similar also with a length of around 6 inches and a ring gauge of 48-56.
Culebra: This is by far the coolest looking cigar you will ever see or smoke. Looking like a twisted vine you will never mistake this cigar for anything else. Coming in various sizes but the shape is what it is all about.
Conclusion
Learning cigar shapes and sizes is not difficult. There are two basic shapes Parejo and Figurado. Then find the cigar in that category that fits your personality and smoking type. Once you know the basics you will be able to find your perfect cigar size and shape for every occasion.
All The Best,
Dr. B