Cigar Sizes, Shapes & Colors: The Different Types of Cigars

When it comes to the different types of cigars, there’s a vast number of different cigar sizes, shapes, and colors that all affect the flavor and overall smoking experience. In this post, we’ll explore the different types of cigars, how they vary, and why size and shape can impact your experience.

The Classic Cigar Sizes

When it comes to cigar sizes, three of the most popular options are Robusto, Corona, and Panatela. These are what many cigar enthusiasts would consider standard-sized cigars, typically ranging between 5 to 6 ½ inches in length. Their ring gauges, which measure the thickness of the cigar, are also quite standard and deliver a familiar, well-balanced smoking experience.

Robusto

The Robusto is the go-to size for many cigar smokers due to its excellent balance between smoking time and flavor. Measuring between 4 3/4 to 5 1/2 inches with a ring gauge of 48 to 52, it offers a solid, flavorful smoke without being too long. This ring gauge popular because it provides the perfect amount of flavor – not too narrow overpowering, and not too large where the air downs out the flavor. This makes it perfect for those who want to enjoy a full-bodied cigar in a relatively short time.

Corona

The Corona is a classic size that’s slightly more narrow and long compared to the robusto. Typically around 5 1/4 inches in length with a 42 ring gauge, it offers a medium-length smoking session that lets you appreciate the cigar’s natural taste without feeling rushed. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a cigar that’s not too short or too long, and enjoy a little bit of a more concentrated flavor than a robusto, making it a great choice for various occasions.

Panatela

Slimmer and longer than many of its counterparts, the Panatela offers a more refined and elongated smoking experience. Its dimensions can vary significantly, but classic Panatelas are often over 6 inches long with a ring gauge of 34 to 38, catering to those who enjoy a longer smoke with a concentrated flavor profile.

For smokers who prefer a longer, more refined experience, the Panatela is a great option. These cigars are usually over 6 inches long and have a slimmer ring gauge of 34 to 38, which results in a slower burn and a more focused flavor. The Panatela is perfect when you want to take your time and savor the cigar, offering a more prolonged smoking experience with a more concentrated flavor profile that’s different from the more common, thicker cigars.

Larger Cigar Sizes

Toro

The Toro is a step up in size from the Robusto, typically measuring around 6 inches in length with a ring gauge between 50 to 52. This size is perfect for smokers who want a longer, more satisfying smoke without committing to the larger Gordo sizes. With its balanced length and thickness, the Toro offers a bit more smoking time while maintaining a rich, consistent flavor throughout.

Gordo

The Gordo is the heavyweight of the cigar world, known for its impressive ring gauge of 60 or more and lengths that range from 6 to 7 inches. Its larger size provides a cooler, slower burn, giving smokers a more extended and immersive experience. Enthusiasts who enjoy taking their time and savoring every draw often gravitate toward the Gordo for its ability to deliver a deep, full-bodied smoke over a longer period.

Churchill

Named after the famous British leader Winston Churchill, the Churchill cigar is one of the longest cigar sizes available. Typically measuring between 7 and 8 inches with a ring gauge of 44 to 52, it’s designed for smokers who enjoy a leisurely, extended smoking session. The ring gauge is similar to that of a classic robusto, so the the only thing that changes about this shape is the duration of your smoke, typically lasting between 2 – 2 1/2 hours. Many cigars, such as the Cohiba Red Dot, come in a robusto size and a Churchill size, where the flavors and intensity are about the same, but the length of which the cigar lasts heavily varies.

Other Cigar Sizes

Lancero

The Lancero is a long and slim cigar, typically measuring around 7 1/2 inches in length with a ring gauge of 38 to 42. Its design emphasizes the wrapper’s flavor, offering a rich, concentrated taste that appeals to aficionados who appreciate the nuanced flavors of the cigar’s outer leaf.

Lonsdale

Longer than a Corona but slimmer than a Toro. Lonsdales measure approximately 6 1/2 inches by 42 ring gauge. This size is cherished for its balanced blend of flavor and smoking duration, providing a sophisticated experience that bridges the gap between shorter and longer cigars.

The Different Cigar Shapes

Torpedo

The Torpedo is a captivating shape that commands attention with its distinctive pointed cap, which gradually tapers towards the end. This shape is often prized for the control it offers over the smoking experience; the smoker can cut the cap to their preferred size, which can alter the draw and intensity of flavors. Torpedoes are a testament to the skill of the cigar roller, requiring precise craftsmanship to achieve their iconic silhouette.

Box Pressed

Box Pressed cigars are unique, not just in their rectangular appearance but also in the experience they provide. Traditionally, these cigars are pressed into a box shape, which is said to intensify the flavors and slow the burn rate, offering a longer, more leisurely smoking experience. This shape also provides a comfortable feel between the fingers and lips, making it a favorite among many smokers for both its physical and sensory qualities.

Parejos

Parejos represent the classic cigar shape: cylindrical with a rounded head, embodying the traditional cigar silhouette. This shape is the foundation of cigar making, offering a consistent and straightforward smoking experience. The uniformity in size and shape makes Parejos a reliable choice for those seeking a traditional smoke without the complexities of more exotic shapes.

Pyramid

Pyramids are easily recognized by their gradually tapering body, which narrows from a thick base to a pointed cap. This design allows for a concentrated smoking experience, as the tapering shape helps to funnel the smoke, intensifying the flavors and aroma. The wider base also means the cigar starts off mild and gradually builds in intensity, providing a complex and evolving experience.

Culebra

The Culebra is perhaps the most visually striking and unusual of all cigar shapes. Consisting of three slender cigars braided together and then tied at both ends, the Culebra is more than just a cigar; it’s a conversation piece. Traditionally smoked separately, each strand of the Culebra offers a unique, mild to medium-bodied experience. This shape is a symbol of camaraderie and craftsmanship, often shared among friends for a special occasion.

Perfecto

The Perfecto shape is characterized by its closed foot, rounded head, and a bulge in the middle. This shape offers a complex smoking experience; the closed foot requires a careful light, leading to a gradual intensification in flavor and aroma as the burn progresses past the bulge. Perfectos are considered a sign of the roller’s expertise, showcasing their ability to craft a cigar that provides an evolving and enjoyable experience.

Cigar Colors and Flavors

The color of a cigar’s wrapper not only affects its appearance, but also plays a significant role in its taste profile. Lighter wrappers tend to offer smoother, milder flavors, while darker wrappers are associated with more robust, intense taste experiences. Understanding this can help smokers choose cigars that best suit their flavor preferences.

Light Cigars

Light cigars, often wrapped in a pale Connecticut or sometimes a delicate Claro leaf, carry with them a reputation for a smoother, more mellow smoking experience. These cigars offer subtle complexities that can range from creamy textures to hints of cedar, nuts, and a gentle touch of spice. Light cigars don’t have an overwhelming the palate, but rather a light taste to the cigars flavor profile. These are also perfect for newer smokers, as darker cigars can be a bit much.

Dark Cigars

Dark cigars, often enrobed in a rich, Maduro or Oscuro wrapper, are the deep, resonant bass tones of the cigar orchestra. These wrappers undergo a longer fermentation process, which not only darkens their hue but also enhances their natural sugars, resulting in a profile that’s both sweet and robust. Their flavor profiles often encompass hints of dark chocolate, espresso, and sometimes a sweetness similar to molasses or dried fruit. 

Medium Cigars

Medium cigars offer a happy medium in flavor and strength between the light and dark cigars. These cigars often have a rich palette of flavors without being too strong in flavor. With a medium-bodied cigar, you might find yourself navigating through a landscape of flavors that can include the creamy sweetness of a light cigar, alongside the more pronounced notes of wood, leather, and spices typically found in their darker counterparts. Medium cigars are the versatile choice, well-suited for any occasion and any time of day, promising a satisfying journey for both the novice and the seasoned smoker.

Choosing the Right Cigar Size and Shape

Selecting the right cigar size and shape is a personal journey that enhances the smoking experience. By understanding the differences in cigar dimensions and how they influence smoking time and flavor, smokers can make informed choices that align with their preferences. Experimentation is key to discovering the perfect cigar for any occasion.

Shop Cigar Accessories

Whether you’re a long-time cigar enthusiast or new to cigars as a whole, you need the right accessories to accompany your cigars. It’s crucial to have a quality humidor to keep your cigars fresh and in prime conditions, a cigar cutter that won’t cause your cigar to unravel, and a cigar lighter that won’t go out on you. Shop our selection of cigar accessories to find the right tools for a quality smoke.

Cigar Sizes FAQ

Does cigar size and shape affect the flavor?

Yes, the size and shape affects the draw and airflow of the cigar, which in turn can change how much flavor you get from the cigar.

What is a Robusto cigar?

Robusto refers to the cigar size. It’s the most common size, typically measuring approximately 4 3/4 to 5 1/2 inches in length, and a ring gauge of 48 to 52.

Which cigars are best for beginners?

For most beginners, a smaller and lighter cigar is usually best. Darker flavors can sometimes be overpowering, and larger cigars may have too much nicotine for someone who doesn’t smoke regularly.