Cigars come in many shapes and sizes, each with its own distinctive characteristics. Among these, few sizes command as much respect and reverence as the Churchill. Named after the iconic British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, this format is loved for its generous length, elegant appearance, and richly evolving flavors. In this post, we’ll dive deep into what makes a Churchill cigar so special—from its historical roots to practical tips on enjoying every inch of this classic smoke.
Winston Churchill (1874–1965) was not only an influential political figure—leading Britain through World War II—but also a larger-than-life personality known for his wit and confidence. Cigars were a part of his personality, as he would often be photographed or painted with a cigar in hand, and his personal brand became inseparable from the image of a long, robust cigar.
Churchill reportedly favored Cuban cigars, especially Romeo y Julieta. Over time, his preference for a larger cigar with a substantial length and medium-to-full body came to be recognized as its own category.
Though various factories and brands had produced larger cigars before, the “Churchill” gained traction in the mid-20th century. As the cigar industry grew and standardized popular shapes (e.g., robusto, toro, corona), the “Churchill” became a recognized term, indicating a cigar that’s typically 7 inches in length with a 47–50 ring gauge.
Most Churchills measure around 7 inches long, with a ring gauge that hovers between 47 and 50. Some brands might slightly deviate from these dimensions—offering a 7 x 48 or 7 x 52—but they’ll still be classified within the Churchill family.
Because of its length, a Churchill offers a longer, slower burn. This extended smoking time allows flavors to develop in stages, often starting out milder and gradually intensifying. A good Churchill will transition through various flavor notes—woody, earthy, sweet, spicy—depending on the blend and the wrapper.
Churchills generally provide a 90-minute (or longer) smoke, depending on your pace. If you’re used to a robusto or toro, you’ll notice the difference in how the flavors change over a longer period. There’s more room for the tobacco’s natural oils to heat up and release nuanced tastes. However, this also requires a larger chunk of free time to enjoy properly.
While beginners can certainly start with a Churchill, the length, intensity, and nicotine might be a bit much. For newcomers, it might be wise to begin with something shorter or milder before committing to a 7-inch smoke. Seasoned smokers, on the other hand, can easily enjoy the complexity and nicotine that comes with a longer cigar.
Churchill cigars are often saved for special events or celebrations, whether it’s a wedding, holiday, or a personal milestone. They’re also perfect for a leisurely afternoon or evening when you can truly devote time to the experience. Smoking a Churchill is not something to rush.
Churchills, being longer and potentially a bit thicker than standard cigars, benefit from a consistent environment. Store them in a humidor set to 65–70% humidity and around 68–70°F. If you have a smaller humidor, be mindful of space—Churchills can be too long for compact models.
Many aficionados like to age Churchills for a year or more. The extra time in a stable environment can mellow out sharp edges in the blend, leading to a smoother and more harmonious flavor profile. If you intend to age them, rotate the cigars periodically to ensure even humidity distribution.
If you’re new to cigars, or even an experienced smoker, using the right cigar accessories can completely change your experience. Shop Cubano Central for humidors, cigar cutters, and lighters to make sure you get the most out of your cigar.