Cigars are a mainstay for smoking connoisseurs of almost all varieties, new or old. Moreover, the type of smoke used to relax has as much variety as the people who enjoy them, which may surprise some newcomers to the cigar scene.
What do we mean by variety? Let’s break it down. The cigar’s length, cigar shape, wrapper, and ring size–or circumference–primarily affect each style’s flavor and longevity, which can affect a person’s overall enjoyment of their smoke. What makes it so confusing is the lack of standardized sizing within the industry.
So, whether you need a cigar size chart or a description of each type, we have you covered.
Different Types And Cigar Sizes
Parejos
This cigar style is straight-edged or straight-sided, usually due to the packing process or the amount of pressure exerted on a stack within its packaging. It generally takes the shape of a long cylinder and usually requires cutting on one end. They can come in a few styles including the following:
Corona - 5.5 | 43
This cigar is the model against which all other cigars are gauged—measuring roughly 5.25 to 6 inches in length, with a typical ring width between 42 to 44. This is considered the ‘gold standard’ of cigars within aficionados, offering light smoke with a hotter burn.
Petit Corona - 4.5 | 40
This cigar, also known as a Mareva or “Half-Corona,” is a smaller version of the original Corona, perfect for a quick smoke. It measures roughly 4.25 to 4.5 inches in length, with a general ring size of 40 to 42.
Double Corona - 8 | 49
For those who want a full-bodied flavor that lasts for hours, the Double Corona is the perfect cigar. Measuring at an average between 7.5 to 8.5 inches in length and a ring circumference between 49 to 50, the Double Corona matches in flavor what it displays in size.
Corona Gorda - 6 | 48
This cigar, also occasionally referred to as a Toro, measures somewhere from 5.8 to 6 inches in length, with a ring gauge of 46 to 50. Lately, the larger measurement is increasing in popularity. It has a full flavor but only burns for about an hour.
Gran Corona - 9.25 | 47
Crowned as the “Presidente” of the Corona family of cigars, this full-bodied smoke is more of an experience than anything else. Measuring in length at around 9.25 inches and a ring gauge of 47, this cigar offers a longer burning smoke with a hardy aromatic experience similar to that of the Double Corona.
Churchill - 7 | 48
This style gained its name from the famous Winston Churchill, a lover of cigars. Measuring at a solid 7 inches in length and a ring width of 48, the Churchill offers a different sort of experience as the flavors evolve throughout its burn.
Robusto - 5 | 50
One of America’s most popular cigar styles, the Robusto is a full-bodied cigar that measures roughly 4.75 to 5.5 inches in length and a varying ring gauge of 48 to 52. It’s known for its short, stout appearance and the intense aromas that award it the title of “Robusto.”
Panetela - 6 | 36
This long, slender cigar measures anywhere from 5 to 7 inches in length with a ring gauge of 34 to 38. The Panetela cigar has a subvariety of “Gran Panetelas” when it begins to run past that 7-inch mark.
Lonsdale - 6.5 | 42
This variety of cigars–occasionally referred to as a “Cervante”–offers a unique and robust flavor with an elegant look. It usually measures around 6.5 inches in length to 42 ring width.
Figarados
While most cigars are parejos, many cigar manufacturers are broadening their horizons by employing creatively styled figarados. These cigars are not straight-sided, often tapering to a point at one or both ends. They can come in a few styles including the following:
Pyramid - 6.5 | 52
Pyramids cigars measure from 6 to 7 inches in length, with a ring gauge starting at 40 for the pointed head widening out at 52 to 54 near the flat, parejo-like foot. They’re enjoyed by many for their tapered design allowing the flavors to meld in the mouth.
Belicoso - 5 | 50
Belicosos are short pyramids, only superseded in their small stature by their miniature variety. They’re quantified in appearance by a slightly rounded pyramid tip. Belicoso cigars usually measure from 5 to 5.5 inches and have a ring gauge of about 50. Present Belicosos resemble tapered Coronas.
Torpedo - 6.5 | 52
Many companies claiming to have a Torpedo variety actually have a style of Pyramid, as a proper Torpedo possesses a closed foot and a bulge in the center. They measure roughly the same as a Pyramid, which is where the confusion may come from, as they’re approximately 6.5 to 7.5 inches long by a 50 to 54 ring gauge.
Perfecto - 4 to 9 | 38 to 48
The Perfecto is unique in that it generally possesses two tapered, rounded ends with a more prominent bulge in the middle. These vary the most in size, from a measly 4 inches to a whopping 9 inches in length, while their diameter can run anywhere from a 38 to a 48.
Culebra - 5.5 | 38
This cigar style has fallen out of favor in the present, but it is by far one of the most unique cigars on the market today. It gains its exotic shame from three Panetelas braided and tied with string, though sold as a single cigar. On the rarer side, this braided cigar measures 5 to 6 inches long, with a 38 ring gauge.
Diadema - 8.5 | 60
A larger variety of pyramid-shaped cigars, the Diadema is a full-bodied flavor measured at 8.5 inches with a ring size of 60.
Cigar Wrappers
Something less well-known about cigars is how their wrapping affects the flavor of the tobacco inside. Here are a few of the most premium wrappings grown and used today.
Double Claro or Candela
It’s a light green from the chlorophyll left behind, locking in the cigar’s flavor with a speedy drying process for the leaf.
Claro
It’s shade-grown, giving it a light tan color.
Colorado Claro
Its bright red-brown color and intense flavor come from being grown in direct sunlight.
Colorado
Shade-grown, this subtle tan leaf is the middle-of-the-road for cigar wrappings.
Colorado Maduro
It’s another tannish leaf with a distinct flavor.
Maduro
A mature leaf, varying from dark red to even black, offers the most robust flavor.
Oscuro
These leaves reach their stark black color by being left to mature the longest.
