When it comes to cigars, size and appearance matter—but not always in the way new smokers might think. A cigar’s shape, size, and wrapper colour can influence the smoking experience, but they don’t always indicate strength. An 8-inch Churchill rolled with mild tobacco can be mellow, while a short, thin Panetela made with powerful blends can pack a punch.
To navigate this world with confidence, cigar enthusiasts measure cigars by:
- Length (in inches)
- Ring gauge (diameter, expressed in 64ths of an inch — e.g. a 42 ring gauge is 42/64″ wide)
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Popular Cigar Shapes & Sizes
1. Corona
The benchmark size, often used as a reference point for all others.
- Size: 5½–6″ x 42–44 ring gauge
- Example: Montecristo No. 3
2. Petit Corona
A smaller, quicker version of the Corona.
- Size: 4½” x 40–42 ring gauge
- Example: Montecristo No. 4
3. Churchill
Named after Winston Churchill, this format delivers a long, satisfying smoke.
- Size: 7″ x 47 ring gauge
- Example: Romeo y Julieta Churchill
4. Robusto
Short, stout, and today’s most popular size, especially in the US.
- Size: 4¾–5½” x 48–52 ring gauge
- Example: Cohiba Robusto
5. Corona Gorda (Toro)
A growing favourite, offering a balance of length and girth.
- Size: 5⅝” x 46 ring gauge (sometimes 6″ x 50)
- Example: Punch Punch
6. Double Corona
A cigar for long conversations and slow enjoyment.
- Size: 7½–8½” x 49–52 ring gauge
- Example: Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona
7. Panetela
Slim, elegant, and stylish, though less common today.
- Size: 5–7½” x 34–38 ring gauge (over 7″ = Gran Panetela)
- Example: Cohiba Lancero
8. Lonsdale
Longer than a Corona, thicker than a Panetela—an elegant middle ground.
- Size: 6½” x 42 ring gauge
- Example: Montecristo No. 1
9. Pyramid
A tapered head concentrates flavours beautifully.
- Size: 6–7″ x 40 (head) → 52–54 (foot)
- Example: Montecristo No. 2
10. Belicoso
Traditionally short pyramids, often evolving into Coronas with tapered heads.
- Size: 5–5½” x 50 ring gauge
- Example: Bolivar Belicoso Fino
11. Torpedo
Rare today, but distinctive for its bulge and tapered head.
- Size: 5–5 7/10″ x 42 ring gauge
- Example: Cuaba Exclusivos
12. Perfecto
Closed foot, bulging middle, rounded head—a classic old-world style.
- Size: 4½–9″ x 38–48 ring gauge
- Example: Cuaba Salomones
13. Culebra
Three Panetelas braided together—an exotic and social smoke.
- Size: 5–6″ x 38 ring gauge
- Example: Regius Culebras (non-Cuban)
14. Diadema
For the ultimate occasion: massive, tapered, and luxurious.
- Size: 8½”+ with 52+ ring gauge
- Example: Rarely produced, true aficionado’s choice
Cigar Colours (Wrappers)
Wrapper colour is more than just aesthetics—it’s a result of cultivation, curing, and fermentation, and it subtly influences flavour. From pale greens to near-black, here are the seven classic cigar wrapper shades:
- Double Claro (Candela) – Light green, grassy, once popular in the US.
- Claro – Pale tan, shade-grown, mild in flavour.
- Colorado Claro – Light reddish-brown, often sun-grown.
- Colorado – Medium brown to reddish, balanced in flavour.
- Colorado Maduro – Darker than Colorado, lighter than Maduro.
- Maduro – Dark brown to black, slow-fermented, rich and sweet.
- Oscuro – Almost black, strongest fermentation, often rustic and bold.
Final Thoughts
Cigar shape, size, and wrapper play a vital role in the smoking experience. They determine burn rate, flavour concentration, and how long your smoke will last. But remember: strength comes from the tobacco blend, not the size.
Whether you enjoy the elegance of a Panetela, the power of a Robusto, or the indulgence of a Churchill, understanding these formats helps you choose the right cigar for the right moment.
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