One of the glories of Habanos is sheer variety. With 27 brands producing more than 250 cigars, the choice can feel overwhelming. A good place to start is with the vitolas — the traditional Cuban terms for size and shape.
Habanos range in length from under 4 inches (100mm) to over 9 inches (230mm). Diameter is measured by ring gauge, expressed in 64ths of an inch (though millimetres are often used too). Sizes run from a slim 26 ring gauge (10.32mm) to a hefty 57 (22.62mm).
Each vitola has two names:
- Vitola de galera – the factory name used in Cuba.
- Vitola de salida – the market name you see on the box.
Sometimes these match, often they don’t. To add to the mix, some shapes have familiar generic names, like Torpedo.
Below are some of the best-known Cuban cigar vitolas, listed by factory name with their popular names.
Popular Vitolas
Mareva (Petit Corona)
- Size: 5 1/8 ins x 42 ring (129mm x 16.67mm)
- Profile: The most popular size, lasting around 30 minutes. The classic “standard” Cuban cigar.
Corona
- Size: 5 5/8 ins x 42 ring (142mm x 16.67mm)
- Profile: A little longer than a Mareva, perfect after dinner or for a reflective pause.
Laguito No. 1 (Lancero)
- Size: 7 1/2 ins x 38 ring (192mm x 15.08mm)
- Profile: Slim, elegant, and refined. Originated at Cohiba’s El Laguito factory. Expect around an hour of smoking.
Cañonazo (Siglo VI)
- Size: 5 7/8 ins x 52 ring (150mm x 20.64mm)
- Profile: Superb combustion, releasing rich flavours. Around an hour’s smoke and the first choice for Cuba’s Gran Reserva.
Petit Edmundo
- Size: 4 3/8 ins x 52 ring (110mm x 20.64mm)
- Profile: A modern favourite — short but thick, delivering bold flavour in just 20–25 minutes.
Edmundo
- Size: 5 1/3 ins x 52 ring (135mm x 20.64mm)
- Profile: Balanced, generous, and flavourful. A loyal following for a 50-minute smoke.
Julieta No. 2 (Churchill)
- Size: 7 ins x 47 ring (178mm x 18.65mm)
- Profile: Winston Churchill’s cigar of choice. Elegant, long, and rewarding — over an hour of smoking.
Prominente (Double Corona)
- Size: 7 5/8 ins x 49 ring (194mm x 19.45mm)
- Profile: A grand cigar requiring patience, with complex flavours that build over 75 minutes.
Robusto
- Size: 4 7/8 ins x 50 ring (124mm x 19.84mm)
- Profile: Short, stocky, and flavourful. A modern classic, delivering depth in 30–40 minutes.
Pirámide (Torpedo)
- Size: 6 1/8 ins x 52 ring (156mm x 20.64mm)
- Profile: Tapered head for a unique draw. Many smokers consider it one of the most rewarding vitolas.
Exquisito (Double Figurado)
- Size: 5 3/4 ins x 46 ring (145mm x 18.26mm)
- Profile: Pointed at both ends — rare today but a Cuaba hallmark. Historic and distinctive.
Perla (Tres Petit Corona)
- Size: 4 ins x 40 ring (102mm x 15.87mm)
- Profile: Compact but authentic, delivering Cuban flavour in just 20 minutes.
Laguito No. 3 (Panetela)
- Size: 4 1/2 ins x 26 ring (115mm x 10.32mm)
- Profile: A small cigar for short breaks. Its name “Entreacto” literally means between acts.
How Size & Shape Affect Taste
- Bigger cigars burn cooler and slower, producing a richer, rounder smoke.
- Thicker cigars release more volume and complexity.
- Thinner cigars concentrate flavours on the tongue, often with a sharper edge.
- Figurados (shaped cigars) begin with wrapper-heavy flavour before revealing the full blend at the widest point.
Cuban blenders adjust their recipes to suit each vitola — for example, leaving out strong ligero leaves in slimmer sizes to keep the balance right.
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