Which Cigar Size Should You Choose?
In the vast world of cigars, each format carries a universe of unique flavors and sensations. From the majesty of the Churchill to the strength of the Toro, these formats let you choose between different sizes, shapes, and ring gauges to satisfy a wide variety of tastes. Although made from the same blend, the different formats within a given range allow aficionados to enjoy varied tasting experiences suited to every occasion. In this article, we invite you to discover the characteristics and nuances of the most popular formats to help you find the one that best matches your tastes and smoking preferences.
What is a cigar format?
The format of a cigar, also called a “module,” refers to the set of a cigar’s physical characteristics: its ring gauge, length, and shape. Far from being merely an aesthetic concern, the existence of different modules allows manufacturers to offer you a variety of tasting experiences. A cigar’s format indeed affects the perception of aromas as well as the length of the smoking experience. To know which format to choose for your smoke, it is therefore necessary to take into account the time you have to devote to it as well as your sensory preferences.
How are cigar formats designated?
There are many cigar formats. Although most manufacturers use commonly accepted size names to describe their cigars, the actual size of a cigar can vary from one manufacturer to another. The name “ vitola de galera” (the cigar’s production name) thus makes it possible to specify a cigar’s exact dimensions (length and ring gauge down to the millimeter).
To simplify classification, cigar formats are grouped under common names (Robusto, Corona, Belicoso, etc.). In addition, each format has variants identified using the following prefixes: Double, Grand, Small, Extra, Long, etc. These formats are also grouped into two broad categories: “Parejos” (cigars that have the same diameter לאורך their entire length) and “Figurados” (all cigars that are not Parejos).
Some vitola names, however, do not correspond to the commonly accepted modules and can be confusing. This is the case, for example, of the Bolivar Royal Coronas, which is actually a Robusto, and the Hoyo De Monterrey Palmas Extra, which is a Corona. Other cigars come in original shapes, such as culebras, which are figurados made from three parejos braided together.
The Most Popular Cigar Formats
The Robusto
The Robusto is a parejo that traditionally measures 127 mm in length with a ring gauge of 50 (around 19.8 mm in diameter). Today, many Robustos are rolled with ring gauges between 48 and 52, some even reaching 56. They therefore offer a smoking time of between 45 minutes and 1 hour.
With its perfect dimensions and ideal ring gauge for the hand, the Robusto is now the most popular format. At once compact and powerful, it delivers a slow burn and an intense concentration of flavors. It is therefore an ideal option for those who prefer shorter cigars, but ones that are rich in flavor.
Among the most famous Robustos, the Cohiba Robusto stands as a benchmark. Also worth mentioning are the Partagas Série D No. 4 and the Montecristo Edmundo.
The Corona
The Corona is a parejo that generally measures 133 mm in length with a 42 ring gauge. It is therefore slightly longer than the Robusto module and offers a slimmer ring gauge. It takes between 30 and 45 minutes to enjoy.
Regarded as the “Holy Grail of vitolas” by many aficionados, the Corona offers a perfectly balanced tasting experience. This format provides an ideal proportion between the wrapper, binder, and filler of a cigar, thereby bringing out the aromas of each leaf. For this reason, it is often used as a benchmark by manufacturers when creating a blend.
Among the most famous Coronas are the Trinidad Coloniales and the Montecristo No. 3.
The Churchill
The Churchill is a parejo that traditionally measures 178 mm in length with a ring gauge of 48. Renamed in the late 1940s in tribute to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, this format was originally called “Julieta No. 2.” It offers a smoking time of between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes.
Because of its imposing dimensions, the Churchill allows for a slower burn, encouraging the subtle evolution of flavors. It therefore offers a rich and complex tasting experience. This is a vitola reserved for bold, experienced enthusiasts who want to fully explore the nuances of a blend.
Among the most famous Churchills are the Romeo Y Julieta Churchill and the Montecristo Churchills Anejados.
The Toro
The Toro is a parejo measuring 152 mm in length with a 50 ring gauge. It is a recent size that offers an approximately 1-hour smoking experience. For reasons that remain mysterious, this vitola is uncommon among Cuban manufacturers, while it enjoys great popularity among “New World” manufacturers.
The Hoyo De Monterrey Monterreyes No. 4 – Edición Limitada 2021 is therefore one of the rare habanos in Toro format.
Longer than a Robusto, but with an equivalent ring gauge, this vitola delivers abundant, nuanced smoke. Thanks to its generous ring gauge, it allows better airflow and promotes a slow, even burn. This vitola is therefore ideal for anyone seeking the perfect balance between strength and complexity.
The Belicoso
Traditionally, the Belicoso measures 140 mm in length with a 50 ring gauge, making it the shortest of the figurados. Even so, its size can vary significantly from one manufacturer to another. This common name is therefore more often used to describe a cigar with a short, tapered head rather than a specific size.
Often confused with the Torpedo and the Pyramide, the Belicoso stands out for its shorter, more rounded tapered head. This shape concentrates the flavors at the head, delivering remarkable intensity and aromatic complexity. It also offers a cooler draw than other figurados, allowing for a rich experience that is smoother on the palate.
Among the most famous Belicosos are Bolivar Belicosos Finos and Romeo Y Julieta Belicosos.
To go further
There are many other cigar formats, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. In general, larger-diameter cigars tend to deliver more pronounced aromas, but also more balanced ones, than smaller vitolas. Conversely, in a smaller-format vitola, the strongest tobacco may dominate the other aromas because of the faster burn. To determine which format suits you best, you therefore need to identify your preferences in terms of strength, intensity, and flavor profile. The amount of time you have to devote to your vitole should also be taken into account in your choice.
FAQ
A cigar's format refers to its physical dimensions, namely its length, diameter, and shape. These characteristics influence how the aromas are perceived and how long the tasting lasts.
Cigar formats are designated by commonly used names such as Robusto, Corona, Belicoso, etc., as well as by "vitola de galera" names that allow for more precise classification. They are also grouped into two main categories: Parejos and Figurados.
For beginners, it is often recommended to start with medium to small cigar formats, such as the Robusto or Corona. These formats offer a balanced tasting experience and are easier to handle.
To determine which cigar format suits you best, you can try different formats and take into account your preferences in terms of aromas, strength, and smoking duration. You can also seek advice from your specialist retailer, who will be able to guide you toward the most suitable formats.