Vitola de salida et Vitola de galera : Quelles différences ?

Discover the key differences between Vitola de salida and Vitola de galera and understand how these terms influence cigar manufacturing and presentation…

Cigar enthusiasts are often confronted with industry-specific terms and concepts that can make this world difficult to understand, especially for newcomers. Two terms come up frequently and often raise questions: “Vitola de salida” and “Vitola de galera.” These expressions, of Hispanic origin, play a very important role in the classification and identification of different cigar formats. Understanding the difference between these two terms can help you better grasp and appreciate this age-old craft. In this article, we will explore in depth the differences between Vitola de salida and Vitola de galera, as well as their importance in the world of cigars.

What is Vitola de salida?

“Vitola de salida” is a concept specific to the cigar world and literally translates as “retail size.” It refers to the shape and size of a cigar as it is marketed and presented to the consumer. In other words, it is the size a cigar takes once it has been rolled and that you can see and handle when selecting your cigars in your specialty shop. Vitola de salida includes characteristics such as length, diameter (or ring gauge), and the shape of the cigar.

This vitola is essential for cigar lovers, as it affects the smoking experience, particularly when it comes to the draw, combustion, and flavor profile. Cigars therefore come in a multitude of vitolas de salida, ranging from small formats like “Petit Coronas” to larger cigars such as “Churchills” or “Double Coronas.” For example, the Montecristo Petit Edmundo, which measures 110 mm in length and has a diameter of 20.64 mm, has the vitola de salida name “Petit Robusto.” Likewise, the Partagas Serie D No. 4, with its 124 mm length and 19.84 mm diameter, is a “Robusto.”

The “Vitola de salida” is therefore essentially the standard commercial name of the cigar as consumers see it and buy it in specialty shops or online.

What is the Vitola de galera?

Unlike the Vitola de salida, which is essentially a consumer reference, the Vitola de galera is a term used internally by cigar manufacturers. It refers to the name used by factories to designate each format; it is the factory name, also called the “galera”. The term “Vitola de galera” thus literally translates as “Factory size”. It is the cigar name defined by a standard according to its shape, length, and diameter, and it makes it possible to identify vitolas before they are packaged and shipped to retailers.

Vitola de Galera names are therefore, in theory, the same names and standards for all cigar manufacturers. Outside Cuba, most manufacturers indeed adopted the Cuban factory naming system in the 1970s. More recently, however, they have introduced their own vitola de galera names, without referring to the Cuban industry system.

This classification is therefore mainly used by manufacturers to identify and organize the different shapes and sizes of cigars produced in their factories. It is also a unique reference system that allows master torcedores to create cigars according to the exact specifications of the brand. This helps clarify the production process through precise standards specific to each factory.

For example, the Cohiba Siglo 1, which measures 102 mm in length with a diameter of 15.9 mm, is a Petit Corona called “Perla” in the production factories. Likewise, the Trinidad Fundadores, with its 192 mm length and 15.87 mm diameter, is a Lancero known as “Laguito No.1” in the El Laguito factory where the brand’s cigars are produced.

The “Vitola de galera” is therefore essentially the name used by cigar manufacturers to identify the different vitolas during the production process.

Differences between Vitola de salida and Vitola de galera

The main difference between Vitola de salida and Vitola de galera lies in their stage of production and their appearance. Vitola de galera refers to the standard size and shape of the cigar during its manufacture at the factory, whereas Vitola de salida represents the final size and shape of the cigar as it is presented and purchased by the consumer.

Vitola de galera therefore essentially represents the standards that define a cigar’s basic structure, while Vitola de salida is what smokers see and experience. It is also interesting to note that a single “Vitola de salida” can have several “Vitola de galera”, and thus several different dimensions. This is the case, for example, with “Corona”, which includes the Vitola de galera names “Almuerzos”, “Brevas”, “Franciscos” or even “Eminentes”. More rarely, the name of a Vitola de salida can correspond to the name of a Vitola de galera.

Importance for cigar enthusiasts

Understanding the difference between the Vitola de salida and the Vitola de galera is of significant importance for cigar enthusiasts. By knowing the original shape and size of the cigar, connoisseurs can better appreciate the complexity and nuances of each vitola. In addition, it allows aficionados to understand how variations in craftsmanship, such as adjustments to ring gauge or length, can influence the taste and final smoking experience of a cigar. Collectors and connoisseurs thus often enjoy discovering the different Vitolas de galera used by cigar manufacturers, as this can offer interesting insights into a cigar's craftsmanship and quality.

Understanding these two concepts is therefore essential for cigar lovers who wish to explore the diversity and richness of this fascinating world. It allows them to deepen their knowledge and to appreciate even more the cigars they enjoy. For those who wish, you can delve deeper into the subject by discovering the exhaustive list of Vitola de galera and their equivalent Vitola de salida by clicking on this link.

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