The Main Categories of Cigar Shapes: Parejo and Figurado

Discover our guide to understanding the difference between Parejo and Figurado cigars and to better choose between these unique tasting experiences…

The world of cigars is marked by a wide range of shapes and sizes that allow enthusiasts to enjoy varied tasting experiences. Far from being limited to the cigar’s exterior appearance, shape directly influences its draw, combustion, and overall tasting experience. Cigars are thus classified into two major shape categories: Parejo and Figurado. Each of these families has unique characteristics that make for a singular experience. In this article, we will explore these characteristics in detail to help guide your choices more effectively.

The Parejo: The classic shape

The Parejo is the most classic and most common cigar shape. In 2022, this shape category accounted for a 69.1% market share, compared with only 30.9% for Figurados.

Etymologically, the term “parejo” comes from the Latin “pariculus,” meaning “similar, equal”. It refers to a cylindrical cigar whose shape remains constant from head to foot, without any tapering or special curves. Its head is generally rounded, while its foot is straight, as seen on the Trinidad Casilda Colección Habanos 2019.

Common Parejo vitolas

A Parejo-type cigar can come in different sizes, but its shape always remains the same: straight and regular. Among the most popular Parejos, we can mention:

• Robusto :

  Both compact and powerful, this short cigar (generally around 127 mm long) with a ring gauge between 48 and 52 offers a slow burn and a smoke rich in flavor.

• Corona :

  Considered the “Holy Grail of vitolas,” this cigar traditionally measures 133 mm in length and has a 42 ring gauge. These ideal dimensions make it possible to highlight the aromas of each leaf and deliver a perfectly balanced tasting experience.

• Churchill :

  Named in honor of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, this 178 mm cigar (48 ring gauge) offers a slow burn that encourages the gradual evolution of flavors. Its smoking time is between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes.

• Toro :

  This vitola (50 x 152 mm), slightly longer than a Robusto but with the same diameter, offers an ideal balance between power and complexity.

The Figurado: The art of complexity

The term “Figurado” encompasses all cigars that are not Parejos. It generally refers to irregularly shaped vitolas, which may be tapered at one or both ends, like the Romeo y Julieta Cupidos. The ring gauge of a Parejo refers to the thickest part of the cigar.

The different formats Figurados

Like Parejos, the shape category Figurados is divided into different formats, making it possible to offer tasting experiences suited to everyone's preferences. 

• Torpedo :

  This format is one of the most emblematic Figurado shapes. It is pointed at the head, which helps concentrate the aromas at the mouth.

• Pyramide :

  Similar to the Torpedo, but with a wider foot and a gradual taper toward the head, this cigar allows you to enjoy varying intensities throughout the smoke.

• Belicoso :

  With a length of 140 mm and a ring gauge 50, this format is the shortest of the Figurados. Its short, rounded conical head allows for greater flavor concentration than on other formats, offering remarkable intensity and aromatic complexity.

• Perfecto :

  This cigar stands out for its unique shape, often tapered at both ends, with a thicker central section.

• Culebra :

  This atypical vitola is made up of three cigars (usually Panetelas) twisted together and tied with a ring as well as strings at their ends.

Does the shape of a cigar influence the tasting?

It is important to keep in mind that the combustion temperature of a cigar depends on its thickness, while the burn rate depends on its length. Thicker cigars therefore burn more slowly and more coolly than thinner cigars, releasing a smoke that is less harsh and more flavorful. The shape is therefore a determining factor in how aromas are perceived, just as the proportions between the wrapper, binder and filler.

Comparison: Parejos vs Figurados

The Parejo and Figurado cigar formats offer different tasting experiences. With its straight, regular shape, the Parejo ensures even combustion and a consistent draw throughout the smoking experience. These cigars therefore make it possible to enjoy a uniform tasting experience, without major variations in intensity. In addition, they are easy to light and are therefore an ideal choice for beginner enthusiasts.

For their part, Figurados stand out for a more complex shape that influences the evolution of aromas. Variations in diameter do in fact alter the combustion temperature inside the cigar and therefore the way the aromas are perceived on the palate. This leads to a more pronounced evolution of flavors, often starting gently, with a tasting dominated by the aromas of the wrapper leaf, before becoming more intense as the smoke progresses. This shape therefore influences the intensity of the flavors more than the aromatic profile of the cigar, although these two elements are intrinsically linked. It is an ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking a more complex and nuanced experience.

However, this complexity of shape presents certain challenges. First of all, these are cigars that are particularly difficult to roll and require highly skilled torcedores, which makes them rarer and generally more expensive. A Figurado is also more difficult to cut and light than a Parejo. It therefore requires a certain level of know-how from the smoker. In addition, these cigars demand particular attention during smoking in order to avoid the formation of canoeing irregularities. They are therefore more recommended for experienced enthusiasts, capable of adjusting their draw to maintain even combustion and fully enjoy the aromatic subtleties these cigars offer.

Conclusion: Which cigar shape should you choose?

The choice between a Parejo and a Figurado depends on your tasting preferences, but also on your level of experience. While the Parejo is ideal for beginners and allows you to enjoy a consistent tasting experience, the Figurado offers a more complex and evolving experience, but one that requires a certain degree of skill. As always with cigars, the best thing to do is try both shapes for yourself to discover which one best suits your tastes. To go further in exploring cigar formats, we invite you to read our article “Which cigar format should you choose?”.

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