Standard Shapes

Standard Shapes & Sizes

Cigars have two basic shapes. Straight-sided or figurados.Parejos (straight shapes) include churchills, coronas, and lonsdales. Figurados include pyramids, perfectos, culebras, and belicosos.

There is a basic measurement for length. There is none for standard shapes. When describing a cigar, it is customary to begin with length. Length and girth (ring gauge) are measured in inches in the United States. Length is stated in inches and ring gauge in 1/64th-of-an-inch increments. A 6 x 42 corona is 6 inches long and 42/64" round.

Sizes and shapes are just personal preference. Small cigars are perfect "grab smokes," and medium cigars such as panatellas are a good everyday smoke. Lighter small cigars are more appropriate earlier in the day, while a big, full-flavored cigar is great after a substantial meal. You can give more attention to the cigar you reserve for your evening smoke.

Size influences the taste and aroma of the cigar. A larger ring gauge produces a larger volume of smoke compared to a smaller ring gauge. The thicker girth allows more tobacco to be included in the filler, thus giving the cigar a richer, fuller taste. In a larger ring size, more filler leaves can be added, so the cigar will have a more complex taste, and the wrapper becomes less dominant in the cigar's taste. Smaller ring gauges have less filler tobacco, and their taste is not as complex. The wrapper flavor is more predominant in a small ring size.

Length to a lesser extent influences the taste. The longer the cigar, the cooler the smoke, and the cigar will have increased smoking time. Shorter cigars smoke hotter and faster and take less time to smoke.

Standard Sizes

• Double Coronas: 7 1/2 x 50+ These cigars will take about an hour to smoke. Great and relaxing after dinner.
   
• Churchills: 7 X 47 Often this term describes any larger cigar.
   
• Corona Gorda: 6 X 50 This is a fat corona, frequently called a Toro.
   
• Lonsdale: 6 1/4 X 42 This size was once the most popular size in the United States.
   
• Corona: 5 1/2 X 42 Just one inch shorter than a Lonsdale.
   
• Robusto: 5 X 50 Bigger cigar flavor in a shorter cigar. This size has become extremely popular.
   
• Panetella: 6 X 38 This shape is less complex in taste than larger ring gauge cigars.

Standard Shapes- Figurados: Shaped cigars that include:

• Belicoso: Pointed end with parallel sides, 5 1/2 to
  6 1/2 X 52
   
• Pyramid/Torpedo: Pointed end with angled sides that are not parallel
   
• Perfectos: Tapered at both ends.
   
• Culebra: Three individual cigars spiraled together, which pull apart to be smoked. In Cuba, cigar rollers were allowed three cigars a day, so they were given a culebra.
   
• Fuma: Has a twisted-off piece a wrapper at the head, 7 1/2 X 38
   

Cigar manufacturers give individual names to the standard sizes. These sizes vary in length and ring gauge from manufacturer to manufacturer. The sizes listed above vary, depending on the reading source. Sizes and shapes indicate only what is available where you buy your cigars. To sound like a cigar expert, learn a few of these sizes.

Finding the right cigar shape and size for you takes time. The fit should be comfortable. You may need to fit the cigar to the anticipated smoking occasion. Time could be the most important element when you want to relax and enjoy a cigar. When it comes to cigar-smoking, bigger is not always better.