The market for cigars is expected to grow each year by 4.28% as more people try them for the first time.
If you are just starting your cigar exploration then you’re probably wondering what makes them different. The biggest variation is the size of the cigar as this dictates brand and flavor.
Start with this guide to the most popular cigar size.
Size Ranges
The cigar size is based on the length and ring gauge. The size of the cigar correlates to the name of the cigar style.
Here are the standard cigar sizes and their dimensions with length in inches and ring gauge in 64th of an inch:
- Petit Corona: 4.5 length and 40 to 42 ring gauge
- Corona: 5.5 to 6 length and 42 to 44 ring gauge
- Panatela: 5.5 to 6.5 length and 34 to 38 ring gauge
- Lonsdale: 6.5 length and 40 to 42 ring gauge
- Lancero: 7 to 7.5 length and 38 to 40 ring gauge
- Churchill: 6.5 to 7 length and 46 to 48 ring gauge
- Robusto: 4.5 to 5.5 length and 48 to 58 ring gauge
- Toro: 6 to 6.5 length and 48 t 50 ring gauge
- Presidente: 7 to 8.5 length and 52 to 60 ring gauge
- Gugante: greater than 6 length and greater than 60 ring gauge
Some sizes are more common than others while some others are rarer. However, the size of the cigar doesn’t necessarily make one better than the other. It’s a matter of personal preference.
Various Shapes
In addition to length and ring gauge, cigar shapes also play a role in the size of the cigar.
There are two types of cigar shapes: Parejo and Figurado.
The parejo is the most common shape, which is the traditional cylindrical shape with one flat end and the other round with a cap to keep it together. The figurado shape means any other shape other than the parejo. For instance, there’s a pointed and bulking tip called the “torpedo” and the “perfecto” style.
Read this article for more information about cigar styles, flavors, and brands.
Wrapper Styles
When it comes to cigar options, you also should think about the wrapper. Different cigar brands use certain color wrappers to make their cigar stand out and, in some cases, reflect the cigar’s flavor.
For example, a darker wrapper might be on a larger cigar, making it sweeter and having more depth of flavor.
Effects on Taste
The types of cigars that you smoke will display various flavors, and the size can play a part in their distinction.
Even if the cigars use the same tobacco, they may still taste differently because of their size. For example, larger cigars like the Presidente may have more of a robust flavor because it is releasing more smoke at once.
Picking the Right Cigar Size
Are you wondering which cigar size to start with? For beginners, a small to medium cigar may be less intense. Also, a shorter cigar will take less time to smoke, so it may be easier for a first-timer to finish.
Read more of our blog articles to discover other fun hobbies.