SIZE & SHAPE:

Cigar size is described in terms of diameter and length. Diameter is designated in “ring gauge,” a measurement divided into a 64th of an inch (or centimeters). A cigar with a ring gauge of 42, for example, has a diameter of 42/64 of an inch. Length is measured in inches.

cigar chart

Churchill – Large, straight-sided cigars with a hefty ring gauge are generally called Churchills in honor of Sir Winston Churchill. The traditional dimension is 7″ x 48 ring.

Corona – The traditional proportion is 5 1/2″ to 6″ x 42 to 44 ring.

Corona Gorda – This long robusto format could be called a robusto extra, although its popularity preceded that of robustos. The traditional measurements are 5 1/2″ to 6″ x 46 to 50 ring.

Double Corona – The standard dimension is 7 1/2″ to 8″ x 49 to 52 ring.

Figurado – All cigars which do not have parallel or straight sides are Figurados. They include Pyramids, Torpedoes, Belicosos, Perfectos and Torbusto.

Lonsdale – Relatively long cigars of medium ring gauge are most often referred to as Lonsdales. Ranging in size from 55 x 6 1/2″ to 44 x 6 3/4″.

Panatella – This format varies more widely in length than almost any other cigar size, from 5″ to 7 1/2″ x 34 to 38 ring.

Petite Corona – This short corona is usually 4 1/2″ x 40 to 42 ring.

Robusto – This short Churchill format, sometimes called Rothschild or Bullies, is growing in popularity. The traditional size is 4 1/2″ to 5 1/2″ x 50 to 54 ring.

 

SHADE:

Candela – A color green that was first popularized in the U.S. in the 1800’s and early 1900’s.

Claro – Pale to light brown, this is the classic color of a Connecticut shade grown tobacco wrapper. This color can also be referred to as natural.

Colorado Claro – Darker brown in color and similar to a Cameroon wrapper from West Africa.

Colorado – A reddish brown wrapper most often seen in well-aged and mature cigars.

Colorado Maduro – A dark brown wrapper, usually seen on cigars produced in Honduras, Nicaragua and sometimes in Cuba.

Double Claro – A greenish-brown wrapper that produces a somewhat light and bland taste.

Maduro – A dark, almost coffee-like color associated with full flavored and slightly sweet-tasting cigars.

Oscuro – Very dark, strong-flavored wrapper produced in Mexico, Brazil and Nicaragua.

 

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