Size Really Does Matter Palie...

Cigars come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, which can affect their flavor, smoking time, and overall experience. The size of a cigar is usually defined by its length (in inches) and its ring gauge (diameter, measured in 64ths of an inch). The shape is often categorized into two main types: **Parejo** (straight-sided cigars) and **Figurado** (cigars with irregular shapes). Here’s a breakdown:

Parejo (Straight-Sided Cigars)

1. **Corona**:

- **Length**: 5.5" to 6"

- **Ring Gauge**: 42-44

- **Description**: A classic size with a balanced flavor profile, typically medium in strength.

2. Robusto

- **Length**: 4.5" to 5.5"

- **Ring Gauge**: 48-52

- **Description**: Shorter and thicker, this size delivers a rich and concentrated flavor.

3. Churchill

- **Length**: 6.5" to 7"

- **Ring Gauge**: 47-50

- **Description**: Named after Winston Churchill, it’s a longer smoke with a smooth draw.

4. Lonsdale

- **Length**: 6.5" to 7"

- **Ring Gauge**: 42-44

- **Description**: Similar in length to a Churchill but thinner, offering a more focused flavor.

5. Panetela

- **Length**: 5" to 7.5"

- **Ring Gauge**: 34-38

- **Description**: Long and thin, this shape provides a light and elegant smoking experience.

6. Toro

- **Length**: 6" to 6.5"

- **Ring Gauge**: 50-54

- **Description**: A thicker and longer cigar than a Robusto, offering a longer smoke with robust flavors.

7. Double Corona

- **Length**: 7.5" to 8.5"

- **Ring Gauge**: 49-52

- **Description**: A very large cigar, it offers a long, leisurely smoking experience.

Figurado (Irregular-Shaped Cigars)

1. Torpedo

- **Length**: Varies

- **Ring Gauge**: Varies

- **Description**: A cigar with a pointed head, which can focus the smoke and intensify flavors.

2. Pyramid

- **Length**: Varies

- **Ring Gauge**: Varies (wider at the foot)

- **Description**: Tapers from a broad foot to a narrower head, providing a concentrated flavor as it’s smoked.

3. Belicoso

- **Length**: 5" to 5.5"

- **Ring Gauge**: 50-54

- **Description**: A shorter torpedo with a slightly rounded head, often offering bold flavors.

4. Perfecto

- **Length**: Varies

- **Ring Gauge**: Varies (tapered at both ends)

- **Description**: Closed at both ends, this shape offers a unique draw and flavor progression.

5. Culebra

- **Length**: Usually 5" to 6"

- **Ring Gauge**: Around 38 (each individual cigar)

- **Description**: Three thin cigars braided together. Traditionally smoked by separating the three sticks.

Large Ring Gauge Cigars

- Gordo

- **Length**: 5.5" to 6"

- **Ring Gauge**: 60 or more

- **Description**: Extremely thick, these cigars offer a slow, cool burn and intense flavors.

Small Cigars

- Petit Corona*

- **Length**: 4.5" to 5"

- **Ring Gauge**: 40-42

- **Description**: A shorter and thinner version of the Corona.

- Cigarillo

- **Length**: 3" to 4"

- **Ring Gauge**: 20-30

- **Description**: A very small cigar, often smoked quickly, with concentrated flavors.

The choice of cigar size and shape largely depends on personal preference, the time available to smoke, and the desired flavor experience.