Embark on Your Cigar Journey
Step into the refined ambiance of Cigar Emperor’s Sukhumvit lounge, where the rich aroma of New World cigars envelops you. Our state-of-the-art humidor showcases an array of vitolas—each shape and size a testament to craftsmanship, promising a tailored smoking experience. Whether you’re a novice curious about cigars or a connoisseur seeking the perfect smoke, understanding cigar shapes and sizes unlocks a world of flavor, ritual, and luxury.
At Cigar Emperor, Thailand’s premier cigar destination, we specialize in New World cigars from Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, preserved with unmatched precision. This definitive guide demystifies vitolas, offering clear explanations, practical tips, and a comprehensive chart to help you choose the ideal cigar. Join us in Bangkok to explore the art of cigars and elevate your indulgence.
What Are Vitolas? Decoding Cigar Measurements
A vitola defines a cigar’s shape and size, shaping its burn, flavor, and overall experience. Two key metrics determine a vitola:
- Length: Measured in inches, typically ranging from 4 to 9 inches, length dictates smoking duration. Longer cigars offer extended, evolving flavor profiles.
- Ring Gauge: The diameter, measured in 64ths of an inch (e.g., a 50 ring gauge is 50/64 inches). It influences flavor intensity and smoke volume.
Cigars fall into two shape categories:
- Parejos: Straight-sided, cylindrical cigars with a rounded head and open foot. Think Robustos or Churchills—reliable, even-burning classics.
- Figurados: Irregularly shaped cigars, often tapered, like Torpedos or Perfectos. Their varying diameters create dynamic flavor shifts, showcasing artisanal skill.
Understanding these distinctions is the first step to selecting a cigar that matches your time, taste, and occasion.
Common Cigar Sizes and Shapes: A Comprehensive Chart
Navigating the world of vitolas can feel daunting, but our detailed list and chart simplify the process. Below are the most common parejo and figurado vitolas, with dimensions, characteristics, and ideal uses.
Parejo Vitolas
- Corona
- Length: 5.5–6 inches
- Ring Gauge: 42–44
- Description: The standard for cigar sizing, offering a balanced 45–75-minute smoke with crisp flavors, like Dominican Corojo’s creamy notes.
- Ideal For: Evening conversations or post-dinner relaxation.
- Petit Corona
- Length: ~4.5 inches
- Ring Gauge: 40–42
- Description: A compact version of the Corona, delivering a quick, flavor-packed 30–45-minute smoke, often with Nicaraguan spice.
- Ideal For: Coffee breaks or short escapes.
- Robusto
- Length: 4.75–5.5 inches
- Ring Gauge: 48–52
- Description: America’s favorite, short and stout, offering bold Honduran earthiness in 45–60 minutes.
- Ideal For: Happy hours or casual gatherings.
- Toro (Corona Gorda)
- Length: 6 inches
- Ring Gauge: 50–52
- Description: A fuller Robusto, rich and complex, lasting 60–90 minutes.
- Ideal For: Dinner parties or extended evenings.
- Churchill
- Length: 7 inches
- Ring Gauge: 47–50
- Description: Named after Winston Churchill, this elegant size offers deep flavors over 90+ minutes.
- Ideal For: Long, contemplative nights.
- Panetela
- Length: 5–7.5 inches
- Ring Gauge: 34–38
- Description: Long and thin, emphasizing wrapper flavors like Dominican creaminess, with variable smoking times.
- Ideal For: Subtle, nuanced sessions.
- Lonsdale
- Length: 6.5 inches
- Ring Gauge: 42
- Description: Longer than a Corona, refined and balanced, lasting 60–75 minutes.
- Ideal For: Midday relaxation.
- Double Corona
- Length: 7.5–8.5 inches
- Ring Gauge: 49–52
- Description: A grand cigar for special occasions, offering 90–120 minutes of complex flavor.
- Ideal For: Celebrations or formal events.
- Grande
- Length: 4.75+ inches
- Ring Gauge: 60–80
- Description: Thick and bold, producing voluminous smoke and intense flavors.
- Ideal For: Enthusiasts craving a powerful experience.
Figurado Vitolas
- Pyramid (Torpedo)
- Length: 6–7 inches
- Ring Gauge: 40 (head), 52–54 (foot)
- Description: Tapered head concentrates flavors, like Nicaraguan pepper, for a 60–90-minute crescendo.
- Ideal For: Special occasions.
- Belicoso
- Length: 5–5.5 inches
- Ring Gauge: ~50
- Description: A shorter Pyramid with a rounded head, intense yet refined, lasting 45–60 minutes.
- Ideal For: Networking events.
- Perfecto
- Length: 4.5–9 inches
- Ring Gauge: 38–48
- Description: Tapered ends and a middle bulge create a flavor odyssey, with variable duration.
- Ideal For: Solo indulgence.
- Culebra
- Length: 5–6 inches
- Ring Gauge: 38
- Description: Three braided Panetelas, smoked individually, each lasting 30–45 minutes. Rare and exotic.
- Ideal For: Collectors or unique experiences.
- Diadema
- Length: 8+ inches
- Ring Gauge: Varies
- Description: Massive, often tapered, for 120+ minutes of luxurious smoking.
- Ideal For: Grand celebrations.
Cigar Sizes Chart
| Vitola | Length (inches) | Ring Gauge | Approx. Smoking Time | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Corona | 4.5 | 40–42 | 30–45 min | Coffee breaks |
| Robusto | 4.75–5.5 | 48–52 | 45–60 min | Happy hours |
| Corona | 5.5–6 | 42–44 | 45–75 min | Evening chats |
| Toro | 6 | 50–52 | 60–90 min | Dinner parties |
| Churchill | 7 | 47–50 | 90+ min | Long evenings |
| Panetela | 5–7.5 | 34–38 | Varies | Subtle sessions |
| Lonsdale | 6.5 | 42 | 60–75 min | Midday relaxation |
| Double Corona | 7.5–8.5 | 49–52 | 90–120 min | Formal events |
| Grande | 4.75+ | 60–80 | Varies | Bold experiences |
| Pyramid | 6–7 | 40–54 | 60–90 min | Special occasions |
| Belicoso | 5–5.5 | ~50 | 45–60 min | Networking |
| Perfecto | 4.5–9 | 38–48 | Varies | Solo indulgence |
| Culebra | 5–6 | 38 | 30–45 min (per cigar) | Collectors |
| Diadema | 8+ | Varies | 120+ min | Grand celebrations |
The Evolution of Cigar Sizes
Cigar preferences have shifted over time. In the early 20th century, thinner vitolas like Panetelas and Lonsdales were favored for their elegance and wrapper-driven flavors. Today, thicker gauges like Robustos and Grandes dominate, reflecting a demand for bold, filler-heavy profiles and shorter smoking times. At Cigar Emperor, we cater to all tastes, offering both classic and modern vitolas to suit every preference.
Cigar Sizes Around the World
While vitola names are largely standardized, Cuban cigars often use unique terms, such as Mareva for Petit Corona or Corona Gorda for Toro. New World cigars, our specialty at Cigar Emperor, typically adopt universal names but may vary slightly by brand (e.g., a Toro at 6 x 50 vs. 6 x 52). Our experts can guide you through these nuances, ensuring you find the perfect match.
How Shapes and Sizes Shape Your Smoke
A vitola isn’t just a measurement—it’s the architect of your cigar’s experience. Here’s how:
Burn Time
- Longer Cigars: Churchills (7 inches) burn slowly, lasting 90+ minutes, ideal for savoring a Bangkok sunset.
- Shorter Cigars: Petit Coronas (4.5 inches) wrap up in 30–45 minutes, perfect for quick breaks.
Flavor Profile
- Ring Gauge Impact: Thinner cigars (e.g., Panetela, 34–38) emphasize wrapper flavors, like creamy Dominican Corojo. Thicker cigars (e.g., Grande, 60+) highlight filler tobaccos, delivering bold Honduran earthiness.
- Wrapper-to-Filler Ratio: In thinner cigars, the wrapper constitutes a larger proportion, amplifying its taste. Thicker cigars balance wrapper and filler for a richer blend.
Draw and Burn
- Parejos: Consistent diameter ensures an even burn, making them beginner-friendly.
- Figurados: Varying diameters shift draw and flavor, requiring skill to cut and light. Our lounge staff can demonstrate proper techniques.
Intensity Perception
- Thinner Cigars: Burn hotter, feeling punchier due to concentrated heat.
- Thicker Cigars: Burn cooler, softening the edge for a smoother smoke.
Science Insight: Thicker cigars dissipate heat better due to their larger diameter, cooling the smoke. Thinner cigars concentrate heat, intensifying flavors. Figurados’ changing diameters create flavor crescendos, as seen in a Nicaraguan Torpedo’s peppery climax.
Example: A Nicaraguan Robusto from Arturo Fuente weaves spice and cedar in 45–60 minutes, while a Honduran Torpedo from Plasencia builds to a bold finish over 60–90 minutes.
Cutting and Lighting Different Shapes
Parejos are straightforward—cut the cap and light evenly. Figurados demand precision:
- Torpedos/Belicosos: Cut at a 45-degree angle to open the tapered head, ensuring a proper draw.
- Perfectos: Light the closed foot carefully to avoid uneven burning, then cut the head as needed.
Visit our lounge for a hands-on demonstration by our experts, ensuring you master every vitola.
Matching Vitolas to Tobacco Blends
Certain blends shine in specific vitolas. Bold ligero-heavy blends suit thicker gauges like Toros to balance intensity, while milder blends excel in thinner Coronas, highlighting wrapper nuances. Our staff can recommend pairings, such as a Nicaraguan Toro for spice lovers or a Dominican Corona for creamy finesse.
Choosing Your Perfect Vitola
Select a vitola based on your moment, mood, and palate:
Time Available
- Quick Smoke (30–45 min): Petit Corona (Nicaraguan spice) or Robusto (Honduran balance).
- Relaxed Smoke (45–90 min): Corona (Dominican cream) or Toro (complex depth).
- Leisurely Smoke (90+ min): Churchill (Honduran slow reveal) or Double Corona (grand indulgence).
Flavor Preference
- Bold: Thicker gauges (50–80) like Toros or Grandes for full-bodied power.
- Subtle: Thinner gauges (34–42) like Panetelas for wrapper-driven finesse.
- Dynamic: Figurados like Torpedos for evolving flavors.
Occasion
- Formal Events: Churchills exude sophistication, perfect with whisky in our lounge.
- Casual Vibes: Robustos are versatile for BBQs or poker nights.
- Personal Ritual: Perfectos add artistry to quiet moments.
Experience Level
- Beginners: Medium-sized parejos (Robusto, Corona) offer forgiving draws and balanced flavors.
- Experts: Experiment with figurados or niche vitolas like Culebras for complexity.
Tip for Newcomers: Start with a Robusto—its 45–60-minute duration and medium gauge make it an ideal introduction. Our lounge offers guided tastings to ease you in.
Cigar Storage: Precision for Every Vitola
All cigars thrive at 65–70% humidity and 65–70°F. Figurados, with their delicate tapers, are prone to cracking without meticulous care. Cigar Emperor’s Sukhumvit humidor, lined with American cedar and using Swiss-filtered water, maintains perfect conditions. “Our humidor doesn’t just store cigars—it perfects them,” says founder Matthew Nekvapil. Explore our Storage Guide for more.
Customer Favorites at Cigar Emperor
Our patrons have their go-to vitolas:
- Mr. Tanaka, a regular, loves the Nicaraguan Torpedo for its bold, evolving flavors.
- Ms. Lee, a busy professional, opts for the Dominican Petit Corona for quick, satisfying breaks.
Discover your favorite in our lounge, where every vitola tells a story.
Experience Vitolas at Cigar Emperor
Visit our Sukhumvit lounge to explore New World cigars from Arturo Fuente, Plasencia, and AJ Fernandez in every vitola. Matthew recommends a Nicaraguan Torpedo for its dynamic kick or a Dominican Robusto for timeless balance.
FAQ: Your Cigar Size Questions Answered
- What’s the most popular cigar size?
- The Robusto, for its 45–60-minute balance and rich flavor.
- Does size affect strength?
- No, strength depends on the tobacco blend, but size influences intensity and temperature.
- How do I read cigar sizes?
- Sizes are noted as length x ring gauge (e.g., 5 x 50 = 5 inches long, 50/64-inch diameter). Names like Robusto indicate standard dimensions, with slight brand variations.
- What’s the difference between a Toro and a Robusto?
- Toros are longer (6 inches vs. 4.75–5.5), offering a longer smoke, with similar ring gauges.
- Are figurados harder to smoke?
- They require precise cutting and lighting but reward with unique flavor shifts. Our staff can guide you.
Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Smoke
Mastering cigar shapes and sizes transforms your smoking experience, letting you tailor each moment to your desires. From the quick spice of a Petit Corona to the grand journey of a Churchill, every vitola offers something special. At Cigar Emperor, we’re more than a cigar shop—we’re a haven for enthusiasts, offering Thailand’s finest New World cigars and a luxurious lounge to savor them.
Visit us in Bangkok to explore our curated selection, guided by experts who share your passion. Your perfect vitola awaits.
