Cigar Label Shapes & Sizes

Cigarillos Cigar

These small cigars, popular in Europe, are about the size of a cigarette.

• A Cigarillos Cigar has a smoking time of about 10 minutes
• They usually measure 3 inches in length
• A Cigarillos Cigar has a ring gauge of 20

Churchill Cigar

A large corona-format cigar, named after Sir Winston Churchill.

• A Churchill Cigar's smoking time is about 60 minutes
• They usually measure 7 inches in length
• A Churchill Cigar has a ring gauge of 48

Corona Cigar

The most familiar size and shape for premium cigars. Generally straight-sided with an open foot and a closed, rounded head.

• A Corona's cigar's smoking time is about 45 minutes
• They usually measure 5 and 1/2 in length
• A Corona cigar has a ring gauge of 42

Corona Gorda Cigar

A larger version of the classic corona.

• A Corona Gorda cigar's smoking time is about 45 minutes
• They usually measure 5 and 5/8 in length
• A Corona Gorda cigar has a ring gauge of 46-48

Double Corona Cigar

Because of its similarity to the corona, this large cigar is often called a "double corona."

• A Double Corona Cigar's smoking time is about 75 minutes
• They usually measure 10 inches in length
• A Double Corona Cigar has a ring gauge of 48-50

Gigante or Presidente Cigar

The largest of all cigar types, give yourself plenty of time if you purchase one of these.

• A Gigante/Presidente Cigar has a smoking time of about 75 minutes
• They usually measure 10 inches in length
• A Gigante/Presidente Cigar has a ring gauge of 64

Belicoso Cigar

Similar to the pyramid but the head is polished, or rounded off, instead of pointed.

• A Belicoso Cigar has a smoking time of about 45 minutes
• They usually measure 6 inches in length
• A Belicoso Cigar has a ring gauge of 48-52

Culebras Cigar

This strange cigar is actually made of three panetelas braided and banded together.

• A Culebras Cigar has a smoking time of about 30 minutes
• They usually measure 5 inches in length
• A Culebras Cigar has a rig gauge of 33

Perfecto Cigar

A distinctive cigar shape that is closed at both ends, with a rounded head, and usually with a bulge in the middle.

• A Perfecto Cigar has a smoking time of about 60 minutes
• They usually measure 6 in length
• A Perfecto Cigar has a ring gauge of 52

Pyramid Cigar

A sharply tapered cigar with a wide, open foot and a closed head.

• # A Pyramid Cigar has a smoking time of about 60 minutes
• They usually measure 6.5 inches in length
• A Pyramid Cigar has a ring gauge of 52

Torpedo Cigar

This cigar features a closed foot, a pointed head and a bulge in the middle.

• A Torpedo Cigar has a smoking time of about 60 minutes
• They usually measure 6 inches in length
• A Torpedo Cigar has a ring gauge 60

Determining a Cigar's Ring Gauge/Size

The gauge of a cigar determines the overall flavor of the cigar. If a cigar is wide in diameter it will have a more full and developed flavor, while having a slower burning time.

An example of ring gauge sizes can be seen to the right. You can get a better idea of your cigar’s diameter by dividing the cigar gauge by 64. For example, a cigar with the gauge of 64 would be 1 inch in diameter (64/64=1).

Helpful Hint: Keep in mind, the larger the ring size of your cigar, the heavier the draw of the cigar will be. If a smaller ring size is drawn too heavy, it may taste slightly scorched. Knowing the correct draw is very important to the quality of your cigar's draw.

What a Cigar's Wrapper Color Tells You

The wrapper of a cigar says a lot about a cigar. Often times, the color of a cigar’s wrapper can be a good indicator of the strength and flavor of the cigar. For example, a darker wrapper may indicate a stronger flavor.