Cigar size
Last Updated: February 6, 2025By

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Cigars come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious beginner, choosing the right cigar size can significantly enhance your smoking experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the different cigar sizes, why size matters, the best cigars for a quick smoke, and much more. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to pick the perfect cigar for any occasion.

Different sizes of Cigars

What Are the Different Sizes of Cigars?

Cigars are often classified based on their length and ring gauge (the diameter). Understanding these two components is key to grasping the variety of cigar sizes available. Length refers to how long the cigar is, typically measured in inches. The ring gauge, on the other hand, refers to the diameter of the cigar, usually expressed as a number corresponding to 64 inches. For example, a cigar with a 50-ring gauge has a diameter of 50/64ths of an inch.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some common sizes and their descriptions:

Cigar SizeLength (inches)Ring Gauge (64ths of an inch)Description
Corona5.5 – 642 – 44A classic size with a moderate smoking time
Robusto4.5 – 550A short, thick cigar known for its rich flavor
Toro6 – 6.550A popular size offering a balanced experience
Churchill7 – 7.547 – 50A long smoke for those who have the time
Lancero7.5 – 838Slim and elegant with a cooler smoke
Double Corona7.5 – 8.549 – 52A very large cigar for extended smoking sessions
Petit Corona4 – 4.540 – 42A small, flavorful option for a quick smoke
Data from Cigar Magazine (2022) and Cigar Aficionado (2023)

The size of a cigar affects not only its smoking duration but also the flavor intensity, draw, and overall smoking experience.

Why Cigar Sizes Matter

The size of a cigar plays a significant role in the smoking experience. It impacts factors such as burn time, flavor, draw, and even the temperature of the smoke. Understanding why size matters can help you choose the right cigar for any occasion.

Burn Time

Larger cigars, such as a Churchill or Double Corona, will take longer to smoke due to their length and ring gauge. On average, a Corona can take around 30–45 minutes to smoke, while a Churchill may last over an hour. The more tobacco you have, the longer it takes to burn.

Flavor Profile

Cigar sizes also influence the concentration of flavors. For instance, thinner cigars like the Lancero provide a more concentrated flavor since there’s less tobacco to smoke, allowing the flavor profile to be sharper. On the other hand, a Toro or Robusto has a wider tobacco burn, offering a smoother, more balanced experience.

Temperature of Smoke

Thicker cigars often burn slower and produce cooler smoke, which can lead to a smoother draw and milder flavors. In contrast, thinner cigars tend to burn hotter, resulting in a more intense and often stronger flavor.

This shows that choosing the right size cigar is important. The National Center for Biotechnology Information points out that internal combustion temperature affects the way tobacco compounds release flavor over time, which further proves that larger cigars with wider ring gauges can produce more complex flavors for a longer time.

The importance of Cigar size

Which Cigar Sizes Are Best for a Quick Smoke?

Not everyone has an hour or more to spare when enjoying a cigar. For those seeking a flavorful experience but pressed for time, certain types of cigar can provide the enjoyment you crave without a lengthy commitment.

  • Petit Corona
    • Smoke Time: ~20–30 minutes
    • Why Choose It: Petit Coronas delivers robust flavor quickly. The smaller diameter can offer a sharper flavor profile, so it’s great for those who want a shorter but still engaging experience.
  • Robusto
    • Smoke Time: ~45 minutes
    • Why Choose It: Slightly thicker than a Petit Corona, a Robusto is famous for its balanced flavor and more relaxed burn. Many aficionados consider the Robusto the best cigar size when you want a satisfying taste without an overly long session.
  • Cigarillo
    • Smoke Time: ~15–20 minutes
    • Why Choose It: Ideal for ultra-brief breaks. While it doesn’t typically match the flavor complexity of larger formats, a Cigarillo remains convenient and flavorful enough for a rapid smoke.

If you’re looking for a short smoking break—say 15 to 20 minutes—Cigarillos are your go-to. For a slightly fuller flavor over 20 to 30 minutes, Petit Corona is a smart choice. And if you can spare up to 45 minutes, you can enjoy a Robusto for a flavorful and satisfying session.

Pro Tips: When time is limited, choose a darker wrapper or a blend known for robust flavors. The intensity from different cigars can compensate for the abbreviated duration, ensuring each draw is memorable.

While preferences can vary among cigar enthusiasts, some sizes have gained widespread popularity. According to the market report by Grand View Research, the following cigar sizes are among the most popular:

  • Robusto: This size has become a staple in many cigar collections due to its balance of flavor and smoking time.
  • Toro: Offering a slightly longer smoke than the Robusto, the Toro has gained popularity for its versatility.
  • Churchill: Named after the famous British statesman, this large cigar is favored by those who enjoy a long, leisurely smoke.
  • Corona: A classic size that has stood the test of time, offering a good balance of flavor and smoking duration.
  • Gordo: This thick cigar has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, especially among those who prefer a cooler smoke with a larger ring gauge.

Whether you’re new to cigars or you’ve been smoking for years, these sizes are prevalent because they provide approachable burn times and a balance of intensity. You’ll find countless premium blends available in these popular formats, making it easy to experiment.

Best Cigar size

How to Choose Cigar Sizes?

Selecting from different cigar sizes involves more than simply picking the first one you see at your local tobacconist. Your decision should align with your time constraints, taste preferences, and the overall occasion. Below is a more in-depth look at what to consider, along with a concise summary to help you decide quickly.

Time Commitment

  • Short Smoke (15–30 min): Cigarillo, Petit Corona, or smaller ring gauge cigars.
  • Medium Smoke (30–45 min): Corona or Robusto.
  • Long Smoke (45–60+ min): Toro, Churchill, or Double Corona.

Flavor Intensity & Wrapper

  • Thinner Cigars (e.g., Lancero, Petit Corona): Emphasize the wrapper leaf, which often houses a considerable amount of the cigar’s flavor. These can be stronger, sharper, or more pronounced on the palate.
  • Thicker Cigars (e.g., Toro, Double Corona): Allow for a more balanced integration of wrapper, binder, and filler. Often the smoke is cooler, leading to smoother but still nuanced profiles.

Occasion & Setting

  • Casual Meetups: A Robusto or Corona is easy to enjoy during a casual gathering, giving you enough time to chat without it becoming an all-night affair.
  • Celebrations: For weddings, anniversaries, or any grand event, a Churchill or Double Corona offers a sense of tradition and luxury that can last well over an hour.

Personal Preference & Experience

  • Beginners: May prefer shorter, milder cigars—like a Petit Corona or a mild Robusto—to get acquainted with smoking without being overwhelmed by nicotine or time.
  • Seasoned Smokers: Often explore the full range, including big cigars like Churchills or Lanceros, to appreciate complexity and the unique flavor evolution across a longer burn.

Extra Tips: Pair your cigar with complementary beverages—like black coffee, rum, whiskey, or even a stout beer—to enhance or contrast the cigar’s flavor profile. Different pairings can shift your preference for certain sizes or shapes.

Choose Cigar size

How Does the Size of a Cigar Affect Its Burn Time?

The size of a cigar directly influences how long it will take to smoke. Larger cigars, such as a Double Corona or Churchill, have more tobacco, so they’ll take longer to burn. Smaller cigars, like the Petit Corona, are more compact and will burn faster.

In general, cigars with a larger ring gauge will also burn slower than their thinner counterparts. This is because the larger diameter allows for a cooler and slower burn, which often results in a more even draw. Smaller cigars with thinner ring gauges may burn quicker but also tend to be hotter, which can affect the flavor.

Here’s a rough estimate of how long different cigar sizes typically take to smoke:

Cigar SizeApproximate Smoking Time
Petit Corona20 – 30 minutes
Corona30 – 45 minutes
Robusto45 minutes
Toro45 – 60 minutes
Churchill60 – 90 minutes
Double Corona90 minutes or more
Data from Cigar Magazine (2022) and Cigar Aficionado (2023)

When time is of the essence, the size you choose can help ensure a satisfying experience without the worry of discarding a partially smoked cigar. For a short smoke, you can choose a Petit Corona or Cigarillo. If you want a mid-range smoke, consider a Corona, Robusto, or Toro. And if you want a long, enjoyable smoke, Churchills or Double Coronas are the traditional go-to’s, often lasting over an hour.

Conclusion

In the world of cigars, size is more than just a number. It affects everything from the burn time to the flavor intensity and overall smoking experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick smoke or a long, leisurely one, understanding the different cigar sizes will help you make a more informed decision.

Additionally, investing in a humidor is essential for preserving the quality of your cigars. A humidor helps maintain the ideal humidity levels, ensuring that your cigars stay fresh and ready to smoke at any time. So, next time you’re picking out cigars, consider the size that fits your preferences and the occasion—and don’t forget to store them properly to keep them in perfect condition.

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