Cigar sizes and shapes play a crucial role in the smoking experience, influencing everything from burn time to flavour intensity. Understanding the different sizes and shapes can help you choose a cigar that matches your preferences, whether you’re looking for a quick, bold smoke or a long, slow-burning experience. Here’s what beginners need to know:
Common Sizes
Corona (5.5″ x 42-44) – A classic choice, like the Magno Inception Maduro Corona. This medium-sized cigar delivers a smooth draw with rich, bold flavours of dark chocolate, espresso, and spice. The balanced construction ensures an even burn, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a refined yet approachable smoke.
Robusto (5″ x 50) – Short and thick, such as the Brick House Robusto Maduro. This cigar is known for its deep, full-bodied flavours, featuring notes of cocoa, pepper, and earth. The dense smoke output and shorter length make it ideal for those who want a rich experience without committing to a long session.
Toro (6.5″ x 52) – A refined option with a longer smoking time, the Rocky Patel Decade Toro Box-Press offers a rich and complex flavour profile. This box-pressed cigar delivers a smooth yet full-bodied experience, with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and a hint of sweetness. Its box-pressed shape provides a comfortable grip and a slow, even burn, making it a great choice for those looking to savour a longer smoke.
Shapes
- Round Cigars – The traditional shape, rolled into a cylindrical form. These cigars typically have a smoother draw and a more even burn due to their natural rolling process. They are the most common and widely available shape.
- Box-Pressed Cigars – These cigars have a squared-off shape, achieved by pressing them into moulds or packing them tightly in boxes. The slightly compressed form can create a slower, cooler burn and a different mouthfeel, often enhancing flavour concentration. Some smokers prefer box-pressed cigars for their comfortable grip and unique draw.
What to Choose as a Beginner
Start with a Robusto or Corona for a balanced experience. These sizes are great for beginners because they offer an ideal balance between smoking time, flavour concentration, and ease of handling. A Robusto provides a rich smoking experience without being overwhelming, while a Corona delivers a slightly longer but still approachable session. Both allow new smokers to experience the complexity of a cigar without committing to an extended smoking time or dealing with a size that’s harder to manage.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cigar size and shape can greatly enhance your smoking experience. Whether you prefer a shorter, richer smoke or a longer, more gradual burn, understanding vitolas helps you find what suits you best. Enjoy the journey and explore different options to discover what you like most.
