As you cannot view cigars in a walk-in humidor in New Zealand due to the Smokefree 2025 Act (which restricts the display of all tobacco products) the following information is aimed to assist you with the sizes and shapes of cigars.
Cigar Size is typically composed of length, ring gauge and shape.
Length is fairly straightforward as it is measured universally in inches. Ring gauge is a little more tricky since it is a unique unit of measure. One unit is 1/64th of an inch measured diameter of a cigar. So for example, a cigar with a 50-ring gauge is going to measure 50/64s of an inch in diameter.
*Reminder for those of us who haven’t taken a math class in a while, diameter is the measurement from one point of a circle, through the center, to another point. When you see a cigar description the length and ring gauge will be presented typically in the following fashion “length” by “ring gauge” (ex. 5" by 50).
Cigar Shapes (and names of shapes) are a truly amazing thing; they vary from cigar maker to country of origin and while there are handful of standardised shapes and names; there are 100's if not 1000's of other shapes and names...
So, the third component is the actual shape of the cigar. Most cigars are going to fall under the umbrella of a Parejo. Parejo describes a grouping of shapes that have straight sides with no taper, most often the foot of the cigar is open and the cap needs to be cut before lighting. These can be either box-pressed or traditionally rolled to be round. The third component is the actual shape of the cigar.
Box-pressed means that the press used after the cigar was rolled has squared-off edges to it. Some of the more common shapes that would be considered part of the Parejo family are the Petit Corona, Corona, Robusto, Churchill, Corona Gordo, Toro, Lonsdale, and Lancero.
You can purchase the 33 Books Cigar Taxonomy print here; it makes an amazing gift and looks amazing when framed.
Petit Corona: generally measures 4 1/2" by 40-42 ring gauge
Approximate smoking time 15-30 minutes (depending on your speed)
Corona: generally measures 5 1/2" to 6" by 42-44 ring gauge
Approximate smoking time 30-50 minutes (depending on your speed)
Robusto: 4 3/4" to 5 1/2" by 48-52 ring gauge
Approximate smoking time 45-60 minutes (depending on your speed)
A very popular size; the fatness of the cigar keeps the cigar burning a little cooler, making it a more enjoyable smoke.
Churchill: 7" by 47 ring gauge
Approximate smoking time 60-90 minutes (depending on your speed)
This is a large format cigar, it is said to be named after Winston Churchill after he visited the Romeo Y Julietta factory.
Corona Gorda: 5 5/8" by 46 ring gauge
Approximate smoking time 45-60 minutes (depending on your speed)
Toro: 5 5/8" to 6 1/2" by 50 to 54 ring gauge
Approximate smoking time 60-90 minutes (depending on your speed)
Our most popular size cigar at Canteros New Zealand.
Lonsdale: 6 1/2" by 44 ring gauge
Approximate smoking time 45-60 minutes (depending on your speed)
Not a hugely popular size, but a personal favourite of mine.
Gordo: over 4 3/4" to 6" by 60-80 ring gauge
Approximate smoking time 60-120 minutes (depending on your speed)
These started as a fad in the American cigar market, but have stuck around as a regular offering that you will find from time to time. The lengths vary, but the distinguishing factor is the ring gauge being 60+. These are very large cigars that are going to take a time commitment (and sometimes a special cutter) to enjoy properly.
Another style you will find among cigars is called a Figurado. These vary from the typical cigar shape in the fact that they do not have straight sides. There is often a taper at one (or both) ends of the cigar, giving it a different mouth feel as well as draw. The taper at the head of the cigar is sometimes welcomed when smoking and provides a different experience than a traditional Parejo. The two most common shapes you will find on shelves of retailers are the Pyramid/Torpedo and the Perfecto.
Pyramid/Torpedo: 6-7" by 52-54 (at the foot) ring gauge
These cigars have the foot of a Parejo but at the head and cap taper down to a point or pyramid shape. These can also come box-pressed to add dimension to the shape, size, and feel.
Perfecto: varies greatly in length as well as ring gauge
They are another cigar size/shape that are highly enjoyable. With a ring gauge similar to a Robusto (measured in the center), they tend to have a different draw points of the smoking experience, corresponding to the varying ring gauge.
The best thing about cigars is exploring what may seem like unlimited options, and learning what you like and dislike. Finding the size and shape of the cigars you gravitate toward will constantly change, this can be based on the activity or time of day you are smoking.