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Cigar ShapesCigars are divided into two basic forms. Parejos  Straight cigars are known as Parejos. Examples are Robusto, Churchill, Corona, Lonsdale, Panetela & Cigarillo. Parejos can have conical or pigtail heads. Figurados  Fancy cigars are known as Figurados. Examples are Perfecto, Pyramid, & Culebra. |
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Cigar Sizes Cuban cigars sizes are quoted by their ring size (diameter) and their length. Ring Size The ring size of a cigar is the cigar's diameter, quoted as the number of 1/64's of an inch. i.e. a ring size of 50 represents 50/64 of an inch. Perfectos are measured at their thickest point. Ring Gauge Cuban cigars are divided into three gauge groups. The gauge of a cigar is an indication of its ring size. The common Cuban term is shown first in the following table. These groups are becoming a bit lopsided with the recent trend to thicker cigars.
Metric Diameters Metric diameters, while sometimes quoted, are not in general use. The following conversion chart can be used if this information is required.
Length Cigar lengths are produced to a metric dimension (mm). For convenience, the length (in inches) have been added to appropriate sections of this website. Checking the size of suspect cigars is one of the easiest tests to make, but it is often ignored. Allow a 2 to 4 mm length tolerance, as cigars shrink after production. |
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Cigar Names Cigars are described using three different names: Market or Commercial Name - Vitola de Salida This is the name that the cigar is sold under. This name appears on price lists and appears on the cigar packaging. It is a specific name and identifies a single unique cigar. For example, a Cohiba Lanceros. (Cohiba is the Brand name, Lanceros is the Market name). For Information on Cigars by Release.....click here Factory Name - Vitola de Galera This is the name that the factory uses to define a specific cigar type (ring size, length, shape, and cap finish). This name might appear on catalogue lists but it does not appear on the cigar box packaging. In the above example of the Cohiba Lanceros, its factory name is Laguito No.1, which has a unique size of 38 x 192. There are a number of cigars made in this size that are sold under different market names. For a complete list of Factory Names.....click here Common Name This is the common (or slang name) for the cigar, and is used in general terms to identify a particular group of cigars with a similar shape, ring size and length. This name is not used by the factory. In the above example, the Cohiba Lanceros is commonly called a Long Panetela. There are many cigars that fall within this common name description. However not everyone agrees what each common name exactly means. In Paul Garmirian's 1990 publication, only a single Robusto is listed. He callers a longer version of the Robusto, a Toro (a commonly accepted US term but not used to describe a Cuban cigar). On this site Robustos & Perfectos have been further subdivided. For a Complete List of Common Names.....click here To view images of Cigars by Common Names.....click here In some older publications or in different areas of the world, the common names can vary. For a List of Alternate Common Names.....click here Use of these Names These terms are often loosely used and can cause confusion. Sometimes a specific cigar adds to this confusion. For example in the Cohiba brand, there is a Robustos sold, that has a factory name Robustos, and has a common name Robusto. One needs to be clear on which term is being used. In this website, all three names are shown. |
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Storage of Cigars Cigars should ideally be stored in a properly manufactured humidor at their optimal temperature and humidity levels. Temperature and humidity control is critical for cigars. Cigars should also be stored where they can not be affected by strong odours or fumes (paint, varnish, petrol etc). Humidors The ideal construction material or lining for humidors is Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata). Spanish Cedar is not from Spain but from Brazil and other South American Countries, and is also called South American Cedar or sometimes Cigar Box Cedar. Other timbers used are American (or Canadian) red cedar (Thuja plicata) or Honduran mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). Spanish Cedar has a high absorption capacity (while remaining stable at high moisture levels), and is generally credited with a positive effect on the cigar aging process and in adding flavour to the cigars. Some have argued that its aromatic fragrance helps suppress tobacco beetle, but there is little evidence to support this. Storing cigars in their original boxes is recommended, rather than on open display shelfs. This protects the cigars from light and it is argued that confinement in boxes results in better aging. A humidor should never be subject to direct sunlight because of temperate fluctuations. Cellophane Storing cigars in their cellophane sleaves is a fairly academic argument for modern Cuban cigars these days. For older cigars, current consensus is that cellophane is probably best left on for disease/ pest control if your storage conditions are less than ideal. It may also improve aging. Some dealers distribute single cigars in cellophane to protect them during transport. Some smokers use sleeves for singles to prevent transfer of oils between different cigars. |
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Temperature & Humidity While the 70/70 rule, 70ºF (21ºC) temperature & 70% humidity, is often stated as the ideal condition for cigar storage, Habanos recommends a lower range for Cuban cigars. Their cigars always include the following statement: "For fullest enjoyment, these cigars should be installed in a humidor, away from products with strong odour and under correct conditions of temperature (16ºC to 18ºC) and humidity (65% to 70%)." Equally important as maintaining ideal temperature and humidity, is stability. Fluctuations from these values should be avoided. Bear in mind that most domestic digital hygrometers are only accurate to plus or minus 2% and should be recalibrated every 6 months. Digital thermometers are usually accurate to plus or minus 0.5ºC (1ºF). Temperature Temperature should be controlled to within the recommended range of 16ºC to 18ºC (61ºF to 64ºF). Consensus appears to be that the lower end of this range (16ºC - 61ºF) is the ideal target, as higher temperature is the more critical concern. Temperatures above 18ºC (64ºF) allows dormant Tobacco Beetle's to hatch and become active. Sustained temperatures above 24ºC (75ºF) should be considered critical. Low temperature can delay the aging process. Sustained temperatures below 12ºC (54ºF) should be considered undesirable for normal aging (a normal fridge is too cold). Humidity Humidity should be controlled within the recommended range of 65% to 70% RH. Consensus appears to be that the lower end of this range (65%) is an ideal target. High humidity can cause the growth of damaging blue mould or cracking of the wrapper. Sustained humidity above 75% should be considered critical. Low humidity can allow cigars to dry out. Humidity below 55% should be considered critical. Summary In summary, a stable 16ºC (61ºF) temperature and 65% humidity is the ideal target. |
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Aging Cigars Traditionally, it was generally agreed that cigars should not be consumed within the first year of production. Since 2006, this appears to becoming less of a criteria as Habanos introduces modern technology and better quality control of its processes, with the result that cigars are smoking better, earlier. Current consensus appears to be as follows: Newly received cigars should be allowed to stabilisation for around one month before smoking. All cigars benefit from aging. A good benchmark for Cubans is 5 years. Lighter flavoured cigars probably sooner & stronger cigars probably longer. A suggestion is to try a cigar from the box every six months to check how they are smoking. Cigars in "air-tight" storage conditions may benefit from longer aging, and cigars stored in less than ideal conditions should be smoked earlier. Cigars older than 10 - 15 years may be past their prime unless ideal storage conditions were adhered to, however some cigars gain a remarkable complexity when old. Note, opinion varies greatly on this aspect of cigars; therefore use this section as a guide only, and in the end, it is up to individual preference. For an in-depth discussion on aging cigars, Min Ron Nee's Illustrated Encyclopaedia is recommended. |
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Cigar Pests & Problems There are various problems that can affect cigars. Tobacco Beetle The tobacco beetle, Lasioderma serricorne, can cause devastation to cigars. By the time that they are discovered, the damage is done. If not contained, your whole stock can be ruined. Tobacco beetles thrive in temperatures in excess of 18ºC / 65ºF. Their 12 week life-cycle starts off as microscopic eggs, that hatch into larva, that later pupate, and finally emerge as an adult beetle. The larva is a ~4mm long white grub, that lives for about two months inside the cigar, feeding on the tobacco. The adult is a 2-3mm long brownish-red beetle, can fly, lives around three weeks, and does its damage by chewing its way out of the cigar. Female beetles chew their way back into the cigar to lay eggs, up to 100 at a time. This pest was traditionally fought by fumigation of the finished cigars before packing. The chemical used kills the tobacco beetle in all of its four stages of its life-cycle; and is not toxic, leaves no residual, and has no taste or effect on the cigar. However, as fumigation has not been 100% effective (and as the use of such chemicals may eventually be banned) Habanos since circa 2005 freezes their cigars during warehousing. This is expected to totally eradicate this pest from finished cigars, however notwithstanding this, there are occasionally reports of beetle infestation current boxes. See the comments on freezing in the Manufacturing section.....click here. Prevention is to keep correct storage temperatures and isolate new cigars from non-Cuban cigars and from cigars produced before circa 2005. In the absence of storage conditions below 18ºC / 65ºF, consideration should be given to freezing newly received cigars. A conventional household freezer normally operates around -15ºC / +5ºF, so (wrapped / zip-locked) cigars should be stored for several days. Allow a transition by moving the cigars from the freezer to the fridge for several days before returning to the humidor. Blue-green Mould If cigars are in prolonged contact with water (from say from a leaking Credo type humidifier) or subject to high humidity, a damaging blue-green fungal mould can occur, affecting both cigars and humidor. Affected cigars should be destroyed and the humidor thoroughly cleaned and dried. White Powdery Bloom / Plume This is not actually a problem, but it concerns many newcomers. It is a white powdery mould that naturally occurs with age or when cigars are subject to a sudden increases in humidity. Bloom can be easily removed with a soft brush. It actually indicates that the cigar is in good condition. Dry Cigars Dry cigars can permanently lose their flavour. When this occurs is debateable. Habanos states that noticeable flavour loss starts within two or three months. Other argue much shorter periods. Prevention is to keep the correct storage humidity. Poor Draw - Plugged & Underfilled Cigars Poor draw problems resulted from underfilled or overfilled cigars or badly bunched or twisted filler leaf within the cigar. Poor draw can be more pronounced in young inadequately aged cigars. Allowing a longer time for the cigar to age may help. Plugged cigars can vary from partial (hard to draw) to fully plugged (totally unsmokable). A tight or badly bunched cigar might be saved by poking a thin skewer down the centre of the cigar. Allowing the cigars to dry may help. Under-filled cigars, while smokable, are very unsatisfying. There is nothing you can do with an under-filled cigar, except if the cigars were over-dry, restoring them to their proper humidity level may help. Plugged cigars were virtually unheard of before circa 1996. Construction issues began to appear in 1998, and 2003 - 2004 was notorious for construction problems, including gross underfilling. The situation improved mid 2004. Since 2005, suction tests are carried out on all cigars before the wrappers are applied. Now the construction of most new cigars are very good. |
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Cigar Strength While individual brands have an accepted strength/ flavour rating, strengths and blends of individual cigars vary within the brand. Habanos rate their cigars using a single term, encompasses flavour, body, and strength. Habanos Cuban cigar brands are generally rated as follows:
Smokers tend to separate these characteristics:
Some of the more common flavours one can observe while smoking a cigar include: spice, cocoa or chocolate, peat moss or earth, coffee, nuts, wood, and berry. |
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Smoking your Cigar This section provides some information on selection, cutting, lighting, smoking, finishing and grading your cigar. Selecting Select a size suitable for the available smoking time. Examine the cigar using all your senses; smell, appearance, and feel. If you are buying and if anything at all looks wrong, try something else. If it is one of your own cigars, reappraise your storage conditions. You will gradually develop a sense for this; it really can't be taught. Cutting The cigar should be cut just inside the cap, leaving enough cap on to prevent the wrapper from unravelling. On figurados, cut about 5mm from the tip. The easiest method is to use either a single or double sided guillotine cutter. Some prefer a sharp knife or a punch cutter. Definitely don't poke a hole in the end or (worse still) chew the end off. Lighting To light the cigar, a gas butane lighter (which has an odourless flame) is recommended. Liquid fuel lighters, wax candles and matches are not recommended. Char the end of the cigar evenly, then place the cigar in your mouth and slowly draw-in until the cigar is well lit, rotating the cigar as necessary. Don't hurry this process as a well lit cigar will respond with even burning. If relighting is necessary, this is not a problem if carried out immediately. If a cigar is left for any period, it will lose flavour and become bitter. Smoking Enjoy the cigar; do not rush things. Much of the smoking pleasure is taking the time-out to enjoy. Don't inhale like a cigarette; just draw in the smoke and enjoy the flavour and aromas. Cigars are commonly discarded around the three-quarter mark. More or less is an indication of your enjoyment of the cigar . If you burn your fingers you have had a good cigar. Extinguishing Where possible, leave you cigar to safely burn out, as cigars naturally self-extinguish within a few minutes. This avoids the "butting-out" smell and is a fitting end to your Cuban. Grading your Cigar After smoking your cigar, you may wish to "grade" it. A typical 100 point "professional" grading scale is:
A typical 5 point "easy" grading cigar scale is:
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Cigar Images The following images show the typical shape and relative size of cigars, listed by common name. For a single page printout of Common Names with Sizes and Images.....click here  Giant Perfecto Double Perfecto Perfecto Petit Perfecto Double Pyramid Pyramid Petit Pyramid Culebras Giant RobustoDouble Robusto Robusto Extra RobustoPetit Robusto Churchill Giant Corona Double Corona Grand CoronaCorona Extra Lonsdale Long Corona Corona Petit Corona Long Panetela Panetela Short Panetela Slim Panetela Small Panetela Cigarillo |