Let's Talk About Cigar Size

I was asked the question a few weeks ago on Ward B at Cigar World "what size cigar do you prefer?" A valid question, but before I could truly answer the question I had to figure out what cigar sizes existed.

Surprisingly there are many different cigar sizes. First, the basics: A cigar is measured by the length, often in inches, and by the ring gauge which is a measurement of how many 64ths of an inch the cigar measures in it's diameter. For example, the Punch Gran Cru is a 5 1/4 x 50, meaning it is 5 1/4 inches long and 50/64 inches in diameter.

Roughly, cigar sizes range as follows:

-Half Corona: 4 1/4 x 42
-Rothschild: 4 1/2 x 50
-Robusto: 5 x 50
-Corona: 5 1/2 x 42
-Toro: 6 x 50
-Torpedo: 6 1/4 x 52
-Lonsdale: 6 1/2 x 44
-Churchill: 7 x 48
-Double Corona: 7 1/2 x 54
-President: 8 1/2 x 52

Please remember that this list is very basic and not all inclusive. There are numerous custom sizes for individual cigar producers, and there is also some variance around the measurements listed above (for example, a Brick House Churchill measures 7 1/4 x 50, and a Rocky Patel 1990 Vintage Churchill measures 7 x 48, while a Padron Maduro Churchill comes in at 6 x 46). One must remember that this is the Cigar Amateur, and therefore we are only aiming to approach proficiency, not to define the complete boundaries of the cigar world.

As you venture through the numerous offerings of the cigar world, try different sizes to find what you like. Understand the time needed for each individual size, and allow yourself that time to enjoy the smoke. If you do not, it is not fair to you or the stick.