Complete Guide: Deciphering Cigar Sizes and Nomenclatures
Navigating the world of cigars can sometimes be a real headache, especially when it comes to understanding the sizes and various names given to these exceptional products. Between recurring names such as the famous Corona or Robusto and their sometimes ambiguous meanings, it's easy to get lost. This article aims to demystify everything you need to know about cigar sizes, covering aspects such as:
- The cepo (cigar diameter)
- Length (in millimeters)
- La Vitola de Salida (trade name)
- La Vitola de Galera (production name)
- Common names (Robusto, Corona, Panatela, Figurado, etc.)
If this already sounds complicated, don't panic—we'll break it down step by step. And to make things even more interesting, our exploration will include a detour into the fascinating history of the cigar.
The Different Types of Cigars
To simplify, cigars are categorized into two main families: parejos, which are straight-shaped cigars, and figurados, which designate all cigars of various shapes.
Examples:
- A Bolivar Royal Coronas represents a parejo.
- Conversely, a Bolivar Belicosos Finos is classified as a figurado.
Figurados come in several specific types, including belicosos, pyramids, torpedos, and culebras, each with its own particularities.
Cigars and Modules
The term module, or vitola in Spanish (from which we get our "vitola"), refers to all the physical characteristics of a cigar, including its length, diameter (or cepo), and weight. These modules have specific names, such as Corona, Petit Corona, Panatela, Robusto, among others. In everyday language, the term "module" can also refer to the cigar itself, adding to the general confusion.
It is important to note that "modulus" refers to a specific combination of size and diameter.
Cigar Size and Cepo
Cigar size can be expressed in a simplified way, often in English, by the combination of length in inches and cepo, for example 6×60. Lengths are usually indicated in millimeters or inches, knowing that one inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters.
The cepo, on the other hand, is measured in 1/64th of an inch, providing precision on the cigar's diameter. For Cuban cigars, the cepo generally ranges from 26 to 57, although some non-Cuban manufacturers offer cigars with a cepo of up to 80.
Here is a simplified table of correspondence between the cepo (expressed in 1/64th of an inch) and its equivalent in millimeters, to help you visualize the standard sizes of cigars:
| Cepo (1/64th of an inch) | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|
| 32 | 12.7 |
| 34 | 13.5 |
| 36 | 14.3 |
| 38 | 15.1 |
| 40 | 15.9 |
| 42 | 16.7 |
| 44 | 17.5 |
| 46 | 18.3 |
| 48 | 19.1 |
| 50 | 19.8 |
| 52 | 20.6 |
| 54 | 21.4 |
| 56 | 22.2 |
| 58 | 23.0 |
| 60 | 23.8 |
This chart gives you a clear idea of cigar diameters according to cepo, making it easier to select cigars based on your personal preferences for a variety of tasting experiences. It also helps you choose the right cigar case .
Can You Trust a Cigar's Name for Its Dimensions?
A cigar's trade name does not necessarily indicate its size. It is essential to distinguish between the Vitola de Galera (production name) and the Vitola de Salida (trade name), as well as the common name for the size. For example, a cigar with the trade name "Royal Coronas" could be a Robusto depending on its Vitola de Galera.
The Story Behind the Vitola de Galera
The Vitola de Galera, or production name, originates from the cigar production rooms, formerly nicknamed "galeras" in reference to galleys, due to the difficult working conditions. This name allows the torcedores (cigar rollers) to know precisely the format to be produced.
To Remember
Each cigar is defined by three names: the Vitola de Galera (production format), the Vitola de Salida (trade name), and the common name. These names help navigate the vast world of cigars, providing a guide for aficionados while testifying to the richness and complexity of this ancient art.
