Cigar size and compatible cigar case: Determining the size of a cigar

Cigar cases are designed to hold only certain types of cigars, depending on the model you choose. Therefore, it's important to do your research before purchasing to ensure your cigars will fit properly in your cigar case.

But knowing the size and diameter of a cigar (also called the ring) is not so simple.

Of course, you can simply take the measurements yourself. But if you don't have the cigar in your possession, it complicates things.

However, each type of cigar has its own name that helps determine its size and diameter.

This is why cigar lovers generally make it a habit to learn the names and meanings of the different sizes of cigars.

This is all the more useful because in the world of cigars, we do not think in centimeters of cigar, but via its technical name (not to be confused with the brand) which directly indicates the desired size of cigar.

Each module name will then specify the length and ring size of the cigar at the same time. But before learning these names, it is essential to fully understand the concept of cigar ring sizes.

Understanding Cigar Size: Length and Ring Size (Cigar Diameter)

When purchasing a cigar, you will generally find the name of the size of the cigar indicated on the box, as well as its actual size.

So, a Corona cigar box should indicate, in addition to this denomination: 5⅝ x 42.

The Corona qualification provides all the information to an experienced buyer regarding the measurable characteristics of a module.

In our example:

• 5⅝ will tell you the length of the cigar in inches (one inch is equal to 2.54 cm)
• the 42 the diameter or the ring of the cigar.

Cigars come in all sizes, from the smallest (e.g., the Perla is 4 inches, or 102 mm long) to much longer (e.g., the Double Corona is 7.6 inches, or 194 mm long).

Regarding the reading of the ring, in order to obtain its diameter this requires a slightly more complex conversion...

The ring gauge of a Havana cigar is measured in 64ths of an inch!!

In our case, the 42 will inform us that the diameter of the cigar is 42/64ths of an inch, or 16.67mm

Note : The ring, also called cepo, corresponds to the largest diameter of the cigar.

The diameter of the cigar therefore also has an impact on the cigar cutter to buy.

Which cigar size should I choose?

The first selection criterion will probably be your cigar cases , since you will probably want to be able to carry your cigars with you when you travel.

We offer a wide selection of cigar cases and travel humidors that will fit most cigar sizes available on the market.

The following criteria to consider when selecting your cigars will depend on your experience, your tastes but also your budget.

The larger the diameter of a cigar, the greater the range of aromas it will have.

Furthermore, the length of a cigar obviously has an impact on the duration of consumption. The longer a cigar is, the longer the enjoyment can last.

A small cigar will take less than an hour, while larger ones, like a Churchill, can be consumed for almost two hours.

For a very short experience (15 min), Cigarillos will be the best choice.

Then, depending on how much time you want to devote to your tasting, you can go for a Toro cigar for a dedicated time of one hour, or a Churchill or a Double Corona if you have more than an hour and a half.

Depending on your choice, plan a long enough period to be able to appreciate it to the fullest!

Cigar Names and Sizes

There are three distinct ways to name a cigar:

• la vitola de salida : the commercial name of the cigar (ex: Partagas Série DN° 4)
• la vitola de galera : the production name (e.g. Partagas)
• the common name : represents the common format of the cigar (eg: Robusto)

Each of these names has a specific function and use:

• The exit vitola: this is simply the name that will be promoted by brands. Its sole function is to commercially name a cigar but without providing any technical information about the cigar.
• The vitola de galera: is the name used by cigar producers to formally specify the dimensions of a cigar.
• Finally, the common name is a simplified transcription of vitola de galera . It allows for the grouping of cigars of different brands under the same name of a single format. This simplifies the designation of the cigar format regardless of the producer.

This is the common name that will be used most often in the world of cigar smokers to describe the size of a cigar.

Below you will find a summary table of common cigar names and their technical characteristics: length and diameter in millimeters.

Please note that these are average data, which may vary depending on the vitola de galera (brand):