Guide to Cigar Ring Gauges, Sizing & Vitolas

The Ultimate Guide to Cigar Ring Gauges, Lengths & Vitolas:

Selecting the right cigar involves more than just choosing a brand or blend—it’s about finding the perfect size, ring gauge, and vitola to match your smoking preferences. 

The dimensions of a cigar significantly impact burn rate, draw, flavour intensity, and smoking duration, making it essential to understand how length, ring gauge, and vitola influence the experience.

Understanding Cigar Ring Gauge

The ring gauge of a cigar refers to its diameter, measured in 64ths of an inch. For example, a cigar with a 50-ring gauge has a diameter of 50/64ths of an inch. The thickness of a cigar affects draw, burn temperature, and flavour concentration.

Common Ring Gauge Categories

• Slim      (30–40 RG) – Offers a concentrated flavour experience, often burning      hotter due to the smaller diameter.
• Medium      (42–50 RG) – A balanced choice, providing a smooth draw and      well-rounded flavour.
• Large      (52–60 RG) – Burns cooler with a slower draw, allowing for a more      complex smoking experience.
• Extra-Large      (60+ RG) – Delivers a bold, extended smoking session with ample      airflow and rich flavours.

Understanding Cigar Length

Cigar length is measured in inches, with shorter cigars offering a quicker smoke and longer cigars providing an extended experience.

Common Length Categories

• Short      (4–5 inches) – Ideal for a quick, flavourful smoke.
• Medium      (5.5–6.5 inches) – A balanced choice, offering a satisfying duration      without excessive commitment.
• Long      (7+ inches) – Designed for a leisurely smoking experience, allowing      flavours to evolve over time.

Understanding Vitolas: The Shape & Size of Cigars

The term vitola refers to the specific shape and size of a cigar. While ring gauge and length define the physical dimensions, vitolas categorize cigars based on their traditional formats.

Two Main Types of Vitolas

1. Parejos     – Straight-sided cigars with a cylindrical shape, requiring a cut before      smoking.
2. Figurados     – Unconventional shapes, including tapered or bulbous designs, often      enhancing complexity and aesthetics.

Popular Vitolas & Their Characteristics

· Corona – Straight, 5.5 inches, RG 42-44 with a smoking time of 45-60 min

· Petit Corona – Straight, 4.5 inches, RG 40-42 with a smoking time of 30-40 min

· Robusto – Straight, 5 inches, RG 48-52 with a smoking time of 45-60 min

· Toro – Straight, 6 inches, RG 50-54 with a smoking time of 60-75 min

· Churchill – Straight, 7 inches RG 47-50 with a smoking time of 75-90 mins

· Gordo - straight, 6 inches, RG 60+ with a smoking time of 90+ mins

· Torpedo - Tapered head, 607 inches, RG 50-64 with a smoking time of 60-90 mins

· Perfecto – Bulbous centre, tapered ends, 5-7 inches, RG 48-52 with a smoking time of 60-90 mins

· Pyramid – Tapered head and wide foot, 6-7 inches, RG 50-54 with a smoking time of 60-90 mins

How Ring Gauge, Length & Vitola Affect Smoking Experience

1. Burn Rate – Thinner cigars burn faster, while thicker cigars burn slower      and cooler.
2. Draw  & Airflow – Larger ring gauges allow more airflow, resulting in a      smoother draw.
3. Flavour Intensity – Slim cigars emphasize wrapper flavours, while thicker      cigars balance wrapper and filler tobaccos.
4. Smoking Duration – Longer cigars provide an extended experience, while shorter      cigars are ideal for quick enjoyment.
5. Shape Influence – Figurados often provide a more complex smoking      experience, evolving in flavour as the shape changes.

Choosing the Right Cigar for You

• If you prefer quick smokes, opt for a Petit Corona or Robusto.
• If you enjoy long, complex smoking sessions, a Churchill or Gordo     is ideal.
• If you want balanced flavours, a Toro offers a smooth experience.
• If you seek intense wrapper flavors, go for a slimmer ring gauge.
• If you prefer cooler, slower burns, choose a larger ring gauge.
• If you want aesthetic appeal and evolving complexity, try a Torpedo      or Perfecto.