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Chapter V
Shapes, vitolas, and ring gauge
A vitola is shape plus size. Length is usually in inches. Ring gauge is diameter in 64ths of an inch. A 50 ring is about 19.8 mm. Cuban factories also use internal factory names that may not match the name on the box.
The numbers below are trade ranges, not a statute. One factory’s Robusto is 4¾ × 50; another’s is 5½ × 52.
| Name | Length (approx.) | Ring (approx.) | Family | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Corona | 4.5–5″ | 40–42 | Parejo | 25–45 min |
| Corona | 5.5–6″ | 42–44 | Parejo | 40–60 min |
| Robusto | 4.75–5.5″ | 48–52 | Parejo | 35–60 min |
| Toro | 6–6.5″ | 50–54 | Parejo | 50–80 min |
| Churchill | 6.75–7.25″ | 47–50 | Parejo | 60–90 min |
| Double Corona | 7.5–8″ | 49–52 | Parejo | 90–120 min |
| Lonsdale | 6.5″ | 42–44 | Long parejo | 55–75 min |
| Lancero / Panetela | 7–7.5″ | 38–40 | Very thin | 50–75 min |
| Gordo | about 6″ | 58–60+ | Thick parejo | 70–100 min |
| Torpedo / Pirámides | 6–6.5″ | 50–54 at the body | Pointed head | 55–80 min |
| Belicoso | 5–5.5″ | 50–52 | Short torpedo | 45–70 min |
| Perfecto | 4.5–6″+ | 48–60 at the belly | Closed both ends | 45–90 min |
Parejo and figurado
A parejo is a straight cylinder. Figurados include torpedoes, perfectos, and rarer shapes such as the culebra. A pointed cap changes the cut and the airflow. A closed foot changes the light. Thin cigars taste more of wrapper; thick cigars carry more filler weight in the middle third.
Wind, humidity, and pace rewrite the clock. The times are for planning an afternoon, not for a lab.