The Art of Selecting the Perfect Cigar. A Journey Through Vitola Choices.

In my journey through the cigar world, I've come to realize the importance of 'vitola.' It's more than just industry jargon; it's about the identity of each cigar - its size, its shape, its very essence.
I remember how, in the beginning, the plethora of choices seemed overwhelming. Picking a brand was just the start; the real decision was choosing the right vitola. It's a personal thing, really. It's about how much time you have, what feels comfortable, what you're in the mood for.

For instance, for a midweek morning coffee I'll lean towards a robusto – it's compact and delivers the pleasure with no set backs, perfect for a brief escape. On long weekend nights a double corona hits the spot perfectly. 

Then there are those moments that call for something special. We all have them – times when selecting the perfect cigar becomes part of the experience itself. Like finding the right words for a story, I look for a cigar that fits the moment perfectly. It's these choices, these moments, that have defined my cigar journey, turning each smoke into a story of its own.

While the cigar industry abides by standards and generally accepted vitola names, there is a realm of diversity and creativity in this space. Manufacturers, in their pursuit of distinction and uniqueness, often craft their own exclusive vitola names for their brands. This practice not only adds a layer of complexity but also enriches the cigar culture.
Understanding and exploring the world of vitolas opens the door to a more nuanced and satisfying cigar experience.

The dimensions of a vitola are defined by two factors: length and ring gauge. The length of a cigar is quite simple, typically expressed in inches or centimeters, the ring gauge, on the other hand, refers to the diameter of the cigar. It's quantified in 64ths of an inch. This might sound complex at first, but it's a straightforward system once you're acquainted with it. For instance, a ring gauge of 50 indicates that the cigar's diameter is 50/64ths of an inch.

Here’s a practical example. Consider a typical Toro, a popular vitola among cigar enthusiasts. It has a thickness of 0.78 inches. When this measurement is converted into 64ths of an inch, it equates to 50/64. Simplified for clarity, it's presented as '50'. Consequently, when we talk about the overall dimensions of a Toro, it is expressed as 6 x 50. This means the cigar is 6 inches in length and has a ring gauge of 50, providing a clear and concise description of its size and shape.

                          

This simple description allows you to anticipate the smoking experience based on the vitola's physical characteristics. Whether you prefer a longer, slender cigar or a shorter, thicker one, recognizing these dimensions will guide you in selecting a cigar that aligns with your preferences and expectations. This will come in very handy if you’re shopping online but also if you find yourself in a beautiful humidor anywhere in the world

For Cuban cigars, the approach to expressing cigar measurements is a bit different, because of the country's long-standing adoption of the metric system since 1858. While the ring gauge remains consistent with the standard 64ths of an inch format used globally, the length of Cuban cigars is typically indicated in millimeters.

Diving a bit deeper, we encounter two primary shapes: parejos and figurados. Parejos are characterized by their straight sides and are known for their open foot, which is ready for lighting. Before indulging in a parejo, it generally requires cutting at the head. On the other hand, figurados, though less common, offer a unique smoking experience due to their unique pointy end which allows the smoker to control the depth of the cut.

Cuban cigar production uses a term known as "vitola de galera" or the factory name. This term represents a standard size designation for a cigar that is used by manufacturers in the factories. While the factory name is consistent across brands, each brand can assign a specific name for the cigar name.

Here’s an example, let's consider the Emininentes vitola. This particular size is currently produced by two prominent brands within the Habanos portfolio: H. Upmann and Partagas. While the H. Upmann brand has it under the name 'Corona Major', Partagas offers two variations in this size – 'Coronas Senior' and 'Petit Coronas Especiales'. Despite the different names and manufacturers, all these cigars fall under the Emininentes vitola, having the same size and shape

Understanding these nuances enables aficionados to navigate the diverse landscape of cigars with more confidence.

Outside of Cuba, the cigar industry has evolved massively, especially with manufacturers established by Cuban exiles post-revolution. Initially, many of these manufacturers adhered to the traditional Cuban factory-name system, maintaining a sense of continuity and heritage well into the 1970s. However, as the industry progressed. These manufacturers began introducing their own vitolas and naming conventions, diverging from the Cuban system.

Here is another common practice for the New World manufacturers, brands that offer the same cigar blend in different vitolas. A good example to explore this concept is the Davidoff Nicaragua line. This line is a showcase of variety, featuring a large number of sizes including Robusto, Toro, Short Corona, Diadema, Gran Torpedo, Box Pressed Toro (image below), and Boxed Press Robusto. While each of these cigars features the same blend, the experience they provide is distinctively different.

                        

While all these cigars share the same taste profile, inherent to the Davidoff Nicaragua blend, the size and shape of each vitola will influence the intensity and delivery of flavors. 

This diversity highlights how vitolas play a crucial role in shaping the smoking experience, even when the underlying tobacco blend remains the same. For enthusiasts and connoisseurs, this offers an exciting opportunity to explore the nuances of a blend across different sizes.

Let’s go through some of the most important Cuban and New World vitolas.

The Corona is a quintessential vitola, a Cuban classic measuring 42 x 142mm. It continues to be a benchmark in the cigar industry. It is often considered the standard against which other sizes are compared and serves as an excellent entry point into the world of premium cigars.

Another elegant and slender vitola is the Panetela, measuring 34 x 117mm. This format, steeped in history, was once the choice of aristocrats. Although its popularity declined in the 20th Century, it experienced a brief comeback being marketed as a suitable choice for women. Today, while still available, Panetelas are considered somewhat niche, especially compared to thicker cigars.

The Lonsdale, also known as the Cervantes in factories, is another gorgeous format. Named after an English lord, this vitola reflects a blend of elegance and tradition.

                   

One cannot talk about iconic vitolas without mentioning the Churchill. Named after Winston Churchill, a famed cigar enthusiast, this vitola is known for its length and ring gauge. The story of its naming is surrounded by mystery. The Julieta No. 2 was renamed in honor of the British Prime Minister and some say it occurred during a visit from the Prime Minister sometime in the 1940s. Others say it didn't appear until well into the 1950s and others say it happened after his death (1965). 

For those who enjoy a longer smoke, the Double Corona, or Prominentes, is a magnificent choice, measuring 49 x 194mm. This vitola allows smokers to savor the evolution and complexity of aromas over several hours.

                    

The Piramide is a popular figurado size, featuring a tapered point and a cut foot. Typically measuring 140 to 160mm, Piramides offer diverse experiences depending on the brand or blend.

In the realm of Perfectos, one common size is the Salómon, over 174mm long with a substantial 57 ring gauge at its largest point.

Another unique Perfecto size is the Diademas, a 233mm long cigar with a 55 ring gauge, offering a rare and eye-catching smoking experience.

In the New World, the Robusto has become a rock star vitola. It is a relatively new size, rapidly gaining popularity and replacing the Corona as the standard in the US. With a 5-inch length and a ring gauge of around 50, it is similar to the Cuban Rothschild vitola.

The Toro, another newer size, offers a smoking experience similar to the Robusto but with an extra inch in length, providing over an hour's smoke. Popular in the American market, the Toro measures 6 inches in length with a 50 ring gauge, perfect for those seeking a longer smoking experience.


Here are just a few famous cuban vitolas and the habanos that take on their shape:

Montesco, 55 x 130mm - Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill
Dobles 50 x 155mm - Montecristo Double Edmundo
Prominentes 49 x194mm - Partagas Lusitanias
Robustos 50 x 124mm - Ramon Allones Specially Selected
Piramide Extra 54x160mm - Cohiba Piramide Extra
Cañonanzo 52 x 150mm - Cohiba Siglo VI
Julieta no2 47 x 178mm - Cohiba Esplendidos
Gran Corona 47 x 235mm - Montecristo A
Laguito no6 56 x 166mm - Cohiba Behike 56
Campanas 52 x 140mm - Bolivar Belicosos Finos
Dinoras 53 x1 45mm - Trinidad Esmeralda
Magnum 54 54 x 120mm - Magnum 54
Salomón 57 x 184mm - Cuaba Salomon
Deliciosos 33 x 159mm - Por Larrañaga Montecarlos

The vitolario of Habanos is a testament to the extensive variety and rich tradition within the world of Cuban cigars, summing up over 300 distinct sizes and shapes.
Understanding vitolas is a great skill for any cigar enthusiast and the best way to do it is to try as many as possible.