Cigar Formats – What Formats Are Available and How Do They Differ?

There are many different cigar formats worldwide. Since these primarily refer to Cuban cigars, the following text will focus on the well-known, common formats within the Habanos series.

Other cigar-producing countries such as Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Honduras, and Indonesia are also gaining market share, leading to a wider variety of formats.

Formats and Their Dimensions

Cigars are generally distinguished by brand name, length, thickness, and shape. Based on the cigar’s diameter—also known as ring gauge—there are three main types or families: small, medium, and large formats (ring gauges).

Also read these articles:
Table of Ring Gauges
Ring Gauge – Cigar Diameter

• Small formats have a ring gauge between 28 and 39, ranging from 11.11 mm to 15.48 mm.
• Medium formats fall between ring gauges 40 and 45, ranging from 15.88 mm to 17.86 mm.
• Large formats in Cuban cigars have a ring gauge between 46 and 52, from 18.26 mm to 20.64 mm. However, cigars from other producing countries now also reach ring gauges of 70 = 27.78 mm, which is larger than one inch (25.4 mm).

Cuban cigar formats are precisely defined in Cuba. Each family (from small to large formats) includes a cigar with a standard shape. This means the cylindrical form extends along the entire length. Among the small formats, there are the Petit Corona and the small Panetela. The Corona, Corona Gorda, Panetela, and Robusto are medium, regularly shaped formats. The Gran Corona and Double Corona represent the large formats.

See also the article on Cuban Cigar Formats.

Cylindrical and Tapered Bodies

A cylindrical body means the cigar has been rolled straight, with parallel sides. The head is round, and the foot is cut straight. This type of cigar is also known as a Parejo.

A cigar with a tapered body is called a Figurado. Other popular terms include Torpedo and Piramide. The Salomones and Diadema are also part of this cigar type.

The body narrows towards the head and the foot. The head is semi-pointed and closed, while the foot is fully pointed or slightly capped.

How Format and Size Affect Flavor

The various formats influence not only the cigar’s flavors but also the burning time and smoking enjoyment. However, these are only general guidelines, as each aficionado has their own smoking style.

Each brand’s different formats offer unique flavor variations.

Cigars have been and continue to be made in various sizes and shapes. The circumference and volume often increase with length, but this is not a strict rule. There are also short, very thick cigars.

Generally, the larger the cigar, the more flavor it develops, and the cooler the smoke. Due to the increased number of channels within the cigar that allow air to flow during smoking, uneven burning is prevented.

Thicker cigars burn more slowly and produce more smoke, offering a greater variety of aromas and a more intense flavor.

Thinner, slimmer cigars like a Panetela are often smoked more quickly. Their flavors are more noticeable on the tongue, which can lead to a sharper taste impression.

Read more here: How Format Affects Cigar Flavor

The Most Common, Well-Known Formats

A Mareva, commonly known as Petit Corona, is the most popular format from Cuba. Its ring gauge of 42 allows for all three types of filler leaves. The smoking time is about half an hour.

The Corona (Spanish for 'crown') has the same ring gauge as the Mareva and a smoking time of about 45 minutes.

The Cervantes (Lonsdale), also with a ring gauge of 42, is named after the British Earl of Lonsdale and offers a smoking time of 45-50 minutes.

The Laguito (Lancero) has a ring gauge of 38 and features a distinctive twisted head (pigtail). The smoking pleasure with this format can last up to an hour.

The Double Corona (Prominente) has a ring gauge of 49 and, in addition to a smoking time of over an hour, offers increasing flavor intensity as time progresses.

The Robusto, favored by many experienced aficionados, has a ring gauge of 50 with a length of only 124 mm. Thick cigars are not necessarily stronger; on the contrary, they can allow for a light aroma to develop complexity. The smoking time for the Robusto is about 30-40 minutes.

Finally, the Piramide (Torpedo) should be mentioned. Aficionados appreciate this format for its concentrated aromas and consistent burn. The smoking experience can last between 60-80 minutes.