Cigars Brands, Colors, and Shapes

In the world of hand-rolled cigars, the criteria of brand, color, and size or shape serve as fundamental guidelines for enthusiasts to navigate the vast array of options available.

Brands

These parameters offer insights into the origin, flavor profile, and smoking experience of each cigar, allowing aficionados to make informed choices based on their preferences and tastes. 

Brand names hold significant importance in the realm of cigars. They represent the designation given by manufacturers to specific lines of cigars, embodying a legacy of craftsmanship and quality.
From renowned names like Punch, Partagas, Macanudo, and Montecristo, to Davidoff, each brand carries its reputation and heritage. However, the issue of dual origin arises, particularly with brands first produced in Cuba and later replicated in other countries post-Castro's Revolution. This dual origin dilemma affects several brands, including Punch, Hoyo de Monterrey, Romeo y Julieta, and Partagas, among others. 

The distinction between Cuban and non-Cuban versions is often indicated by inscriptions on the cigar band, such as "Habano" or "Havana."
Color plays a crucial role in determining the outer wrapper leaf's shade, influencing the cigar's flavor and character. Traditionally, wrapper leaves were cultivated in Cuba, Sumatra, Brazil, and the United States, with manufacturers using various terms to describe their shades.

Size & Shapes

After identifying the desired brand and wrapper color, selecting a cigar's size and shape becomes the next step in the decision-making process. The term "vitola" encompasses both aspects in Spanish, while in English, size refers to length and girth, and shape describes the cigar's physical form.
Cigars are categorized into two main groups: parejos (straight-sided) and figurados (irregular shapes). Parejos, such as coronas, panetelas, and lonsdales, feature straight sides and standard shapes familiar to most smokers. Figurados, on the other hand, encompasses a variety of irregular shapes, including pyramids, belicosos, torpedos, perfectos, culebras, and diadems, each offering a unique smoking experience. Despite the diversity in size and shape, confusion often arises due to inconsistent naming conventions across manufacturers.
Terms like Churchill may denote different sizes depending on the brand, leading to ambiguity for consumers.
However, understanding the basic measurements, expressed in inches or centimeters for length and 64ths of an inch or millimeters for girth (ring gauge), can help navigate this complexity.

Additionally, knowledge of packing styles, such as 8-9-8, amatista, and tubos, provides further insight into cigar presentation and preservation. In conclusion, the interplay of brand, color, and shape contributes to the richness and diversity of the cigar-smoking experience. By understanding these parameters, enthusiasts can explore a wide range of options and discover cigars that resonate with their preferences and tastes. Whether seeking the heritage of a renowned brand, the nuances of different wrapper colors, or the complexity of various sizes and shapes, cigar aficionados embark on a journey of exploration and enjoyment unparalleled in the world of tobacco.

The Vitola, or shape and size, significantly impacts a cigar's flavor and smoking experience. Here are some common types:

Parejos: Straight-sided cigars with various sizes and shapes:

Corona: Typically 5 1/2 to 6 inches long with a 42 to 44-ring gauge.

Petit Corona: A smaller version, around 4 1/2 inches long by 40 to 42 ring gauge.

Churchill: Large, usually 7 inches by 47 ring gauge.

Robusto: Short and fat, 4 3/4 to 5 1/2 inches long by 48 to 52 ring gauge.

Corona Gorda (Toro): Traditionally 5 5/8 inches by 46 ring gauge, but variations exist.

Double Corona: A large format, 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 inches by 49 to 52 ring gauge.

Panetela: Long and thin, ranging from 5 to 7 1/2 inches with a 34 to 38-ring gauge.

Lonsdale: Longer than a corona but thicker than a panetela, typically 6 1/2 inches by 42 rings.

Grande: The thickest, with ring gauges of 60 and above, at least 4 3/4 inches long.

Figurados: Creative shapes including:

Pyramid: Tapered from the head to the foot, 6 to 7 inches long with ring gauges from 40 at the head to 52 to 54 at the foot.

Belicoso: Short pyramids, 5 to 5 1/2 inches long with a ring gauge around 50.

Torpedo: Similar to pyramids but with a sharper point.

Perfecto: Tapered at both ends, often with a bulge in the middle.

Culebra: Three panetelas braided together.

Diadema: Very large, tapered at both ends, sometimes over eight inches long.

Colors

Today, there are six major color grades, ranging from Claro Claro (light green) to Oscuro (dark brown or black), each offering distinct flavor profiles and aromas. Wrapper leaves are not only sourced from traditional regions but also Ecuador, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Cameroon, further diversifying the range of available colors and flavors.

Double Claro (Candela): Light green, created by quick-drying.

Claro: Light tan, often shade-grown and early picked.

Colorado Claro: Light reddish-brown, grown in direct sunlight.

Colorado: Medium brown to brownish-red, medium-flavored, often shade-grown.

Colorado Maduro: Darker than Colorado, lighter than Maduro.

Maduro: Deep reddish-brown to almost black, matured longer, often with a sweet flavor.

Oscuro: Black, achieved by leaving leaves on the plant longer, often very intense.