A cigar isn’t just a cigar. The size and shape influence taste, how long the cigar lasts, and how much of the tobacco’s character you experience. A gentleman who understands the relationship between cigar size and flavor will have an easier time choosing cigars for any occasion. Even the experienced smoker benefits from being reminded that the right size is just as important as the right blend.
Key Takeaways
· A cigar’s length affects flavor, smoking time, and the development of flavor.
· A cigar’s gauge or thickness affects complexity and richness.
· Robusto is the most common cigar size with a good balance of flavor and smoke. It is the perfect starting point for beginners and a great refresher for experienced smokers.
Cigar Length and Ring Gauge: The Two Measurements That Matter Most
Cigars are defined by two key dimensions: length and ring gauge.
· A cigar’s length is measured in inches and determines how long the cigar will last. Lengths also have names associated with them, like the Churchill, which is 7 inches end-to-end.
· The ring gauge is the diameter of the cigar. Just like jewelry, it’s measured in 64ths of an inch. A cigar with a ring gauge of 50 is 50/64ths of an inch wide. The higher the number, the thicker the cigar.
These measurements influence the smoking experience in ways you might not expect. A longer cigar doesn’t just last longer. It gives the smoke more time to cool before it reaches you. This can soften some flavors while refining others. Longer cigars are often woodier and richer, while shorter cigars are brighter, but sometimes harsher for inexperienced smokers.
Thicker cigars have a slower burn, which lets complex flavors develop. The smoke is usually thicker, which is great for contemplative evening sessions, but perhaps not your preference on a hot summer day.
The Smokin’ Gentleman Lounge is Port Jefferson’s only cigar lounge and the perfect place to browse cigar sizes and enjoy the flavor of a handcrafted cigar.
The Most Popular Cigar Sizes and How They Affect Flavor
Robusto: The Most Popular Cigar Size Worldwide
Robusto cigars are typically 4.8 inches in length with a generous ring gauge of 50. The experience is full and satisfying, with a smooth evolution of flavor over an hour of burn time. The high ring gauge means rich flavor, but without committing to the long burn time of something like a Gordo or Churchill.
Every gentleman should have a Robusto (or a few) in his cigar humidor, perfectly preserved and ready for any occasion.
Our Robusto Cigar Pick - The Stolen Throne 919 Robusto: Sophisticated and traditional but still exciting. Members at The Smokin’ Gentleman Lounge come from areas like Stony Brook, Terryville, and Setauket to experience the Stolen Throne 919 Robusto. The draw starts with notes of cinnamon and evolves into a rich white pepper by the final third.
Corona: A Narrower Gauge for Concentrated Flavor
Coronas range from 5.5 to 6 inches, with a ring gauge of 42 to 44. The narrow diameter concentrates the draw, creating a more focused flavor with less complexity. If you want to experience the specific character of the tobacco with less evolution in the tasting notes, this is the ideal cigar size for you.
Toro: Complexity and Evolution of Flavor
The Toro measures 6 inches long with a ring gauge of 50 to 52. It’s an incredibly balanced size that gives you more of everything. More flavor, more time, more complexity, and more opportunity to enjoy the evolution of tasting notes throughout the session.
Our Toro Cigar Pick - Nica Libre Sun Grown Toro: Try this Toro available at The Smokin’ Gentleman. Combining a Haban wrapper with Nicaraguan long-fillers, it delights the senses with notes of cedar and toasted nuts, later developing into spicy pepper. There’s a sophisticated and bright edginess to this Toro-style cigar, making it a great choice for summer and humid weather.
Gordo: Dense and Cool Smoke
Gordo cigars are around 6 inches in length but have one of the largest ring gauges at 60. The heavy gauge allows for a denser and more flavorful smoke, while the long length allows for a cooler initial draw. This combination of rich flavor and cool smoke makes Gordo cigars popular with gentlemen who want something rich but not overwhelming over a longer session.
Our Gordo Cigar Pick - Maduro Gordo: If you haven’t tried a Gordo (or if you already love them), you can experience the Smokin’ Gentleman Maduro Gordo at the Smokin’ Gentleman Lounge in Port Jefferson. This house blend has a Mexican San Andres wrapper with Nicaraguan filler tobacco for a smooth and balanced flavor.
Churchill: The Grand Choice for Contemplative Sessions
The Churchill is a grand size measuring 7 inches long with a ring gauge ranging from 47 to 50. The longer length allows for a cool and strong draw after lighting. The length also means that flavors change considerably as the cigar burns. The first third is lighter, while the final third is stronger and more complex.
Find Your Next Favorite Cigar at The Smokin’ Gentleman in Port Jefferson
Matching cigar size to the occasion and your preference is a simple habit that makes a real difference. A Robusto suits a casual lunch break or post-dinner smoke when time is short. A Toro or Churchill thrives on a long afternoon or contemplative evening when the pace is unhurried.
The Smokin’ Gentleman Lounge is Long Island’s premier members-only cigar lounge. It’s next door to our men’s provisions store, where you can find a range of accessories and lifestyle products, ranging from cigar humidors and cigar ashtrays to handmade men’s hats and leather or premium fabric caps.
Ask us about day passes for the cigar lounge or visit our store and speak with our friendly team about premium cigar choices, including the most affordable cigars on Long Island. Visit us at 310 Main St, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, or reach out to us at (631) 828-4644.