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Oct 14, 2026 / By Salvatore Buttafuoco / in Cigar Guides
You have picked a brand you like. Now comes the next question, and it matters more than most smokers realize: what size should you get?
In the cigar world, size is called a vitola. It is the combination of a cigar's length and its ring gauge — the diameter measured in 64ths of an inch. A 5 x 50 robusto is five inches long and 50/64 of an inch thick. Two cigars from the same brand and blend can taste noticeably different in different vitolas, because the ratio of wrapper to filler changes with the size. A thinner cigar gives the wrapper more influence; a thicker one lets the filler dominate.
This guide walks through the most common vitolas, how long each takes to smoke, and who each one suits. By the end, you will be able to walk into any humidor — or browse cigars online — and pick a size with confidence.
The corona is one of the classic cigar shapes and a great benchmark for a blend. Because it is relatively slim, the wrapper plays a bigger role in the flavor, so a corona is often the best way to taste what a particular wrapper leaf brings to a cigar. It is also a practical choice when you have under an hour.
If there is a default cigar size, it is the robusto. Short, sturdy, and satisfying, it delivers a full flavor experience in about an hour. The thicker ring gauge gives the filler more say, so robustos tend to taste fuller and cooler than the same blend in a corona. If you are new to cigars or trying a brand for the first time, a robusto is almost always a safe bet.
The toro is essentially a longer robusto, and it is one of the most popular vitolas in the United States. The extra inch gives the blend more room to develop — many smokers find that toros show more complexity in the final third than their shorter counterparts. It is a great choice for a relaxed evening smoke.
Named for Winston Churchill, who famously favored the shape, the churchill is a long, elegant cigar. The slim profile keeps the wrapper prominent while the length gives the smoke plenty of time to evolve. A churchill is a commitment — plan on two hours, a comfortable chair, and something to drink.
The gordo, also called a 60-ring or "big ring gauge" cigar, is the heavyweight of the humidor. Its thick diameter means the filler dominates the flavor, and the wide draw stays cool even if you puff a little faster than usual. Gordos are divisive — some smokers love the massive clouds of smoke, others find them too blunt — but they are worth trying if you enjoy full-bodied blends.
The lancero is long and thin, which makes the wrapper the star of the show. It is also one of the hardest vitolas to roll well, which is why lanceros are often released in limited runs. The draw can be tighter than a robusto, and the flavor tends to be more intense and concentrated. Lanceros reward slow, attentive smoking.
The lonsdale splits the difference between a corona and a churchill — slim like a corona, long like a churchill. It is a less common vitola these days, but it is a favorite among traditionalists who enjoy a wrapper-forward smoke that lasts.
Not every cigar is a straight cylinder. Figurados — shaped cigars — have tapered or pointed ends that change the draw and the flavor concentration.
Shaped cigars take more skill to roll, and they can be a little fussier to cut and light, but many experienced smokers consider them the most rewarding shapes.
Here is the rule of thumb: the thinner the cigar, the more the wrapper matters; the thicker the cigar, the more the filler matters. That is why the same blend can taste quite different in a lancero versus a gordo. If you love a particular wrapper — say, a rich maduro — try it in a corona or lancero to taste it at its most expressive. If you prefer the deep, complex character of the filler tobaccos, a robusto or toro will show that off better.
Size also affects burn and temperature. Thicker cigars burn cooler and slower, while thinner cigars can run hotter if smoked too quickly. Pace yourself either way — a slow, steady rhythm brings out the best in any vitola.
There is no wrong answer. The best way to learn your preference is to try the same blend in two different sizes and compare them side by side. Many smokers are surprised by how different the experience is.
Cigar size is personal. Some smokers live on robustos, others will not touch anything under a 60 ring gauge. The only way to know is to experiment — and that is half the fun.
Browse the full range of vitolas at Leisure Time Cigars and buy cigars online in the size that fits your evening. Try a few shapes, take notes on what you enjoy, and let your own palate decide.
Oct 14, 2026 by Salvatore Buttafuoco
Oct 14, 2026 by Salvatore Buttafuoco
