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Best Cigar Shapes To Try For Beginners

When you’re browsing online or visiting a cigar store, you’ll notice most blends come in several different sizes. Size is important as it determines how long it will take to smoke the cigar, it also slightly affects the intensity of the blend. In other words, you should figure out how long you want to smoke first and then decide which size will suit you. 

To know what size cigar you should have you need to understand how cigars are measured. The length is measured in inches and the ring gauge is measured in 64ths of an inch, the same way your finger is measured for a ring. Smaller ring gauge cigars tend to burn hotter and faster than thicker sizes, and the wrapper leaf will have a bigger influence on the tasting notes. Larger ring gauge cigars burn cooler and slower, and the taste of the wrapper isn't as noticeable in comparison to a thinner cigar.
There are plenty of cigar sizes to consider when you first start smoking cigars. Three in particular stand out as the best options, all three are straight sided with a round cap - otherwise known as Parejos. Once you have decided on what brand you want to smoke, try it in a Robusto, Corona or a Toro to start. All three of these are a traditional size and will burn for a manageable amount of time and offer plenty in flavour.

Robusto
A robusto is usually around 5 inches long with a ring gauge of around 50, however this may vary depending on brand. You can smoke a Robusto for around 40 minutes to an hour depending on how quick you smoke it. The Charatan Robusto is a great cigar for a beginner to smoke, it is mild to medium in strength but is very smooth and has a sweet nuttiness in flavour.

Corona
The Corona is another classic size which originated in Cuba. Usually cigar maker’s will make the Corona the first size they make for a new blend as it has the perfect ratio between the binder, filler and wrapper. Coronas are slightly thinner but longer than Robustos, most are around 65.5 to 6 inches long with a ring gauge between 42 and 44. They tend to last for around 30 to 45 minutes. The H. Upmann Majestic is a great corona for beginners as it is a low price Cuban, it is toasty, creamy and smooth, with hints of wood and spice.

Toro
Toros tend to be over 6 inches long with a 52 ring gauge, they will burn for around an hour, a little thicker and a little longer than a Robusto. The Mitchellero Peru Toro is an incredibly popular Toro that is medium in strength but full in flavour, with nutty notes as well as espresso and dark chocolate.
If 30 to 50 minutes sounds like too long, there are many great small cigars to consider too. Petit Coronas tend to smoke for around 20 minutes, or you could have a cigarillo that lasts around 5 or 10 minutes. If you are confident and feel like you can handle bigger sizes, you should consider smoking a Churchill or a Gordo, which will take over an hour to burn. Whatever size you decide on, remember to eat before you smoke, and don’t inhale your cigar.

Written by Oliver Partington
 

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