Smoking a cigar is an enjoyable experience that should never be rushed. That’s why it’s important to choose a size that’s appropriate for the time you have available. Ask yourself, “How much time do I have?” For example, if you have half an hour to spare, a Double Corona is not practical for you and a Petit or Half Corona is a better choice. The speed at which you smoke it matters, but the other two key factors are the length and the ring (diameter) of the cigar. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand the different cigar sizes and the minutes and/or hours of enjoyment you can expect.
Shapes and sizes vary greatly, but they all follow the same standard of measurement. Cigars are measured in millimeters along their length from the base to the cap, and the diameter is measured in 1/64 of an inch. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular cigar sizes so you can easily tell the difference between a Churchill and a Double Corona, and thus estimate the burn time of each cigar.
Belicoso
A Belicoso cigar is typically around 140mm long and 52mm in diameter. Named for its resemblance to a bullet. It has a tapered, conical head and is often confused with a Torpedo (Belicosos have a sharper tip). Expect to smoke for around 45 minutes.
Piramide
Piramides are another popular shaped cigar known for their tapered cap, and the smoking time for this large vitola usually ranges from 60 to 90 minutes. Of course, some larger models, such as the Piramides Extra, can take even longer - up to 2 hours. The exact length depends on the exact dimensions of the cigar, its strength and how quickly it is smoked.
Churchill
Named after the British Prime Minister during World War II and avid cigar smoker, Sir Winston Churchill, the Churchill cigar is one of the most elegant and perhaps most iconic cigars. They are known for their long length, traditionally 178 mm and a ring gauge of 47. Ideal for keeping up with conversation over dinner, Churchill cigars typically last 60-90 minutes.
Robusto
Short and thick, Robustos have always been a popular choice in cigar aficionados’ humidors. They provide the optimal balance between time and flavor and can last up to 1 hour, depending on the thickness of the ring and individual smoking pace.
Corona
At 146 mm long, Corona cigars are still the industry standard for cigar shape and size. They can be smoked in around 40 minutes, with a smaller diameter (between 42 and 44) and an acceptable smoking time, making them very suitable for novice smokers.
Petit Corona / Mareva
The Petit Corona cigar, also called Mareva, takes around 30 minutes to smoke. A great choice for the day that will keep you full no matter your smoking pace.
Half Corona & Perla
These two shapes are great companions while you drink coffee. The smoking time is about 20-25 minutes.
Corona Gorda
A cigar that takes about 45 minutes to smoke, and its name literally means “thick crown”. Corona Gorda is one of the most popular sizes for cigar lovers because they are ideal for casual smoking, while still offering a rich flavor.
Double Corona
Double Coronas are majestic, large cigars designed for long smoking sessions that can last from 90 minutes to over 2 hours. The exact time varies greatly depending on your personal smoking speed and the specific strength of the cigar, but the Double Corona size is designed for long enjoyment and leisurely pleasure.
Gran Corona
This format is most recognizable in Bulgaria with the impressive Montecristo A cigar. The smoking time exceeds 2 hours and is an extremely suitable company for marking special occasions.
We hope that this guide has given you useful information on the question "how long does it take to smoke a cigar?". As highlighted above, the different sizes of cigars - in particular their length and thickness - affect this valuable time for you. Remember that cigars should never be rushed. Always choose the most appropriate size according to the specific situation to enjoy maximum pleasure.
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