(Hint: It Depends on the Experience You Want)
When it comes to cigars, size does more than just change the way a cigar looks — it completely transforms the experience. There’s no single “best” cigar size. The best cigar for you depends on what kind of moment you’re trying to create.
Are you grabbing a quick celebratory smoke with friends? Or are you settling in for a slow, thoughtful evening by the fire?
Each size, from a slender Lancero to a hefty Gordo, offers a different journey — in flavor, burn time, strength, and style.
In this post, we’ll break down how different cigar sizes create different experiences — so you can find the one that fits your next moment perfectly.
Understanding Cigar Sizes: What You Need to Know
Before you can pick the right cigar size for your experience, it helps to understand how cigars are measured — and why those measurements matter.
Cigars are typically described by two numbers: length and ring gauge.
- Length is measured in inches — pretty straightforward.
- Ring Gauge measures the cigar’s thickness in 64ths of an inch. A cigar with a 50 ring gauge is 50/64ths of an inch thick.
Why Length and Ring Gauge Matter
These numbers dramatically affect how a cigar smokes:
- Longer cigars usually take longer to smoke and allow flavors to evolve over time.
- Shorter cigars offer a more direct flavor experience and finish faster.
- Thicker cigars burn cooler and can feel smoother, even if they use strong tobaccos.
- Thinner cigars burn hotter and more intensely, delivering a more concentrated flavor experience.
Common Size Names You’ll See
| Name | Length (Approx.) | Ring Gauge (Approx.) | Known For |
| Robusto | 5 inches | 50 | Short, flavorful smoke |
| Churchill | 7 inches | 47 | Evolving flavors, long relaxation |
| Toro | 6 inches | 50–54 | Balanced, medium-length smoke |
| Lancero | 7.5 inches | 38 | Thin, intense flavor focus |
| Gordo / 6×60 | 6 inches | 60 | Bold, cool smoke, long burn |
| Corona | 5.5 inches | 42 | Traditional size, easygoing experience |
Personal Tip: Don’t worry about memorizing numbers. Go with what feels right in your hand — you’ll learn what you like with each experience.
Different Sizes, Different Experiences
Choosing a cigar isn’t just about how much time you have — it’s about matching the experience you want. Each size brings out different flavors, intensities, and moods.
Shorter Cigars (Robusto, Petit Corona)
- Experience: Immediate flavor, rich and bold without a long time commitment.
- Perfect for:
- After dinner: A Robusto with a drink like bourbon, rum, or espresso.
- Casual meetups: Quick but satisfying social smokes.
- After dinner: A Robusto with a drink like bourbon, rum, or espresso.
Personal Tip: Pairing a Port with a Robusto is among the best flavor experiences you can have — the richness of both complement each other perfectly.
Longer Cigars (Churchill, Double Corona)
- Experience: Flavors change and evolve as you smoke.
- Perfect for:
- Evening relaxation: No rush, savoring every moment.
- Firepit sessions: Let the night stretch on.
- Evening relaxation: No rush, savoring every moment.
Thinner Cigars (Lancero, Panatela)
- Experience: Focused, intense flavors due to wrapper dominance.
- Perfect for:
- Solo smokes: Perfect for quiet reflection.
- Connoisseur moments: Flavor nuance and complexity.
- Solo smokes: Perfect for quiet reflection.
Personal Tip: When I really want to relax and get lost in the flavors, I pair a Lancero with some quality music. It’s a pure, focused experience.
Thicker Cigars (Gordo, 6×60)
- Experience: Cool smoke, smooth, longer-lasting burns.
- Perfect for:
- Golf outings: A Gordo lasts several holes and doesn’t demand constant attention.
- Celebrations: Big cigars feel just right for big moments.
- Golf outings: A Gordo lasts several holes and doesn’t demand constant attention.
Personal Tip: Toros and Gordos are my go-to for golf — especially paired with a cold beer. It’s the ultimate easygoing smoke for a laid-back day.
(We’ll be writing a full guide soon diving into cigar types and origins — stay tuned!)
Matching the Size to Your Mood or Occasion
Once you understand the basics, matching the right cigar to your moment becomes natural. Here’s a simple guide:
Want a Deep Flavor Journey?
Pick: Lancero or Panatela
- More wrapper = More flavor intensity.
- Great for focused, flavor-driven sessions.
Pro Tip: If you love pulling out notes like cocoa, spice, or leather, a thinner cigar will hit those highs beautifully.
Want to Relax and Chat?
Pick: Toro or Gordo
- Cooler smoke, forgiving burn, and longer duration.
- Great for golf, backyard parties, or long conversations.
Personal Tip: When you’re focused on good company more than dissecting flavors, a Toro or Gordo lets you enjoy the moment effortlessly.
Short on Time?
Pick: Robusto or Petit Corona
- Full flavors, shorter smoking session (30–45 minutes).
- Great for after a meal, quick celebrations, or weekday wind-downs.
Settling in for a Long Night?
Pick: Churchill or Double Corona
- Settle in, sip a good drink, and let the cigar evolve alongside you.
Personal Preferences: There’s No “One Best Size”
At the end of the day, the best cigar size is the one that fits you.
When I first started smoking cigars, I assumed bigger was better. I’d always reach for the largest cigar I could find.
It wasn’t until a conversation with a knowledgeable cigar shop owner that I learned the truth: thinner cigars like Lanceros often deliver a much richer, more concentrated flavor experience.
That insight changed everything.
Now, I choose based on the experience I want, not the size on the label. Sometimes it’s a Lancero when I’m diving deep into the flavors. Other times, it’s a Gordo when I just want to enjoy the moment with friends.
Remember: Every cigar you smoke teaches you something about your own taste. Your preferences will evolve over time — and that’s part of the fun.
Your Perfect Cigar Size is Waiting
Cigar smoking is about crafting experiences, not following rules.
Some days you’ll want a bold, fast hit of flavor. Other days you’ll want a long, leisurely burn. And that’s exactly how it should be.
If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your local cigar shop owner or staff for recommendations.
Most of the time, they’re excited to share the journey with you — and helping you find the perfect cigar for your mood is part of the magic.
Next time you step into a humidor, think about the kind of experience you want — and don’t be afraid to try something new. Your next favorite cigar might surprise you.
Happy smoking, and enjoy the adventure.