Shapes and Sizes
The decisive factors for the format of a cigar are length and diameter, also known as the ring gauge. There is also a difference in shape. It is divided into parejo cigars and figurado cigars. The parejo shape, Spanish for even, describes a cigar that has the same diameter from beginning to end. Figurados, on the other hand, have a changing ring gauge and usually run to a point on one or even both sides of the cigar.
While a cylindrical cigar shape is more popular in Europe, more and more people are enjoying the trend shape from the USA - the box-pressed cigar. As the name suggests, these cigars are square pressed during manufacture. The box-pressed cigars are rolled loosely so that they can be easily shaped into a square afterwards. Due to this processing method, this type of cigar often convinces with a more pleasant draw and a more even burning performance.
Not only with the box-pressed cigars, but also with the classic formats, the shape has an influence on the smoking performance. In general, a cigar with a smaller ring gauge tends to be on the stronger side, while a thicker cigar is a bit cooler to smoke. Of course, the tobacco leaves used play an even greater role to the smoking experience. Depending on the length and thickness of the cigar, the smoking experience can also last longer or shorter. While shorter formats are particularly popular in winter or for short breaks, aficionados also like to use larger formats in summer.
