Frequently Asked Questions About Cigars
Copyright © Capital Cigar Source
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What are the shape and sizes of cigars?
| Shape |
Size (Length x Ring) |
Length Range |
Ring gauge Range |
| Giant |
52 x 9 |
8 & up |
50 & up |
| Double Corona |
49 x 7 3/4 |
6 3/4 to 7 3/4 |
49 to 54 |
| Churchill |
47 x 7 |
6 3/4 to 7 7/8 |
46 to 48 |
| Pyramid |
36 to 54 x 7 |
All |
Flared |
| Torpedo |
52 x 6 1/2 |
All |
Tapered |
| Toro |
50 x 6 |
5 5/8 to 6 5/8 |
48 to 54 |
| Robusto |
50 x 5 |
4 1/2 to 5 1/2 |
48 to 54 |
| Grand Corona |
46 x 6 1/2 |
5 5/8 to 6 5/8 |
45 to 47 |
| Corona Extra |
46 x 5 1/2 |
4 1/2 to 5 1/2 |
45 to 47 |
| Giant Corona |
44 x 7 1/2 |
7 1/2 and up |
42 to 45 |
| Lonsdale |
42 x 6 1/2 |
6 1/2 to 7 1/4 |
40 to 44 |
| Long Corona |
42 x 6 |
5 7/8 to 6 3/8 |
40 to 44 |
| Corona |
42 x 5 1/2 |
5 1/4 to 5 3/4 |
40 to 44 |
| Petit Corona |
42 x 5 |
4 to 5 |
40 to 44 |
| Long Panetela |
38 x 7 1/2 |
7 and up |
35 to 39 |
| Panetela |
38 x 6 |
5 1/2 to 6 7/8 |
35 to 39 |
| Short Panetela |
38 x 5 |
4 to 5 3/8 |
35 to 39 |
| Slim Panetela |
34 x 6 |
5 and up |
30 to 34 |
| Small Panetela |
33 x 5 |
4 to 5 |
30 to 34 |
| Cigarillos |
26 x 4 |
6 and less |
29 and less |
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How is Ring size calculated?
Ring size is measured in 64ths of an inch. Thus, a 48 ring cigar will measure 3/4 inch in diameter.
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What are the different color classifications of cigar wrappers?
| Double Claro (DC) |
A green to Greenish brown wrapper. The green tint is from the natural chlorophyll in the leaves. It gives a earthy, slightly sweet or sometimes bitter taste. |
| Claro (Cl) |
A light tan or beige wrapper more commonly called Connecticut Shade, Very mild. |
| Colorado Claro(CC) |
A medium brown wrapper popularly called Natural or EMS. Smooth and full bodied. |
| Colorado (C) |
A reddish brown wrapper sometimes called Rosado. Stronger and spicier than lighter colored wrappers. Somestimes called EMS. |
| Colorado Maduro (CM) |
A darker reddish brown to brick red wrapper often associated with African or Cameroon tobacco. Mellow, creamy or rich flavored. |
| Oscuro |
Spanish for Dark or Shadow. Very dark brown to black in color. The leaves are left on the plant longer than usual and are matured longer. They may be artificially darkened by pressure-cooking. Produces a full-bodied smoke with little or no aroma. |
| Maduro |
Spanish word for Ripe. Dark brown like coffee and oily or silky and oily feeling. Imparts a full-bodied, rich flavor. Gives a mellow, smooth aroma when smoked. Grown in Mexico, Nicaragua, Connecticut and Brazil. |
| American Market Selection (AMS) |
Same as Double Claro. |
| Spanish Market Selection (SMS) |
Similar to Maduro. Very dark brown to black wrappers grown in Connecticut, Nicaragua, Brazil and Mexico |
| Eglish Market Selection (EMS) |
A description used in Cuba for over 100 years to designate a quality of cigars for the UK Market. Also called Colorado Claro. |
| Brasil |
A dark colored aromatic wrapper grown in Brazil. |
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What is the proper humidity to maintain in a humidor?
Between 65 and 75 percent humidity (70 being optimum)
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What is the proper temperature to store cigars?
Maintaining cigars at 70 degrees will allow for proper aging without risk of mold, or insects.
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How do I maintain proper humidity in my humidor?
To maintain proper humidification in your humidor, moisten the humidifier (humistat) - a sponge type of
material in a vented case which mounts to some part of the humidor (usually the lid) - initially with a 50/50 mixture of 50% distilled water and 50% PG (propylene glycol) then monthly or as needed with distilled water. A ready made mixture, Cigar Juice ™ is also available.
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What is a hygrometer?
A hygrometer is a device that measures relative humidity.
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Why is proper humidification important?
Too much humidity can be harmful to the cigar, causing mildew and sometimes rot. So, if
humidity goes above 75 degrees, leave the lid open for short periods until humidity levels
drop.
Too little humidity will dry cigars out, causing them to burn too hot. If this happens,
sometimes they can be restored to some degree of freshness with proper humidification.
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How long can cigars be stored?
Indefinitely. Some cigars
have been maintained in perfect condition for 50 or 100 years.
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What does "machine made" mean?
Machine-made cigars are produced using automated techniques to assemble the filler with the binder and
wrapper.
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What does "hand rolled" mean?
Hand-rolled cigars are assembled using a combination of automated and manual techniques.
Automated techniques are used to assemble the filler, and the cigar is hand-rolled to
completion.
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What is a cigar punch?
A cigar punch is a device used to make a small hole in the end of a cigar prior to
smoking.
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What is a cigar bullet?
A cigar bullet, like the name implies, resembles a bullet casing. The open end of the casing is
used to cut a small diameter hole in the end of the cigar prior to smoking.
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How do cigars from different countries taste?
Cigars from Jamaica are considered mild. Cigars from the Dominican Republic
are medium in strength, and cigars from Honduras and Nicaragua have a stronger taste.
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How does size affect cigar taste?
Generally, larger ring size, diameter cigars are more flavorful. Longer cigars smoke cooler.
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What is the difference between "drug store" cigars, and fine quality cigars?
Drug store" cigars, like cigarettes contain additives such as salt peter to promote even
burning. Fine cigars are made with Tobacco only.
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How do I blow smoke rings?
Draw in a puff of smoke. Then, with your tongue pressed down and back, and your
mouth forming an "Oh", push out smoke using your mouth only. Don't exhale.
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Humidors
