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For cigar smokers, presentation and craftsmanship are part of the experience. While most cigars are finished with a standard rounded cap, some feature a distinctive little twist of tobacco at the head. Known as a pigtail cigar, this detail isn’t just decorative; it also offers smokers a unique way to prepare their cigar. But what exactly are pigtail cigars, and how do you cut (or even not cut) them?
A pigtail cigar is a handmade cigar finished with a small knot, swirl, or tightly twisted piece of tobacco leaf at the cap. This pigtail is formed by the torcedor (roller) during the final stage of rolling. Instead of being trimmed flat or rounded like a standard cigar cap, the tobacco is twisted and secured, leaving a characteristic little tail.
The tradition of finishing cigars with a pigtail dates back to classic Cuban craftsmanship. Master rollers would often leave a flourish at the cap, showcasing their skill and giving the cigar a distinctive look.
Many Cuban brands, such as Cohiba, Bolívar, and Trinidad Cigars, have historically released vitolas (sizes/shapes) with pigtail finishes. In the past, when cigar cutters were less common, the twisted pigtail offered smokers a way to open the cigar without a tool. A quick twist or snap could expose the filler for smoking.
Today, pigtails are found not just on Cuban cigars but also in New World brands from Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. They’re often used on limited editions or artisanal releases to highlight craftsmanship.
You’ll often see pigtails on premium handmade cigars, especially limited editions or traditional Cuban styles, though many New World brands also use them.
Not always – that’s one of the advantages of the design. A pigtail cigar can be enjoyed in a couple of different ways:
Best for smokers who want to avoid carrying a cutter.
Preferred by those who like precision or want to avoid a too-small opening. Use a guillotine, punch, or V-cutter, just as you would with a normal cigar. Cutting ensures a neat, consistent draw.
While both methods work, most aficionados recommend using a cutter for the cleanest experience. Here are some considerations:
If you want to keep the smoking experience as the roller intended, simply twisting the pigtail off by hand is the most traditional method.
Pigtail cigars are a small but meaningful detail in the cigar world, a nod to tradition, artistry, and practicality. Whether you prefer the old-school twist-off method or the precision of a clean cut, smoking a pigtail cigar lets you enjoy both the heritage and the craftsmanship that go into fine hand-rolled cigars.
Next time you spot that little swirl of tobacco at the head of a cigar, you’ll know you’re holding more than just a smoke, you’re holding a piece of cigar-making history.
Want to try out a pigtail cigar for yourself? Check out our recommended pigtail cigars here!
Figurado cigars are a world away from the standard parejo (straight-sided) smokes. With their elegant curves, tapered ends, and often unconventional shapes, figurados are prized for their craftsmanship and complexity. But what exactly is a figurado, and why should you consider lighting one up?
Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious beginner, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
A figurado is any cigar that doesn’t follow the traditional straight-sided, cylindrical shape (known as a parejo). Instead, figurados feature irregular forms; tapered, bulged, or even twisted, requiring more skill and time to roll.
This category includes shapes like:
Figurados offer more than just visual flair; they create a distinctive smoking experience. There are many reasons why cigar lovers reach for them:
The changing ring gauge throughout a Figurado cigar means the flavour profile evolves throughout the smoke. A wider middle section or a tapered head affects how the tobacco burns. This can result in a noticeable shift in flavours as you smoke.
The narrowing of the head in some Figurado shapes can concentrate the smoke, creating a more intense and flavorful draw.
Because of their intricate shapes, figurados require more expertise and time to roll. Smoking one is a nod to traditional cigar artistry.
Tapered shapes often concentrate the smoke more directly on the palate, offering a richer, more focused flavour.
Try them if you:
Avoid them if you:
Here are some exceptional figurados that highlight the category’s appeal.
Foundation Knight Commander is a limited edition addition to the Tabernacle range, available only in the 6 3/4”x52 Figurado format. The Knight Commander undergoes an extra 15 months of ageing in cedar prior to release, helping to create a complex, rich and full-bodied smoke.
Featuring a dark, oily Broadleaf wrapper from the Connecticut River Valley and a blend of the finest Nicaraguan tobaccos, the Knight Commander presents an intense blend of flavours, from bold espresso and dark chocolate to wood, leather and spice.
The size format allows for a satisfying draw and a long, leisurely smoke. This limited-edition cigar is designed for those who appreciate a full-bodied, complex profile with an array of intricate flavours that evolve throughout the smoke.
The Gurkha Cellar Reserve 18 Year Old Solara features a Corojo wrapper and 18-year-aged tobacco, providing a medium-body, full-flavour cigar. It offers a nuanced and sophisticated flavour profile, with notes of white pepper and earthiness, for a rich yet grounded smoking experience.
You can read our full review of the Gurkha Cellar Reserve 18 Year Old Solara for more tasting notes and pairing tips.
The Partagás Presidente is a double figurado, known as the ‘taco’ vitola, and presents a unique silhouette, measuring 7 x 47. The Presidente features a dark, oily wrapper and offers a medium to full-bodied experience. There are deep earthy flavours, with hints of wood, nuts, spice and leather.
It is complex, but well-balanced, with an excellent burn and smooth draw. It offers a robust yet refined smoking experience.
The Plasencia Reserva Original comes in a Perfecto shape, but only measures 3 7/8 x 52, making it a great choice if you’d like to sample a figurado cigar without committing to hours of smoking time!
Expertly handcrafted in Nicaragua, the cigar is wrapped in a Nicaraguan Habano leaf and filled with quality Nicaraguan tobacco. It offers a balanced and smooth profile with rich flavours of earth, wood and spice, with developing hints of cocoa and coffee. The Perfecto shape ensures that the flavour gradually evolves as it burns, providing a dynamic smoking experience.
The Plasencia Reserva Original Perfectico is medium-bodied, well-balanced and rich in flavour, making it ideal for both seasoned smokers and newbies alike.
You can read our full review of the Plasencia Reserva Original Perfectico for more tasting notes and pairing tips.
The Chateau Diadem Conviction Petit Belicoso is another smaller-format figurado cigar, offering a luxurious smoking experience at a compact size. The Petit Belicoso measures 4 x 55 and delivers a concentrated and flavourful smoke.
It features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper with premium Nicaraguan filler tobacco, which together provides a full-bodied smoke with a complex flavour profile. Expect bold flavours of earth, wood and spice, developing into notes of dark chocolate, leather and coffee.
Ideal for cigar enthusiasts who appreciate bold, complex flavours in a shorter format, the Chateau Diadem Conviction Petit Belicoso offers an exceptional and refined smoking experience that can be enjoyed anytime.
You can read our full review of the Chateau Diadem Conviction Petit Belicoso for more tasting notes and pairing tips.
The Cohiba Pirámides Extra Cigar is part of the prestigious Línea Clasica collection and is the epitome of Cuban craftsmanship. It is a rare cigar, released in limited quantities each year.
The cigar is medium-full bodied, offering strong notes of smoked wood, vanilla and leather. These complex flavour notes are down to the four types of tobacco leaves used, in addition to the third fermentation process used in the creation of Cohiba cigars.
The distinct pirámides vitola measures 6 1/8″ x 52, with a tapered cap. It is perfectly balanced to provide a full-flavoured yet smooth smoking experience. It is an excellent choice for both seasoned connoisseurs and those starting their exploration into premium Cuban cigars.
Figurado cigars are for those who appreciate the artistry behind a fine smoke. They don’t just look good, they smoke differently. With evolving flavours, enhanced craftsmanship, and a unique draw, figurados offer a deeper level of engagement and enjoyment.
Longer cigars are ideal for aficionados who appreciate a slower pace and a richer, more nuanced smoking experience. These cigars aren’t just about size; they’re about complexity, elegance, and time well spent.
Long-format cigars like Lanceros, Churchills and Double Coronas are designed to be savoured. The extended length allows the flavours to evolve gradually, building in complexity and depth as the cigar burns.
Longer cigars typically:
While they do require more time and patience, the payoff is a smoke that’s layered, smooth, and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re marking a milestone or simply indulging in a quiet evening, these long-format cigars offer not just a smoke but an experience. Here’s a handpicked selection of standout long cigars, each with a character of its own, from mellow and elegant to bold and complex.
Size: 6 5/8″ x 45 ring gauge
Body: Medium
An elegant and intriguing smoke, the Partagás Aliados is a masterclass in subtle complexity. It opens with creamy wood tones and gentle aromas of hay and spice, giving way to flavours of warm sourdough and roasted hazelnuts as the cigar progresses.
A gentle pepperiness emerges in the second half, introducing a new dimension without overwhelming the senses. The final third reveals a soft balsamic note, leaving a lasting impression of balance, craftsmanship, and quiet sophistication. A contemplative choice for those who appreciate flavour development in a medium-bodied profile.
Size: 7″ x 47 ring gauge
Body: Medium
A true classic, the Romeo y Julieta Churchill is as inspirational as its namesake. From the first draw, it delivers an impeccably smooth combination of cedar, earthy richness, and a whisper of leather. As the cigar evolves, deeper notes of roasted coffee and dark chocolate emerge, followed by layers of subtle spice.
Midway through, an underlying sweetness begins to build; hints of vanilla, dried fruit, and toasted nuts, creating a perfectly rounded profile. It’s a cigar that tells a story from start to finish: luxurious, approachable, and steeped in tradition.
Size: 7″ x 47 ring gauge
Body: Mild to medium
For those who favour finesse over power, the Por Larrañaga 47 is a beautifully mellow, refined Churchill. It begins with delicate honeyed creaminess, supported by light floral and wooden notes.
As the cigar burns, it gracefully develops into richer layers of toasted nuts, soft cocoa, and sweet spices; never overpowering, but always engaging. This is a cigar that doesn’t shout; it whispers in complexity and charm. Ideal for a relaxed afternoon or a refined aperitif.
Size: 7.2″ x 47 ring gauge
Body: Full
Often hailed as the pinnacle of Cuban craftsmanship, the Cohiba Espléndidos is a cigar of power, depth, and polish. Expect a bold and layered flavour journey; rich, earthy tobacco and leather up front, backed by the subtle pulse of spice that builds in intensity.
The draw is consistently smooth, revealing the nuance and complexity that Cohiba is known for. With a long finish and full-bodied character, this is a cigar that commands attention and rewards experienced palates. It’s not just a smoke, it’s an event.
Size: 7 5/8″ x 49 ring gauge
Body: Medium to full
The Punch Double Corona is a cigar for those who savour bold flavours and a long, satisfying burn. It starts with smooth cedar and a hint of sweetness, before building into a rich medley of roasted coffee, cocoa, and dried fruit. The flavour journey deepens further in the final third, where notes of aged leather and warming spice take over, creating a crescendo of character.
With its full draw and broad flavour arc, this cigar makes for a fulfilling, meditative smoking session; one that lingers on the palate and the memory.
Size: 7 1/2″ x 50 ring gauge
Body: Medium
A celebratory release crafted with rare aged tobaccos, this limited-edition cigar is a testament to Davidoff’s blending artistry. Combining 8 tobaccos in the blend, for a total of 60 years of ageing. The experience begins uniquely with an uncut foot, allowing the initial inch to showcase earthy, woody, and herbal notes without the influence of the wrapper.
Once the full blend comes into play, a wave of roasted nuts, cream, and gentle liquorice emerges. The second third introduces bursts of sweet honey, white pepper, and a bright citrus twist, before the final third deepens into oak wood and decadent dark chocolate. Rich, layered, and luxurious, the Davidoff Year of the Dragon is a special occasion in and of itself.
Size: 7″ x 54 ring gauge
Body: Medium to full
Wrapped in a smooth, golden Claro leaf from the San Andrés Valley, this cigar brings together old-world craftsmanship with modern complexity. It opens with smooth and inviting notes of cream, nutmeg, and soft leather. As the burn continues, the blend transitions into deeper flavours: cedar, toasted grains, and a hint of warm spice.
Balanced and aromatic, the Foundation Olmec Claro Double Corona is a richly rewarding experience that’s ideal for seasoned smokers and curious newcomers alike.
Size: 7 1/2″ x 38 ring gauge
Body: Medium to full
For lovers of elegant formats and concentrated flavour, the Conviction Lancero delivers with plenty of complexity. It opens with earthy tones, leather, and a suggestion of spice, before slowly unfurling into dark chocolate, aged cedar, and a touch of pepper. A creamy undercurrent ties it all together, lending smoothness to the rich profile.
The slim ring gauge enhances the wrapper’s influence, creating an intense, flavour-packed smoke that evolves beautifully. Sophisticated, refined, and utterly satisfying.
Long cigars invite you to slow down, to savour, reflect, and enjoy the craftsmanship of a well-made blend. Whether you’re new to the format or a lifelong devotee, these standout selections offer a range of strengths, styles, and stories to suit every palate.
So next time you have the time, light one of these up, and let the cigar do the talking.
As you browse for cigars online, you’ll notice that there are a vast range of different vitolas available. Vitolas are the descriptive name for a particular size and shape of a cigar.
For example, a Churchill cigar is a cigar with dimensions of around 7 inches in length with a ring gauge of 47.
If you’ve already tried your fair share of cigars, you may have a good idea about which sizes and shapes you prefer for your smokes. However, novice cigar smokers may find the variety of options a bit overwhelming.
You may have a lot of questions about cigar vitolas, and how the size and shape of a cigar can affect the flavour experience. Here, we will explain how size can impact taste!
Cigars come in two categories; Parejos and Figurados. The difference between the two is down to their shape.
A Parejo cigar is the more traditional style, and the most common. It features a flat head and is consistent in size from head to foot. Vitolas like Churchill, Corona and Robusto are all Parejo cigars.
A Figurado cigar features slightly more unique dimensions. They may have a pointed head, leading to a bulge in the middle of the cigar, before tapering in at the bottom. Examples of Figurado cigars include Torpedo, Piramide and Perfecto.
The shape, length and ring gauge of your cigar is identified by its vitola. A vitola is like a standard size descriptor for cigars.
Cigars are measured in length in inches, and by their ring gauge, the diameter measured in units of 1/64th of an inch. This means that a 64 ring gauge cigar would be an inch in diameter – although most are smaller than this!
Each cigar labelled with a particular vitola will have a very similar length, ring gauge and shape, so you will know what size the cigar is by its name alone. For example, the Montecristo No 3, the Davidoff Chateau Latour and the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Roi are all Coronas.
See some of the most popular cigar vitolas available in our graphic below:
The main reason for having different sizes of cigars is down to the time it takes for it to be smoked. A long and thick cigar is simply going to take a longer time to burn than a short and thin cigar.
Sometimes you want to sit back, relax and savour a cigar over an evening, whereas other times you may only have time for a quick smoke on the go!
Plus, having different sizes and shapes of cigars adds a bit of variety to our humidors and can be very interesting for those who appreciate cigars!
There are a few ways in which the thickness of the cigar can impact its flavour.
The thickness of a cigar often has an impact on how hot it burns.
A thick cigar will burn slow and cool, while a thin cigar will be faster and hotter. This is one of the reasons that a bigger cigar takes longer to smoke than a thinner cigar.
Be careful when smoking a thinner cigar. If you’ve picked a smaller smoke, then you may be in a rush, but this shouldn’t mean you puff faster. By smoking faster, you are likely to make the cigar overheat, which can contribute to burn issues and bitter tastes.
A cigar is made up of filler, binder and wrapper leaves of tobacco. The outermost layer, the wrapper leaf, is the most flavourful part of the cigar, contributing to around 80% of the flavour of the whole cigar!
When a cigar is thicker, there is proportionally more filler and binder tobacco than in a thinner cigar. When you smoke a thicker cigar, the flavourful wrapper leaf may get a little diluted by the cheaper filler and binder tobacco.
Of course, cigars are always designed, rolled and tested for years to create what is considered to be the perfect blend, so you are still going to get an excellent smoke either way. But if you are after a punch of flavour, then sometimes, smaller ring gauges, which are made up of more wrapper leaf, can offer a more concentrated flavour.
The length of a cigar determines how quickly the heat reaches your palate.
The shorter a cigar, the closer the lit end is to your palate, so you’ll experience the flavours of the smoke faster, and more intensely.
As such, a longer cigar may allow you to enjoy more subtle tasting notes as they emerge throughout the smoke, whereas a shorter cigar may give you an immediate, bold smoking experience.
There isn’t a right or wrong answer when it comes to which cigar size is best. It is completely down to personal preference and the flavour experience that each cigar offers you.
What we do see though is clear trends in which cigar sizes are in vogue.
The most notable change comes from ring gauge preferences. During much of the 20th-Century, thin ring gauge cigars were the most popular. Ring gauges between 28 and 38 were commonly enjoyed.
However, since the 1990s, there has been a growing trend for larger cigars, with brands pushing the boundaries on width! In fact, some cigars nowadays are so large that they don’t even fit within a guillotine cigar cutter!
What is your favourite cigar vitola or size to smoke?
Panetela (or Panatela) cigars are long and thin smokes, offering a ring gauge on the smaller end of the cigar size spectrum, but a longer length. This creates a cigar with more wrapper than filler, creating an intensely flavourful smoking experience.
We take a look at what Panetela cigars are, who makes them, and which you should smoke.
Panetelas are typically characterised by being a long, thin cigar, ranging 5 to 7.5 inches in length with a ring gauge that measures from between 34 to 38.
Much like many other Cuban cigars that we see on the market, they are styled in the classic Parejo styling – a straight, even body shape, a rounded top and a flat foot.
In production, these almost exclusively-handmade sticks require some extra care, due to the size and the lesser use of filler inside the cigar, requiring a particular skill to make.
Something immediately noticeable after lighting up a panetela is that the flavour is most prominent from the wrapper tobacco, rather than the binder or filler which is normally the case. This provides the cigar with a slightly longer burn time for the size, and a strong, tasty flavour.
Although it’s easy to be drawn to the wider ring gauge cigars, which typically offer a better draw and a quicker, more satisfying smoke, panetelas should not be cast aside. Here, we’ve pulled out some of the best panatela cigars for you to smoke.
A slightly shorter cigar than the one above, measuring just four and a half inches, the Cohiba is a reliable and robust option for those who like a shorter smoke. A ring gauge of 26 makes this cigar seem almost pencil-like to hold, and the smaller ring gauge and shorter length contribute to a smoking time of roughly 15 minutes.
However, what this cigar loses in size, it more than makes up for in flavour and strength. With a medium to full profile, the common flavours experienced are fresh spice, wet grass, liquorice and chocolate. Although some people have experienced issues with the draw, if you can get past this, then you can expect to have a great little smoke for a respectable price.
Much like the others on the list, this Quintero provides a perfect, if not swift, smoking experience. This five-inch stick comes in a 37 ring gauge, one of the wider smoked on the list, and is stocked with short filler tobacco. Although this can be seen as a slightly inferior choice, the woody and grassy aromas should be enough to win you over. If not, then pairing the cigar with a coffee should definitely do the trick, delivering smooth, medium-strength flavours.
Measuring five inches in length with a ring gauge of 36, these cigars are towards the more budget end of the market, but you certainly couldn’t tell from smoking them. Well constructed and a strong flavour, these are perfect for a day to day smoke. These smokes are a blend of long and short filler, which is a way that producers are able to use long filler while still keeping the cost of the cigar to a minimum.
When it comes to smoking, typical aromas can be clay, cedar and sea salt. Lighting up the cigar, expect these aromas to pass into the flavours, with clay, straw and a not too overpowering salty note. There is a good evolution of flavours in the cigar and generally provides a 35 minute burn time.
These hand made beauties come in at the more reasonably priced end of the spectrum and measure five and a quarter inches long, with a 29 ring gauge. Constructed with Nicaraguan filler and wrapper, the cigar is an ideal entry point for less experienced or novice smokers.
Like with all panetelas, the draw can be a little tight, but the smoke is worth it, with flavours of rich, nutty cedar. There is also a rich, earthy flavour that comes with these sticks, while still retaining a mild to medium strength.
Which of these panetelas are you interested in trying? No matter which you opt for, make sure that you have all the cigar accessories you need by checking out our range online. From Xikar cutters to lighters and humidors, we have everything you need for a perfect smoking experience.
Image Credit: Stephen Griffiths under CC BY-SA 2.0
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