Cigar formats and the influence of size and shape on taste
Cigar formats? Cigars come in countless shapes and sizes, but how do they affect the taste? And what is behind terms such as robusto, torpedo or pyramid? In this article, I'll explain the basics and introduce you to cigar formats.
- Format theme week part 1: Cigar formats and the influence of size and shape on taste
- Format theme week part 2: Figurado formats are artistic cigars with special shapes
- Format theme week part 3: Myths about cigar formats and what we have learned
- All theme weeks
Davidoff Winston Churchill Limited Edition 2022, a magnificent example of a perfecto cigar.
Cigar shapes explained: Why Parejo and Figurado are formats (and not Robusto, Torpedo, etc.)
The basic cigar formats: Parejo and Figurado
The terms Parejo and Figurado describe the basic shapes of cigars. They are the two main formats of cigars. Figurado has five sub-formats, which we will get to know in part 2 of this theme week.
ParejoDescribes a cigar with a straight, constant shape and no special design features - the basic format of a cigar. The cigar head is flat or slightly rounded.
FiguradoCigar shape: Includes all cigar shapes that deviate from the straight, classic shape. These include cigars with a tapered head or foot (or both) or with a bulbous body. The Figurado has five sub-formats.
These two categories are the basis that describes the basic shape of the cigar, regardless of its size or specific design features.
In contrast, terms such as Robusto, Toro or Torpedo not formats in the strict sense, but so-called Vitolas. A vitola defines the size and shape of a cigar and includes both the Length (in inches or millimeters) as well as the Ring size (diameter of the cigar). The choice of vitola has a significant influence on the smoking experience - from the smoking time to the development of the aromas.
The term vitola: Meaning and use in German
The term Vitola cannot be translated literally into German, as it is a specific technical term from the world of cigars. In German, vitola is therefore usually used unchanged. One could paraphrase the meaning as Shape and size of a cigar.
This description of the vitola as the "shape and size of a cigar" best reflects the meaning without directly replacing the technical term. In the world of cigars, however, "vitola" has become a common and precise term in the German language. not established. The word "format" is mostly used in the German-speaking world, often also in French or Italian.
In contrast to the German-speaking world, the English-speaking world uses the term Vitola while "format" is not commonly used. In Italy one often speaks of Vitola de galera. And in Spanish one speaks of Medidawhat Dimension means.
Colloquial "format" (Robusto, Toro, Torpedo etc.):
They describe specific combinations of Dimensions (length, ring gauge) and sometimes also the design (e.g. pointed head for a torpedo). In practice, these terms are used to give consumers a simple orientation when making their choice.
Examples of differentiation
Robusto: A Parejoas the cigar is straight and even.
Torpedo: A Figuradoas it has a tapered head.
Influence of size on taste
Fat vs. thin: A thick cigar often tastes milder and creamier, while a thin cigar offers more intense and concentrated flavors.
Same mixture, different taste: Even if a roller uses the same tobacco blend for a Robusto and a Toro, the cigars will taste different. This is due to the length and diameter.
Conclusion
The terms Parejo and Figurado describe the basic Formats of cigars. However, when the industry talks about "formats" such as Robusto, Toro, Torpedo, etc., it is referring to an in German language usage colloquial simplificationwhich is used for practicality and marketing reasons.
Outlook for the coming week
We explore the world of figurado formats and learn what sub-formats it has.
Which vitola or format do you prefer? Write it in the comments and share your experiences with us - no registration required!
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Thanks for the explanation, which I also understand😄In this case, I'm into Robusto "class" parejos...😊Although I'm leaning more and more towards Coronas.
I like that; calling it a "class". 👌 Very cool! 🍹
My favorite formats are lanceros and double figurado (as found in the Cuban cuaba).
So I prefer the Toro formats. For some, even Gordo. However, there are none under the Robusto format in my humidor.
I also really like long, thin formats: Panetella, Lanceros... fantastic taste, you just have to know how to puff them properly. I like to use them when I have a lot of time and can devote myself to the cigar. I use other formats when I want it to be uncomplicated.
I don't understand why it's made so complicated. For me, a format is simply a format, like a robusto or torpedo. Why do you have to divide it into parejo and figurado?
I understand what you mean - sometimes it all seems more complicated than it needs to be. 😊 The division into parejo and figurado is basically just there to make a clear distinction between cigars with a straight body (parejo) and those with a particular shape or taper (figurado).
This helps producers and experts in particular to better categorize the variety of cigars. For us connoisseurs, however, it's enough to simply know which "format" (or, more correctly, "vitola") we like - whether it's a robusto, torpedo or something completely different. In the end, what counts is that the cigar is enjoyable, no matter what you call it.
The article showed me how cigars are divided into parejo and figurado according to their basic shape. That was a bit of an aha experience for me, because I didn't know that yet. It's interesting that these categories are the basis on which vitolas such as Robusto or Torpedo are built.
Nevertheless, I find that terms like Robusto, Toro or Torpedo are still the formats for me. That's how I know it, and it feels simpler. I find the distinction between basic shape and vitola or format a little complicated.
I'm glad that this article has given you an aha experience! 😊 The division into parejo and figurado is indeed an exciting basis for better understanding the world of cigars.
However, I also understand that terms such as Robusto, Toro or Torpedo are more familiar and intuitive to many as "formats". They are often used in everyday life, and that's perfectly fine. From a technical point of view, it is a little more differentiated, because the vitola not only describes the shape, but also the specific ratio of length and ring gauge.
Perhaps it will help you to understand that the "basic shape" is the basis, and the vitola (or format, as it is often called) is the more detailed form. That's what makes the variety of cigars so exciting - and you can decide for yourself how deeply you want to delve into the technical terms.