Myths about cigar formats and what we have learned

After a week full of knowledge about cigar formats, I would like to clear up some myths. I'll also give you a preview of the next topic that awaits yout.

• 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

What is the correct name of the format? Exactly, it's a parejo. ...uh... but... it looks like a parejo, but it has a little tip at the top. And now? It's still a parejo. 😅

Myths and misunderstandings about formats

"A Lanceros is much less demanding to smoke than a Robusto." That's not true - the Lanceros requires experience when smoking cigars. If they are smoked too quickly, they quickly become bitter and pungent. The thinner the format, the more patience is required when smoking.

"A torpedo is the same format as a pyramid." That is not true. A pyramid is slightly wider at the base and tapers down to the head. A torpedo is the same width from head to foot. But both have a pointed head. What's more, these are not shapes, but vitolas. Do you remember last week? Both cigar shapes belong to the figurado format.

"A belicoso is the same format as a torpedo." This is also not true because they are not formats, but vitolas (both belong to the figurado format). But to answer the question: a Beliscoso is the same width from head to foot as a Torpedo, but the Belicoso has a narrow, rounded tip at the head. The Torpdeo cigar has a pointed cigar head.

"The same blend of a cigar line tastes exactly the same with every cigar shape." No, the same blend tastes slightly different in every cigar shape. A Toro (thick, long) usually tastes a little "rounder" or "softer" than a Lanceros (thin and long) or a Short Corona (thin and short) of the same line. This has to do with the fact that in the narrower formats the taste is "compressed", so to speak, and this results in different flavors, usually more intense.

Conclusion

Terms such as Robusto, Toro or Torpedoetc. are 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 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.

Outlook for next week

Next week we will focus on the topic "Cigar storage: how do I store cigars properly?". Look forward to practical tips on humidor care, ideal humidity and answers to frequently asked questions.

What is your opinion on the correct use of the word "format"? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments - no registration required!

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