Belicosa

Belicosa, also written belicoso in some contexts, refers to a cigar vitola characterized by a tapered head. The term belicoso derives from Spanish, meaning “warlike” or “aggressive,” and the feminine form belicosa is used in some markets to describe the shape. The defining feature is a cap that tapers toward the tip, producing a conical head while the body remains relatively cylindrical.

The belicosa is similar to other tapered formats but generally features a shorter, more compact taper than a torpedo, and it does not require a pointed tip along the full length. The cut is made on the capped end to create an even draw, and the rest of the cigar’s surface is designed to burn evenly. Size and taper can vary by brand, but typical belicosa vitolas measure roughly 4 to 6 inches in length with ring gauges commonly in the 40s to 50s. Some brands offer variations that are shorter or longer while preserving the tapered head.

In practice, the belicosa shape can influence burn rate and flavor delivery, often concentrating some flavors toward the draw and producing a distinct aroma. It is chosen by smokers seeking a mid-length cigar with a pronounced but balanced taper, suitable for a range of blends from medium to full-bodied.

Notable examples and lines marketed as belicoso or belicosa vitolas exist across Cuban, Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan productions. The term is widely used by retailers and manufacturers to describe cigars featuring the characteristic tapered head, distinguishing them from straight-bodied formats like coronas and from more pointed torpedos.