vitolas

Vitola is a term used in the cigar industry to describe the size and shape of a cigar. It specifies the finished cigar’s length and ring gauge (the diameter measured in 64ths of an inch). Vitolas are used to classify cigars within a brand line, allowing smokers to choose a silhouette that suits their preference while a single blend can be offered in multiple sizes.

Common vitola names include corona, robusto, toro, churchill, lancero, lonsdale, belicoso, torpedo, and perfecto. Corona generally refers to about 5.5 inches in length with a 42 ring gauge; robusto around 5 inches by 50; toro about 6 inches by 50; churchill around 7 inches by 47–48; lancero roughly 7.25 inches by 38–40; lonsdale around 6.5 inches by 42; belicoso and torpedo describe tapered shapes; perfecto denotes a cigar with varying diameter along its length. Exact dimensions vary by brand, and many vitolas carry traditional names that reflect their form.

In practice, the vitola name helps consumers anticipate the smoking experience, since length and diameter influence burn time, draw, and character. Producers commonly offer the same blend in multiple vitolas within a line, enabling different smoking rhythms and preferences while maintaining the same tobacco composition. The concept is most associated with handmade cigars, though it is broadly applied to describe cigars of varying sizes across the industry.