Cigar Glossary
A quick reference for the terms you’ll see throughout our reviews.
Wrapper: The outermost leaf of a cigar, responsible for much of the flavor and appearance. Common wrapper types include Cameroon, Connecticut, Habano, Maduro, and Sumatra.
Binder: The leaf that holds the filler together and helps the cigar burn evenly.
Filler: The blend of tobacco leaves inside the cigar that provides the bulk of the flavor.
Vitola: The size and shape of a cigar. Common vitolas include Robusto, Churchill, Toro, Corona, and Lonsdale.
Gordito: A thick cigar, typically 60 ring gauge or larger.
Lonsdale: A long, relatively thin cigar, typically 6.5 x 42.
Corona: A classic size, approximately 5.5 x 42.
Robusto: A short, thick cigar, typically 5 x 50.
Churchill: A large cigar, typically 7 x 47.
Toro: A popular modern size, typically 6 x 50-52.
Ring Gauge: The diameter of a cigar, measured in 64ths of an inch. A 50 ring gauge is 50/64 of an inch.
Cold Draw: The flavor and draw of the cigar before it’s lit.
First Third: The first segment of the smoke, from lighting to roughly one-third down.
Second Third: The middle portion of the cigar.
Final Third: The last segment, from about two-thirds down to the nub.
Retrohale: Exhaling smoke through the nose to pick up additional flavor notes.
Nub: The last bit of the cigar. Some smokers smoke it down to the band; others stop earlier.
Strength: The nicotine intensity of the cigar, ranging from mild to full. Not to be confused with flavor intensity.
Body: The weight and richness of the smoke on the palate. A full-bodied cigar feels heavy and coating; a light-bodied cigar feels airy.
Construction: How well the cigar is built. Good construction means an even burn, smooth draw, and solid ash.
Touch-Up: Using a lighter to correct an uneven burn line.
Dried Out: A cigar that has lost too much moisture, resulting in a tight draw and harsh, bitter flavors.
Over-humidified: A cigar with too much moisture, resulting in a spongy feel, poor burn, and muted flavors.
Cedar: A common flavor note, especially in cigars aged in cedar-lined boxes or sleeves. Can be described as warm, woody, or slightly sweet.
Pepper: A spicy sensation on the palate or retrohale. White pepper and black pepper are common descriptors.
Cream: A smooth, velvety texture and flavor, often associated with Cameroon wrappers and well-aged tobacco.
