The ring gauge of the cigar

 The ring gauge is simply a tool to help measure the width or thickness of a cigar. It usually runs hand-in-hand with the length of a cigar. This is due to the key component of style, construction, and burning experience. However, there are no set rules stating a Robusto must be a 50-ring or a Churchill must be a 49-ring. The ring gauge is set by the individual cigar maker, and represents the size he feels optimizes the flavor of his blend. As a point of reference, included below is a ring gauge size chart with the most common sizes you’ll find in today’s cigars.

Cigar ring gauge size chart

Ring gauge history

In the past, ring gauges were a product of the tribal knowledge of Cuban cigar manufacturers. Most cigars are small in size: Petit Coronas and Lanceros are the top choices of most consumers. Believe it or not, many years ago, a 50-ring Rothschild was considered huge! However, the current production is mainly driven by American cigar consumers, who demand more variations in thickness and length, which makes 50-ring Vitolas commonplace. In fact, today we often see cigars with 58 and 60 frames or even thicker frames. We even see special figs and “artisan” style cigars, such as Perfectos and Salomons. These contain several different thicknesses throughout the “barrel” of the cigar. They are very difficult to roll but provide a unique flavor concentration for the palate.

How does it help?

First, the thicker the cigar, the cooler the smoke. When you approach small cigars, the thinner size tends to be very hot and may cause a pungent or bitter taste. Secondly, due to the ratio of wrapping paper to filler, the thickness of the ring gauge will greatly change the flavor. Thin cigars have a low filler content, so wrappers will play a greater role in flavor and strength. The same mixture will be different in a thicker form because the manufacturer uses more filler leaves, allowing him to be more creative when mixing. In this case, the wrapping paper has less effect, but it still accounts for a lot of flavor and strength.

Many cigar aficionados are loyal to a specific format due to how their mouth and hands feel in a cigar. A chance to really dig into your favorite blends is to discover new and exciting tastes you may be missing out on others. Enjoy yourself with a range of flavors, sizes, and ring gauges that Cigar Country has to offer!

Cigar Trivia

Did you know the ring gauge unit is 1/64 of an inch? The measurement is the diameter of the cigar at its widest point. This means that a:

· 32 = 1/2 inch

· 48 = 3/4 inch

· 64 = 1 inch, and so on.