Whether you’re in it for the short game or prefer long-haul cigars, smoking times will vary. Smoking a cigar is a pleasurable experience that should never be rushed, regardless of size or time.

Ask yourself, “How much time do I have?” For example, if you’ve got half an hour to kill waiting for a train, a Double Corona isn’t practical unless you want the unpleasantries of cigar nausea.

The speed at which you smoke will play a part, but the two key factors are the length of the cigar and the ring gauge (this refers to the diameter). We’ve compiled this cigar-smoking time guide to help you understand the different cigar sizes and the minutes and/or hours you can expect to be puffing away.

Cigar shapes and sizes differ greatly, but all fall under the same measurement standard in the United States. Cigars are measured in inches by their length from foot to cap, with the ring gauge measured in 1/64^th of an inch. This means, for example, that a Petit Corona with a 42 ring gauge is 42/64ths of an inch in diameter.

Cuba and some European and Asian countries use the metric system, but the cigar world, in general, has resisted a move to an alternative system of measurement. Once you’ve grasped the most common (and some less known) cigar shapes and sizes, you will get an idea of how long your stick will take to smoke.

Let’s delve a little deeper into cigar sizes so you can easily identify a Churchill from a Double Corona, and with it, gauge a strong notion of each cigar’s burn time.

Belicoso
A Belicoso cigar is usually around five inches long with a ring gauge of 54. Named because of its resemblance to a bullet, it has a pointed, cone-shaped head and is often mistaken for a Torpedo (Belicosos have a sharper taper).

Expect around 45 minutes of smoking time with a Belicoso. We recommend lighting up the cured ACID Blue Blondie Belicoso with its beautiful butterscotch-colored wrapper and exotic, botanical flavors.

Churchill

Named after Great Britain’s war-time Prime Minister and avid cigar smoker, Sir Winston Churchill, a Churchill cigar sits at the larger end of the stogie spectrum. One of the most elegant and maybe the most iconic cigar size, Churchills are known for their large ring gauge, traditionally 7 inches by a 47 ring gauge.

Perfect for extending the dinner conversation, a Churchill will typically last 60-90 minutes. Check out the stunning limited-edition H. Upmann 175th Anniversary Churchill with its gold foil band and notes of sweet cream, leather, white pepper, cashews, and vanilla.

Corona

Coming in at between five and six inches long, Coronas are still the benchmark cigar shape and size for the industry. They can be consumed in around 40 minutes, with the smaller ring gauge (between 42 and 44) and fair smoking time, making them highly approachable for newcomers.

The creamy-tasting Ashton Corona is a fine example of a Corona cigar, where you can take 30-40 minutes to relax and take in a great smoke that has a backdrop of herb notes, and a sweet wood finish.

Corona Gorda

Another 45-minute smoke, its name literally means “fat corona”. Sometimes called a Toro, the Corona Gorda is one of the most popular sizes for cigar lovers and those who enjoy a Corona-sized cigar. This is because they’re ideal for a casual smoke while still delivering an abundance of flavor.

Traditionally, the Corona Gorda has a ring gauge of around 46, but this can sometimes go off-peace, as illustrated by the superb medium to full-bodied La Gloria Cubana. Wood notes in the form of cedar and rich oak are prominent in this best-seller, along with earth and hints of espresso.

Double Corona

The closest you’ll get to a cigar marathon, Double Coronas are majestic, large smokes that’ll comfortably burn for over an hour, if not 90 minutes or longer. They usually measure 7 ½ inches with a 50-ring gauge, so make sure you have plenty of time on your hands before setting your Double Corona alight.

For a pleasurable lengthy smoke in this size, the JR Edicion Limitada Alternative Cohiba Double Corona will fulfill your palate with light pepper, earth, chocolate, and a touch of fruit.

Entreacto

For a quick-fire smoke, look no further than an Entreacto. This size vitola will last no more than 15-20 minutes, which ultimately comes down to its smaller format. Literally meaning “Between Acts”, it was originally conceived as the perfect cigar to be smoked between acts at the Theatre.

For something a little special in the morning or just after lunch, try toasting the Davidoff Special Series Entreacto. This dense smoke conjures up harmonious notes of zesty pepper, leather, and spices in little over a quarter of an hour.

Gran Corona

The classic Grand Corona size is 6 to 6 ½ inches long and has a ring gauge between 44 and 46. Our Honduran Factory Corojo Gran Corona is loaded with Nestor Plasencia’s signature Honduran flavors, including dark chocolate, plum, and cinnamon.

Fantastic value and an excellent everyday cigar, the 45 minutes of smoking time make it a tee-riffic choice for the golf course.

Robusto

Short, plump, and five inches long, Robustos have always proved a popular selection in the humidors of cigar enthusiasts. They provide an optimum balance between time and taste, and can comfortably last up to an hour depending on the thick ring gauge, which is between 50 and 54.

The mellow to medium-bodied Oliva Connecticut Reserve Robusto is a must-try with its subtle nuances of toasted almonds and cedar. Creamy and delightful, it’s a charming match with your morning cup of coffee.

We hope this guide has given you useful insight into the question, “how long does it take to smoke a cigar?” As highlighted throughout, different cigar sizes – specifically their length, thickness, and ring gauge will impact your smoking time.

Remember, cigars should never be hurried, so you can make the most of their aromas and flavor profiles. Always pick the cigar size most appropriate to your situation, and you’ll be smoking for just the right amount of time.