Cigars 101: What is a Ring Gauge?
By Mariana Heredia
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.
About Cigar Country
Located in the heart of the Dominican Republic’s tourist region (halfway between Punta Cana and Santo Domingo), our Megastore in La Romana is by far the largest premium cigar store in the Caribbean. Our 2,000+ square feet humidor features the finest handmade Dominican cigars from the most respected manufacturers in the world. Cigar Country’s Experts will guide you through the VegaFina cigar-making experience and assist you in choosing the right cigar for you. Whether it’s for your personal consumption or gifting, we have the widest selection you will ever find at the best DUTY FREE prices. You will feel at home in our cozy lounging areas and notoriously friendly staff. Hope to have you visit soon. You can also call, chat, or email to contact Cigar Country!
For personalized ring gauge selection reach out to Cigar Country via the contact form or live chat.