Figuring out vitola-

[My371]

Good day all!

I tried "search".

Vitola=The size of a cigar is measured by two dimensions: its ring gauge (its diameter in sixty-fourths of an inch) and its length (in inches).

Have you ever bought/been gifted/been bombed...etc....a cigar and forget or have no idea what vitola it is....or for that matter...have no idea if it's a "regular" Arturo Fuente(no offense-They aren't regular!!!!!) or a AF Don Carlos?....

I have!!... I'm currently keeping a "journal" to try and figure out which sticks I enjoy the most...and that often will include a "brand" inside a brand.

I have found a simple solution(for myself)...

I keep a small tape measure handy...measure the stogie and go to Famous-Smoke...Here is their big brand list.....

http://www.famous-smoke.com/cigars/i....cfm?on=cigars

The site has "pop-ups" with pics...which makes figuring out exactly what the vitola and which "brand inside a brand" the cigar is.

Ex.-I have an Arturo Fuente...It is 6 1/2 inches long and has a black "band" and kinda "fat"....I first check the "regular" AF....Nope...They have a 6 1/2x42... but my cigar is "bigger around" and no black "band"(it's green)...Pics really help!

Then I come to the AF Don Carlos...

BINGO....6 1/2x50 and has a black "band"...It's a Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Presidente.

I'm not sure if this "works" for all brands...But I have found it extremely helpful when "listing" cigars in my journal. I would think it would help when giving reviews as well.

Hope it helps you!

Enjoy your day!
M-


If anyone has another "source"...Please let me know. T kindly IA-

[NCRadioMan]

You can always go to the Mother Site, top25cigar.com and look it up the database of reviews. It lists all the names and sizes of each vitola. Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedia of Cigars is a good resource as well.

[DennisP]

Just an FYI, the color of the band is the same for all AF lines and applies to the type of wrapper.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by DennisP

Just an FYI, the color of the band is the same for all AF lines and applies to the type of wrapper.

They are different.

The regular line has green around the bottom of the band. Anjeos have white around the bottom of the band. Hemingways, Sungrown and Don Carlos have black around the bottom of the band. Of course, Opus and Casa bands are very different.

[Volt]

This may not be a lot of help, but worth a look:

http://www.stogiefresh.com/cigar_ban...Cabaiguan.html

[My371]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

You can always go to the Mother Site, top25cigar.com and look it up the database of reviews. It lists all the names and sizes of each vitola. Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedia of Cigars is a good resource as well.

Thanks...I've looked...No pics on some brands

Originally Posted by DennisP

Just an FYI, the color of the band is the same for all AF lines and applies to the type of wrapper.

I'm really new...The AF has green in the band...Whereas the Don carlos has black...

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by My371

Thanks...I've looked...No pics.

There is a pic of the band at the menu to choose the vitola, then you just look for the size.

[My371]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

There is a pic of the band at the menu to choose the vitola, then you just look for the size.

...That was the quickest edit I've ever done.

Perhaps I'm doing sumthin' wrong...

If I'm Here... http://www.top25cigar.com/cigarlist.htm

...and want to look at a Ashton Cabinet...

so I go here.... http://www.top25cigar.com/reviewdata...d=yes&pkID=528

I get out my "trusty" tape measure...Hmmm 5 1/2 inches...Must be a #6...

I end up here.... http://www.top25cigar.com/reviewdata...es&catpkID=528

No Pic?

[DennisP]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

They are different.

The regular line has green around the bottom of the band. Anjeos have white around the bottom of the band. Hemingways, Sungrown and Don Carlos have black around the bottom of the band. Of course, Opus and Casa bands are very different.

I thought the black was Sungrown, Green was Natural, at least in the regular line.

All my Anejos have Red as well as my Opus.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by DennisP

I thought the black was Sungrown, Green was Natural, at least in the regular line.

All my Anejos have Red as well as my Opus.

We are talking about the main band near the head of the cigar.

The bottom band is for certain lines. The Chateau, natural and maduro, have the green. and the others as you described.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by My371

No Pic?

You're right! Sorry bout that! Not all have pics I reckon.

Google images always has pics if needed if you know the name of the cigar.

[My371]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Google images always has pics if needed if you know the name of the cigar.

Thanks...I've found that to be useful as well!

[baglorious]

Heh.... all the 'color of the band' talk confused me, and I know 'em already!

As you get a bit more into this, you'll just start recognizing them, and you'll pick up on some general trends... i.e., manufacters "generally" offer their various lines in traditional sizes, with some variation. A few examples of general sizes (by no means a comprehensive list, and these all vary):

7"/7.5" x 46/52rg - Churchill
6.5"/7.5" x 42/44rg - Lancero
6" x 50rg - Toro, Double Robusto
4.5"/5" x 50/52rg - Robusto, Rothchilde
5" x 42/44rg - Corona
5.5" x 46rg - Corona Gorda
5.5"/6.0" x 50/52rg w/ tapered end - Belicoso, Torpedo
4.5"/5.5" x 46/60rg w/ both ends tapered - Perfecto

And on and on... those are some really generic ones, but they're pretty common. Manufacturers have their own names for these, and there are definitely more sizes... but you can find most cigars made in these configurations.

I wouldn't sweat trying to remember or document every size you try... I'd be more concerned with figuring out exactly what "line" of cigar you've got. Fuentes are a perfect example! Lots of offerings! The thing to do with those is look at the bands, obviously, and familiarize yourself with those. Also, pay attention to your wrapper.

Documenting the cigars you like best is (obviously) a swell idea. I did so myself on index cards. But, if you like a particular cigar.. so long as you get the wrapper and "line" correct, you'll be in good shape no matter what size you try... and heck, it's great to try cigars in all sizes once you figure out what you like.

Enjoy!

[DennisP]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

We are talking about the main band near the head of the cigar.

The bottom band is for certain lines. The Chateau, natural and maduro, have the green. and the others as you described.

Not to keep discussing a minor point, but the Chateau SGs have black, which I guess is why I thought the differences had more to do with wrapper.

[My371]

Originally Posted by Volt

This may not be a lot of help, but worth a look:

http://www.stogiefresh.com/cigar_ban...Cabaiguan.html

Thanks Volt! I enjoy Doc's site!

Thanks to you baglorious as well!...I'm enjoying myself immensely!