Introduction: Time Is Part of the Experience
Cigars aren’t like cigarettes — they’re not about a quick puff but about savoring the ritual. One of the most common questions beginners ask is: “How long does a cigar last?”
The answer depends on two main factors:
- The format (size/shape) of the cigar.
- The pace at which you smoke it.
At Casa Cigar, we believe every smoker should know how much time to set aside for their smoke. Let’s break it down.
The Basics: Cigar Size & Smoking Time
Cigar length and thickness directly influence how long it burns.
- Length (inches) → longer cigars last longer.
- Ring gauge (thickness) → thicker cigars burn slower.
✅ On average, cigars last anywhere between 20 minutes and 2+ hours, depending on the format.
Popular Formats & Their Smoking Times
1. Petit Corona (25–35 minutes)
- Length: ~4.5 inches, Ring Gauge: 40–42
- A shorter smoke with a mild to medium profile.
- Perfect for coffee breaks or casual sessions.
2. Corona (40–50 minutes)
- Length: ~5.5 inches, Ring Gauge: 42–44
- Classic cigar size, balanced for beginners.
- Great for an evening unwind.
3. Robusto (45–60 minutes)
- Length: ~5 inches, Ring Gauge: 50
- Popular format, delivers rich flavor in under an hour.
- Perfect for after work or with a drink.
4. Toro (60–75 minutes)
- Length: ~6 inches, Ring Gauge: 50–52
- A step up from Robusto, more time to savor.
- Ideal for a relaxed evening.
5. Churchill (75–90 minutes)
- Length: ~7 inches, Ring Gauge: 47
- Named after Winston Churchill.
- Suited for longer, reflective smoking sessions.
6. Double Corona (90–120 minutes)
- Length: ~7.5–8 inches, Ring Gauge: 49–52
- A true commitment — rich, evolving flavors.
- Best enjoyed when you have time to indulge.
7. Gordo / Gran Toro (90–120+ minutes)
- Length: ~6 inches, Ring Gauge: 60+
- Thick cigars that burn slow and heavy.
- Perfect for seasoned smokers.
Factors That Affect Smoking Time
Beyond size, several things can influence how long your cigar lasts:
- Smoking Pace → Puffing too often overheats and shortens the smoke.
- Humidity & Storage → Properly stored cigars burn more evenly.
- Rolling Style → Tightly packed cigars burn slower than loosely packed ones.
✅ The golden rule: Take your time. One puff per minute keeps the cigar cool and flavorful.
Tips for Choosing the Right Format
- Match your time availability — don’t start a Churchill if you only have 30 minutes.
- Experiment — try different vitolas to discover your sweet spot.
- Think of the occasion — short formats for casual smoke, longer ones for celebrations.
Conclusion: Time Well Spent
Cigars are about the journey, not the finish line. Whether you have 20 minutes or 2 hours, there’s a format that fits perfectly.
At Casa Cigar, we guide you to cigars that match your lifestyle — because the best cigar is the one that fits both your palate and your moment.
