A question I get asked a lot by those thinking about trying a cigar for the first time is:
“How long does it take to smoke a cigar?”
How long it can take to smoke a cigar varies depending on the cigar’s size, your puffing frequency and individual smoking style.
Generally, a 3.5” x 20 Petite Cigarillo will give you a 15-20 smoking time whereas a 6” x 60 Gordo can give you up to 2 and a half hours of smoking time.
Now, let’s take a look at average smoking times based on the size and shape of the cigar.
Cigar Sizes: A Quick Guide
Whether you’re scanning the shelves of your local tobacconist or scrolling through an online cigar store, you’ll come across cigar sizes listed like this:
Length in inches x ring gauge in 64ths of an inch.
For instance, take a look at the Zino Nicaragua Toro on Cigars.com, labelled as 6″ x 50. This means this cigar is 6 inches long with a 50-ring gauge:
Before we delve into how long it takes to smoke specific types of cigars, here’s a handy cigar size guide to help you see the different shapes and sizes of cigars that are out there:
Average Smoking Times Based On Cigar Type
Now that you’ve cracked the code on cigar sizes, let’s look at average smoking times for the various cigar types.
Here’s a full breakdown:
| Cigar size | Average smoke length |
| Petite Cigarillo (3.5″ x 20) | 15-20 minutes |
| Short Panatela (5″ x 38) | 25-35 minutes |
| Corona (5.5″ x 42) | 30-45 minutes |
| Rothschild (4.5″ x 50) | 35-50 minutes |
| Perfecto (4.5″ x 52) | 35-50 minutes |
| Robusto (5″ x 50) | 40-60 minutes |
| Panatela (6″ x 34) | 40-60 minutes |
| Torpedo (6.5″ x 52) | 60-80 minutes |
| Lonsdale (6.5″ x 42) | 55-75 minutes |
| Belicoso (6″ x 54) | 55-75 minutes |
| Corona Gorda (6″ x 46) | 50-70 minutes |
| Toro (6″ x 50) | 50-70 minutes |
| Lonsdale Extra (6.5″ x 44) | 55-75 minutes |
| Lancero (7.5″ x 38) | 60-90 minutes |
| Churchill (7″ x 48) | 60-90 minutes |
| Pyramid (7″ x 52) | 70-100 minutes |
| Double Corona (7.5″ x 50) | 75-120 minutes |
| Gordo (6″ x 60) | 80-120 minutes |
| Presidente (8″ x 50) | 90-120 minutes |
Remember, these are ballpark figures and actual smoking times can vary depending on factors like the cigar’s blend, individual smoking pace and environmental conditions.
But here’s really all you need to know:
If you’re looking for a quick smoke, Petite Cigarillos at 3.5″ x 20 are just a 20-minute smoke. These little wonders pack a flavour punch without taking a big chunk out of your day.
Moving up the size ladder, a classic Robusto at 5″ x 50 gives you a nice 45-60 minute break, which is a nice sweet spot for a relaxing smoke without a marathon commitment.
Now, onto the big players. With their robust 6″ x 60 dimensions, Gordo cigars unfold into a luxurious smoking time of up to 2 and a half hours. Perfect for those moments when time is on your side.
Your Enjoyment Trumps Everything Else
How long should a cigar take to smoke?
The best answer is:
“As long as it needs to.”
Cigars are meant to be enjoyed, not rushed and a cigar shouldn’t be measured by the clock but by the rich flavour and pure pleasure it delivers.
One of the many reasons I love cigars is that they force you to slow down and pace yourself:
Smoke too fast and your cigar will burn too hot and taste bitter. Smoke too slow and you’ll find yourself constantly having to relight.
If you’re smoking a Camacho Triple Maduro Toro (6″ x 50) then it’s probably a good idea to set a solid hour aside.
And if you’re lucky enough to get hold of a 7″ x 70 Asylum 11 Limited Edition then you’ve got 2 hours of pure bliss ahead of you.
However long it takes you to smoke your cigar, just focus on savouring every puff, from first light to final draw.
Because, when all is said and done, that’s what truly matters.
