Cigar guide
Practical knowledge from around 30 years behind the humidor door in Geneva. Use this guide to choose, store and enjoy your cigars — and ask us anything we have not covered.
Cuban cigars vs cigars of the world
Cuban cigars (Habanos) are made exclusively with Cuban tobacco under a protected appellation — expect earthy, woody, often leathery profiles that reward ageing. New-World cigars from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Costa Rica blend tobaccos more freely:
| Origin | Typical profile | Typical strength |
|---|---|---|
| Cuba | Earth, wood, leather, subtle sweetness | Medium to full |
| Nicaragua | Pepper, spice, dark chocolate | Full |
| Dominican Republic | Cream, cedar, nuts | Mild to medium |
| Honduras | Earth, spice, coffee | Medium to full |
| Costa Rica | Balanced, slightly sweet | Medium |
Common cigar formats (vitolas)
| Format | Length | Ring gauge | Smoking time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Corona | ~12.9 cm | 42 | 30–40 min |
| Robusto | ~12.4 cm | 50 | ~45 min |
| Toro | ~15.2 cm | 50–54 | ~60 min |
| Churchill | ~17.8 cm | 47 | 60–90 min |
| Double Corona | ~19.4 cm | 49 | 90+ min |
Every product page in our shop lists the exact module, length, diameter and ring gauge in the specifications table.
How to store cigars
- Humidity: 65–72% relative humidity — the single most important factor.
- Temperature: 16–20 °C, stable. Avoid sunlight and heaters.
- Equipment: a quality humidor with a calibrated humidifier; check monthly.
- Resting: after shipping, let cigars rest 1–2 weeks in your humidor before smoking.
Our own showroom is fully humidified and temperature-controlled, so every box leaves us in perfect condition.
Aged, vintage and limited cigars
Ageing lets a cigar's tobaccos marry and mellow — typically rounder, more refined, less aggressive. Explore our aged & vintages, limited editions and regional releases for bottled time.
What are overruns?
Overruns come from the same factories and similar blends as famous premium brands, sold without the brand band — near-identical quality at a markedly lower price. One of the best value plays in the humidor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Cuban and New-World cigars?
- Cuban cigars (Habanos) are made exclusively with Cuban tobacco and are known for earthy, woody profiles. New-World cigars from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Costa Rica often blend tobaccos from several countries, giving a wider range of strengths and flavours — Nicaraguan cigars tend to be fuller and spicier, Dominican cigars smoother and creamier.
- How should I store cigars at home?
- Store cigars in a humidor at around 65–72% relative humidity and 16–20 °C. Without a humidor, an airtight box with a small humidifier pack works for a few weeks. Never store cigars in a refrigerator.
- What do cigar sizes like Robusto or Churchill mean?
- The vitola (format) describes length and ring gauge. A Robusto is typically ~12.4 cm with a 50 ring gauge (about 45 minutes of smoking); a Churchill is ~17.8 cm with a 47 ring gauge (over an hour). Thicker cigars usually smoke cooler and develop more complex flavours.
- What does "aged" or "vintage" mean for cigars?
- Aged cigars have rested for several years in controlled humidity, allowing the tobaccos to marry and mellow. Vintages from a specific box date are prized by collectors because the blend evolves — typically becoming rounder and more refined.
- What is an overrun cigar?
- Overruns are cigars produced in the same factories, with similar blends, as well-known premium brands but sold without the brand band — offering near-identical quality at a significantly lower price.
Responsible enjoyment: tobacco products are for adults 18+ only. Smoking damages your health.