Beginners should pay more attention to a cigar’s shape and size than its strength. Each will affect how you perceive the individual flavors in each tobacco blend.
After talking about the Toro, we reveal all about one of the most iconic cigar shapes (or vitolas) — the Robusto.
What size is a Robusto cigar?
An extremely popular cigar size (most notably in America), the Robusto is a short, stocky cigar with a length of 5” and a fairly chunky ring gauge of 50. Sometimes described as a “short Churchill size,” it’s easy to hold and looks great too because the cigar ring gauge corresponds to the diameter of a cigar.
However, some Robustos break tradition, stretching to 5.5” in length and thicknesses as high as 54 or 56. Nearly every premium cigarmaker has a Robusto in their portfolio, but how much smoking time will it give you once you’ve put flame to foot? Let’s find out.
How long does a Robusto cigar last?
Robusto cigars are small enough to be enjoyed within 45 to 50 minutes. They burn cooler and slower than a Corona cigar but are still large enough for a complex flavor profile to develop as you take slow and deliberate draws.
The generous smoking time gives you chance to indulge and taste the different flavors on offer. Don’t turn to a Robusto in those moments when you’re short on time or feel like tackling a large cigar, such as a Double Corona.
How strong is a Robusto cigar?
Robusto is the Spanish word for “strong.” They tend to have more body and strength because the ration of filler to wrapper is far greater. A Robusto cigar rolled tightly with some of the best-tasting tobaccos will provide a full-flavored smoke that’s perfect after a meal, or as your primary cigar choice. While they are renowned for their strong, full-bodied flavor, the strength of your Robusto will vary depending on the blend.
Are Robusto cigars good for beginners?
Robustos are a fantastic choice for the novice cigar smoker, especially when learning to identify all those subtle hints and nuances. They let you fully experience the blend’s flavor at a lower price than a Churchill or Toro, while not being too long or intimidating. Their girth is also an ideal fit for the hand, making holding the cigar even more comfortable.
Robusto cigar vs Toro
Toros are generally larger cigars than Robustos, typically measuring 6” long with a ring gauge of 46 to 52. They are believed to provide a more balanced smoking experience and are better suited if you crave a longer, richer experience. Think of them as the equivalent of a Grande at Starbucks.
They need more tobacco to fill them because they are a touch longer and thicker than Robustos. This results in more full-bodied smoke.
Many top-rated smokes are either Robustos or Toros, but it all comes down to preference, the time you have available, and what time of the day it is. While a Robusto is a dreamy after-dinner treat, Toros are typically smoked in the afternoon or evening.
Most importantly, both sizes create exciting yet unique smoking experiences that serve as excellent barometers for any blend of premium tobaccos.
What are the best Robusto cigars for beginners?
Romeo y Julieta 1875 Bully
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Indonesia
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Length: 5
Ring: 50
Strength: Medium
Smoke Time: 50-60 minutes
Romeo y Julieta is a legendary cigar brand named after one of Shakespeare’s literary masterpieces. The 1875 Bully is dressed in a light brown Indonesian shade-grown wrapper enveloping a Dominican binder and fillers.
Not too strong, but undoubtedly mellow and packed with flavor, it has a subtle cedar aroma and taste, with undertones of leather. Hints of almonds and white pepper provide a palatable spicy nuttiness for the light, creamy profile. Try pairing it with your morning cup of coffee for a satisfying start to any day.
Montecristo White Label Robusto Grande Tube
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Shade
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Dominican Republic / Nicaragua
Length: 5
Ring: 52
Strength: Medium
Smoke Time: 60 minutes
The Montecristo White Label Robusto Grand Tube is packaged in elegant white aluminum tubes and boasts a creamy and golden Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. Combined with a hearty Nicaraguan binder leaf and a medium-bodied blend of aged Dominican and Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos, it delivers rich taste through a steady and complex flavor profile.
Look out for creamy coffee, roasted almonds, earth, and wood notes, with silky traces of sweet spice and caramel that flow throughout.
Macanudo Duke of Devon
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Connecticut
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Dominican Republic / Mexico
Length: 5.5
Ring: 42
Strength: Mellow
Smoke Time: 50 minutes
Handcrafted in the Dominican Republic, the masterfully mellow Macanudo Duke of Devon flaunts a crisp Connecticut Shade wrapper and a flavorful blend of mild, aromatic tobaccos from Mexico and the Dominican.
Held together by a rich Mexican binder from the St. Andres Tuxtla Valley, this small, slender stogie provides a smooth smoke that is neither harsh nor overpowering. Nutty with splashes of herbs, toast, and subtle spice, it has a sweet, creamy finish that goes lovely with a glass of strong green tea.
Final thoughts
A Robusto's short length and thick ring gauge serve as a great jumping point into any cigar. At cigars.com, we have a Robusto for just about any occasion or taste, so come see why they are one of the most popular cigar vitolas.