Cigars having relatively straight sides are called Parejos. Any cigar that deviates from that form is known as a Figurado, which encompasses every out-of-the-ordinary-shaped cigar produced. Following is a list comprised of the major types of Figurados:
Belicoso — This is a small pyramid-shaped cigar with a rounded, not pointed, head.
Culebra — Three panatelas braided together. (A panatela is a long, thin “parallel” cigar typically 6.4 to 7 inches in length, with ring gauges between 28 and 38.) The Culebra was created by cigar manufacturers to give as incentives to their workers. The corkscrew shape was easily identifiable. If an employee was seen smoking a “straight” cigar, it was an indication that he may be helping himself to more than his 3-a-day cigar allotment of Culebras!)
Diademas — A truly giant smoke, 8 inches in length or longer. Most often it has an open foot, but sometimes it will be produced with a perfecto (closed) foot.
Perfecto — The model for every cartoon cigar, it has two closed, rounded ends with a sizeable bulge in the middle.
Pyramid — Has a pointed closed head (the end you smoke), and widens to an open foot (the end you light).
Torpedo — A shape with a closed foot, pointed head, and a sizeable bulge in the middle. (Sounds like my Uncle Mervin!)
BUT IT DOES GET COMPLICATED . . .
As I’m sure you’ve guessed, there are wide specification variations among cigar manufacturers. (i.e.: Some cigars called belicosos look like pyramids; some torpedos also look like pyramids, but they don’t have a perfecto tip, and so on, depending on the manufacturers involved.) Confusing? Oh yeah! The examples given here describe the majority of figurados, but there really are no “absolute” identifiers. But what you can always count on is that your favorite Cigar of the Month Club will offer you a varied selection of quality cigars each month.
Take a Close Look at this Month’s Cigar Selections . .
1) NICA LIBRE ESTELI ESPECIAL TORPEDO – Nationality: Nicaraguan Appearance: MEDIUM-FULL bodied, 6.1; 52 ring; Dressed in an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper
Personality: Packed full of tremendous flavor, this blend of longfillers has a hearty dose of ligero thrown in to kick things up. Solid and hearty, she plays host to a plethora of tantalizing flavors including spice, earth, leather, cream and cedar.
2) GURKHA GOV. PRIVATE BLEND – Nationality: Dominican Appearance: MEDIUM bodied, 6.0; 60 ring; Sporting an enticing oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper
Personality: Amazing looking, with a distinctive bouquet of Corojo fillers, this unique ensemble delivers an unforgettable experience. Complex, with cedar, spice and coffee, she’ll smack your palate with masterful notes of caramel sweetness.
3) : HOYO DE MONTERREY GOVERNORS – Nationality: Honduran Appearance: FULL bodied, 6.1; 50 ring; Cloaked in a beautiful Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper.
Personality: Love her because she’s famously rich, strong and creamy tasting. This smoke is a complex blend of Nicaraguan, Honduran and Cuban seed Dominican fillers, and Connecticut binder leaves.
4) LA PERLA HABANA WIDE ROBUSTO – Nationality: Nicaraguan Appearance: MEDIUM-FULL bodied, 5.1; 55 ring; Sleek in a hearty PA Broadleaf cloak
Personality: Wide where it counts, her flavors are bold and complex, with subtle nuances that will positively delight your palate. She’s one Nicaraguan you are sure to enjoy! Made with lots of character, thanks to the tri-country filler mix.
5) BLACK OPS BERSERKE – Nationality: Nicaraguan Appearance: MEDIUM-FULL bodied, 6.0; 50 ring; Wrapped in a spicy layer of dark Maduro leaves
Personality: This high-quality vitola is loaded — delivering non-stop flavors of toasty tobaccos, zesty hot pepper spice, rich dark chocolate, and salty leather. She’s a people pleaser, all the way down to the nub.
