Size, shape and color

The size of a cigar is measured by its length and ring gauge (the diameter of the cigar). One ring is equivalent to 1/64 of an inch. In general, the larger the ring size, the fuller and more complex a flavor the cigar will have, and the more smoke it will produce. This is because a larger ring size allows cigar makers to blend and combine different types of leaves to a greater extent.

The size of a cigar is written LXRG, where L is the length of the cigar in inches, and RG is the ring gauge. Havana cigars range from 9X64, which is 1 inch wide, to 4X30. Most of the time, cigar smokers tend to stick with the size they are accustomed to, as it can be difficult to compare the taste and aroma of a cigar in a size you are not used to smoking. It’s best to find a size you are comfortable with and stick to it.
It is often difficult to judge the way in which the shape of a cigar affects its taste. This is exacerbated by the fact that there are no set standards used between manufacturers when it comes to the shape, so it is difficult to compare the shapes of different brands of cigar. It is often easier for the cigar neophyte to make a note of the shape written on the box in order to remember what he has been smoking. A good tobacconist will be able to help you find a cigar that matches your preferences.

In terms of color, the darker the wrapper, the more full-bodied the cigar is likely to be. The longer the leaf stays on the plant, the more sunlight it gets and the darker it will end up being. There are dozens of possible shades of cigar wrappers. Some of the more common colors are:
Double Claro – has a light green wrapper and a very mild flavor.
Claro – has a light tan wrapper and a smooth, mild flavor.
Natural - light brown to brown. It has a fuller bodied flavor than the Claro.
Colorado - reddish dark brown, with a robust, rich flavor.
Colorado Maduro – a dark brown wrapper with a rich, aromatic flavor.
Maduro – is very dark brown, and usually has a strong, sweet flavor.
Oscuro - the darkest maduro wrapper, oscuro is almost black and is stronger than the lighter maduro wrappers.