A lonsdale cigar is long and slim, usually about 6 to 6 1/2 inches with a ring gauge in the low to mid 40s. That narrow build keeps the smoke cool and lets the wrapper lead the flavor, which is why longtime smokers love it, and why it's a great choice if wider cigars have ever tasted hot or harsh to you.

The name comes from the Earl of Lonsdale, an English nobleman whose name was given to this size more than a century ago. Compare it with every other shape on our Cigars by Size & Shape page.

Lonsdale cigars collection at Cigar Nation

Lonsdale Cigar FAQ

What size is a lonsdale cigar?

Most lonsdales measure 6 to 6 1/2 inches long with a 42 to 44 ring gauge, though some brands stretch them to 7 inches. Ring gauge is measured in 64ths of an inch, so a 44 ring is just under three-quarters of an inch across. Our Anatomy of a Cigar guide explains how size and shape affect the way a cigar smokes.

What's the difference between a lonsdale, a corona and a churchill?

They're cousins. A corona has a similar slim ring but is shorter, around 5 1/2 inches. A lonsdale adds length for a longer smoke. A Churchill is longer and a bit wider still, around 7 inches with a ring near 50. If you like the slim, wrapper-forward character of a corona and want more time with it, the lonsdale is your next step.

Why does a slim cigar taste different from a thick one?

In a slim cigar, the wrapper makes up a bigger share of every puff, so its flavor comes through more clearly. Thinner cigars also tend to burn cooler, since there's less tobacco burning at once. It's the same blend, just a different experience. For more on how flavor and strength work, see Strength, Body & Flavor.

What are the best lonsdale cigars?

How long does a lonsdale take to smoke?

About 60 to 75 minutes. Most land in the Power Hour tier on the Burn Clock, and the longest are Weekend Warriors.