When we hear the name “Churchill,” we typically associate it with Great Britain’s esteemed wartime leader. However, the Churchill vitola has been a staple of the cigar industry for over 80 years.
Following our introduction to the Robusto and Toro sizes, we’ve upped our ring gauge to reveal all you need to know about the much-cherished Churchill size cigar.
Where did the Churchill cigar get its name?
It’s no secret that Sir Winston Churchill was an avid smoker of cigars, puffing his way through as many as 10 in a day. He was famous for rarely being seen without one, and always lit up a big fat stogie in bed after breakfast, as portrayed in the biopic war drama Darkest Hour (2017). Such was his fixation, he often chewed on the ends of his cigars.
His love affair with this began while serving in Cuba, where he became instantly hooked on the country’s most famous export. While he wasn’t immune to smoking other brands, La Aroma de Cuba and Romeo y Julieta were his two favorites.
Even in times of crisis and war, Churchill always ensured he had access to his prized Cubans. But the origin of the “Churchill” size is clouded in smoke. The story has it that Sir Winston visited the Romeo y Julieta factory in the late 1940s, who then created the size in his honor.
What size is a Churchill cigar?
Like their larger-than-life namesake, Churchill cigars are chunky sticks that incorporate many facets. They are traditionally 7 inches by a 47-ring gauge, but it’s not uncommon for some Churchill cigars to have a 50 ring gauge or higher.
How long does a Churchill cigar last?
You light up a Churchill when you’ve got time to kill and want to relax. This is your hour-plus smoke that promises big flavors and outstanding complexity. Perfect for smoking on the golf course, catching up with an old friend, and celebrating special occasions, allow 60-90 minutes to savor the glory of this iconic size.
How strong is a Churchill cigar?
Churchill cigars are known for their high strength. Combined with its large ring gauge and big flavors that transition during the long smoking session, it’s a dream for true cigar aficionados.
The extended length allows for a slower burn and a mellowing of the flavors to provide a more relaxed smoking experience.
As you finish a Churchill cigar, you will notice the flavor notes tend to be stronger than those from a shorter stick. This is because the smoke has passed through the entire length of the cigar. This extra smoke time enriches the flavors already present in the tobacco.
Are Churchill cigars a good choice for beginners?
Beginners must understand that longer or bigger cigars won't necessarily be stronger than smaller ones.
Rather than its size, the cigar’s strength is significantly impacted by the chosen binder, filler, and wrapper tobaccos. This means you can get some Churchill cigars with easygoing profiles that are ideally suited for beginners.
However, given the size of a Churchill, you'll inevitably consume a greater amount of tobacco by the time you come to put out your cigar. The larger size also allows for better heat distribution, resulting in a more even and consistent flavor profile.
On the contrary, smaller cigars tend to burn hotter and faster because the shorter format brings the heat closer to your palate when you light the foot. That’s why it’s sensible to build up your tolerance for cigars. For example, sample a Robusto blend first, then try a Toro, before finally getting cozy with a Churchill.
What are the best Churchill cigars for beginners?
Got a long evening of relaxation planned? Here are three of our favorite Churchill cigars that wouldn’t be out of place in the home of a beginner’s humidor.
Crowned Heads Mother Church Churchill
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Corojo
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 7
Ring: 48
Strength: Medium - Full
Smoke Time: 60 minutes+
Enjoying a quality stogie can be likened to a religious experience, and the Mother Church Churchill from Crowned Heads Cigars is no exception. Taking its name from Nashville’s legendary music venue (the Ryman Auditorium), it has a light buttery (almost caramel-like) sweetness throughout.
The dark chocolate-brown Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper has a strong aromatic flavor that complements a rich altar of cedar, charred hickory, cocoa, and roasted nuts.
Romeo y Julieta Reserve Churchill
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Honduras /Nicaragua
Length: 7
Ring: 54
Strength: Medium - Full
Smoke Time: 90 minutes
If you fancy a full-bodied smoke with blissfully bold and creamy flavors, you can’t go wrong with the Romeo y Julieta Reserve Churchill. The dark, oily Nicaraguan wrapper has a lovely caramel shine and houses a balanced yet complex blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan long-leaf tobaccos.
Sweet and spicy sensations of cinnamon, earth, roasted pine nuts, and spice flourish on each draw, with a blast of black pepper at the start for good measure.
If you’re worried this juggernaut won’t be able to garner your attention for the 90-minute smoking time, try pairing it with a martini or dark roast Columbian coffee.
Aganorsa Leaf JFR Lunatic Churchill
Country of Origin: USA
Wrapper: San Andrés Mexican
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 7
Ring: 70
Strength: Medium - Full
Smoke Time: 60 minutes+
A medium-full bodied cigar full of complexity and flavor, the Aganorsa Leaf JFR La Montana Maduro cigar is a massive smoke that’s finished with a classic golden San Andrés Mexican wrapper. Silky in texture, this hefty cigar draws just as impressively with a creamy and toasty profile of cedar, spices, toffee, wheat, and wood.
In the background is a subtle sweetness and an underlying almond nuttiness, while a lip-smacking finish of cocoa takes this top-notch cigar to another flavor level.
Final thoughts
Winston Churchill once came up with the analogy, "Smoking cigars is like falling in love."
Whether you’re getting the feel for different cigar sizes or a connoisseur with a passion to indulge in some of the world's best Churchill cigars, check out our premium collection at cigars.com.