It’s no secret that premium cigars come in all shapes and sizes, but figurados are in a league of their own. Tapered heads. Curved bodies. Shapes that challenge the norm. Figurado cigars break convention and redefine what a premium smoke can be.
With bold construction and dramatic silhouettes, figurados elevate the smoking experience in ways that traditional parejos simply can’t. From icons like the Torpedo to rarities like the Culebra, these cigars offer more than visual flair; they shape how a cigar burns, tastes, and evolves.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a figurado so distinctive, how they came to be, and why they continue to captivate cigar lovers around the world.
Cigars come in two basic categories: parejos (the straight shooters) and figurados (the shapeshifters). Parejo cigars are characterized by their straight sides, which give them a classic, uniform appearance.
Unlike traditional cigars with a straight cylindrical form and open foot, figurados often have a pointed head, closed foot, tapered ends, or a distinctive tapered foot as key distinguishing characteristics.
These shapes aren’t just aesthetic. The unique construction of a figurado changes the cigar smoking experience, from how it burns and draws, often concentrating the flavor or extending the burn time.
Because of their complexity, figurados demand more skill from the cigar rollers and more attention from the smoker, making them a favorite among cigar aficionados and enthusiasts who enjoy a more dynamic, engaging smoke.
The roots of figurado cigars trace back to the golden age of Cuban cigar making, when master rollers began shaping cigars as a form of creative expression. Unlike traditional parejos, these uniquely shaped cigars were made to stand out, both visually and in terms of how they smoked. Early figurado cigar shapes, like the torpedo, perfecto, and belicoso, quickly earned reputations for their complex flavor profiles and artistic flair.
As cigar making expanded around the globe, these distinctive shapes evolved. What began as a niche novelty became a symbol of craftsmanship, refinement, and connoisseurship. Today, the figurado category continues to evolve, offering cigar smokers everything from heritage-inspired classics to bold, modern innovations, all crafted to deliver a smoke that’s as memorable as it is flavorful.
Crafting a figurado cigar isn’t just rolling tobacco; it’s executing a precision build. Torcedores (master cigar rollers) spend years mastering the techniques required to shape cigars that not only look impressive but smoke like a dream. The construction has to be exact. The draw has to be consistent. And the flavor has to build just right.
It all starts with premium tobacco. The filler blend must be balanced to burn evenly, the binder must hold tight under pressure, and the cigar wrapper, especially critical with figurados, must be elastic enough to stretch around curves, tapers, and bulges without cracking.
Whether it's the sharp taper of a Torpedo or the bulbous shape of a Perfecto, each design changes how the cigar smokes. The result? A cigar that delivers evolving flavors and a refined experience from start to finish.
With its sharply pointed cap and thick ring gauge, the Torpedo cigars are a fat cigar with attitude, and it means business. With a sharply pointed cap and a thick, substantial body, this cigar combines visual punch with flavor control. The narrowed head naturally concentrates the draw, intensifying the cigar blends flavors while giving the smoker more command over airflow and heat. That means a slower burn and deeper complexity as you work through the smoke.
Torpedoes come in a variety of cigar sizes, lengths, and ring gauges, allowing blenders to fine-tune their recipes for boldness or balance. The broad body offers room for more diverse filler tobaccos and combinations, resulting in layered, full-bodied profiles that shift as you smoke. For seasoned cigar smokers who want control, strength, and a flavor experience that evolves with every puff, the Torpedo is a go-to weapon of choice.
At first glance, the Pyramid might look like a cousin of the Torpedo, but don’t be fooled. While it shares the pointed cap, the body widens more gradually from head to foot, creating a unique airflow dynamic. That subtle shape shift makes a big impact, guiding smoke through a changing ring gauge and delivering a smoother smoke, and allowing the cigar’s layered flavors to evolve.
The open foot makes lighting easy, while the tapered head encourages a focused draw. It’s a shape built for complexity and finesse. If you’re the kind of smoker who enjoys tracking how a cigar’s profile shifts over time, from spicy to sweet, from bold to balanced, the Pyramid rewards patience with a refined, drawn-out experience. While not one of the most popular cigar shapes that exist, it's worth trying if you get the chance.
The Perfecto is a throwback to old-school cigar shapes. With both a tapered head and a distinctive tapered foot, plus a bulbous center, this shape demands serious skill from the roller. Lighting a Perfecto can also be a bit tricky due to the small, often closed foot, but once it opens up, the flavors build gradually, rewarding patience with a deeply satisfying journey.
The Arturo Fuente Hemingway is a legendary example of this shape. It’s not just about looks; the craftsmanship required makes it a true art form. Expect bold flavor transitions and a smoking experience that unfolds in stages, with each puff offering something new as the cigar burns.
Belicoso cigars deliver the power and concentrated draw control of a Torpedo in a shorter, more compact form. These stout smokes usually feature a slightly rounded, tapered head and burn a bit faster than their longer counterparts, but still pack plenty of complexity and robust flavor.
Belicoso cigars are perfect for those short on time but big on flavor. Belicosos hit that sweet spot between convenience and richness, making them a solid go-to for seasoned smokers and newcomers alike.
Now for the wild ones, the ones that demand an ultra-high level of time and attention. The Culebra, three thin cigars twisted together like a rope, is both a conversation starter and a nod to cigar-making history. Legend has it, it was created to limit rollers to one cigar per break. Each strand can be untwisted and smoked solo or shared.
The Diadema is another rare gem, often stretching over eight inches with dramatic tapers. It’s a slow-burning commitment with a payoff in flavor transitions and visual flair.
Other showstoppers include the Salomon, known for its Perfecto-like taper and large ring gauge, and cult favorites like the Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado, a box-pressed shape loved for its deep complexity.
Innovators like Drew Estate continue to push boundaries with off-the-wall shapes like the Egg cigar, a bulbous design that’s as unconventional as it is unforgettable.
Many of these rare shapes are wrapped in high-quality tobacco, such as shade-grown wrappers, which enhance both the smoking profile and appearance. These cigars offer more than novelty; they showcase peak craftsmanship and evolving, layered flavor to smokers looking for something unique and different.
If you’re ready to explore the world of figurado cigars, there’s no shortage of exceptional options to light up your next smoking session.
As mentioned earlier, for many seasoned cigar aficionados, the Arturo Fuente Hemingway stands as a benchmark; its unique shape and complex profile deliver nuanced flavors that evolve with every draw. The Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado is another standout, beloved for its bold, full-bodied flavor and distinctive box-pressed shape that sets it apart from the crowd.
Looking for something with a touch of luxury? The Ashton ESG 24-Year offers a smooth, silky texture and a flavor profile layered with cedar, graham cracker, and spice, perfect for those who appreciate a cigar with both elegance and depth. And for smokers who crave bold flavors and a truly unique shape, the La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel is a must-try, offering a powerful, full-bodied experience that’s as memorable as its design.
Ready to light up your first figurado? Here are a few other must-tries:
Arturo Fuente Hemingway – A legendary Perfecto with rich complexity and refined character.
Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado – Bold, box-pressed, and beautifully constructed with full-bodied depth.
Ashton ESG 24-Year – Elegant and smooth, this Pyramid-shaped gem delivers notes of cedar, graham cracker, and spice.
La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel – A powerhouse cigar with a unique shape and unforgettable strength.
Whether you’re a seasoned cigar aficionado or just beginning to discover the world of unique cigar shapes, these figurado cigars promise a rich, complex smoking experience that’s sure to satisfy every palate.
Lighting a figurado takes more finesse than your average Robusto. Many figurados have a closed foot or a tapered body, which can make ignition tricky. Take your time. Toast the foot slowly and rotate the cigar for an even burn.
Expect the flavor to develop gradually and evolve as the ring gauge changes throughout the smoke. Figurados highlight a blend’s complexity, making them ideal for cigar lovers who appreciate a story unfolding with each puff.
For beginners, start with a Belicoso or Torpedo before jumping into a Perfecto or Diadema. And don’t hesitate to ask your tobacconist for recommendations, exploring figurados is part of the fun. Pair with a smooth drink, coffee, wine, or bourbon, and let the cigar do the talking.
Figurados aren’t just cigars, they’re a statement. A flex. A tribute to craftsmanship and tradition. Whether it’s the pinpoint precision of a Torpedo, the evolving profile of a Pyramid, or the twisted artistry of a Culebra, figurados promise more than a smoke; they deliver an experience.
At After Action Cigars, we believe bold moments deserve bold cigars. Figurados are earned. They’re remembered. Light one up, take your time, and let the shape guide the story.
Want to explore beyond figurados? Head over to our Cigar Shapes and Sizes article for the full tour of cigar sizes and styles.
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