Churchill, for most people, brings to mind the great leader of Britain during World War II. However, in cigar circles, churchill is a word used to describe a particular shape and size of cigar that has been popular for over 80 years.
We have already talking about Robusto and Toro sizes, so now we’ll move up in ring gauge and tell you everything you need to know about the beloved Churchills.
WHERE DID “CHURCHILL” AS A CIGAR NAME COME FROM?
Sir Winston Churchill was an avid cigar smoker who would burn through as many as 10 cigars in a day. He was rarely seen without one, and always had a big fat stogie lit up in bed after breakfast — as depicted in Darkest Hour (2017), the biopic war drama for which Gary Oldman won Best Actor at the Oscars. In fact, he loved cigars so much that he often chewed on them.
His love affair with tobacco began while serving in Cuba when he fell in love with the country’s most famous export. Though he also smoked other brands from time to time, La Aroma de Cuba and Romeo y Julieta were his go-to sticks.
Even when times were tough and war was raging around him, Churchill ensured he always had access to Cuban cigars. But where did the size “churchill” come from? The story goes that Sir Winston visited Romeo y Julieta’s factory some time after World War II and they created a size especially for him.
WHAT SIZE IS A CHURCHILL CIGAR?
Churchill cigars are chunky sticks with many dimensions — much like their larger-than-life namesake. Traditionally 7 inches by 47-ring gauge (by comparison: toros measure 6 by 50), though sometimes fatter (a 50 ring gauge isn’t uncommon) or even longer than standard (known as “double churchills” or “gran churchills”).
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SMOKE A CHURCHILL CIGAR?
You light up a Churchill when you have the time to smoke it. This is your hour-plus smoke that promises big flavors and great complexity. Perfect for on the golf course, catching up with an old friend, or celebrating something special, make sure you give yourself at least 60-90 minutes to enjoy this iconic size.
HOW STRONG IS A CHURCHILL CIGAR?
Churchills are known for being strong. Combined with its large ring gauge and big flavors that change throughout the extended period of smoking, it’s a dream for true cigar heads.
The length allows for a slower burn and mellowing of the flavors to provide a more relaxed smoke.
As you get towards the end of a churchill, you’ll notice that the flavor notes tend to be stronger than those found toward the beginning of a shorter stick. This is because more smoke has passed through more tobacco over more time.
ARE CHURCHILLS GOOD FOR BEGINNERS?
Beginners should realize that longer cigars aren’t stronger just because they’re bigger.
The strength (flavor profile) of any cigar — not just churchills — is influenced far more by what tobaccos were used in its blend as filler/binder/wrapper than by how much leaf was rolled into it (size). So while some churchills may have mild enough personalities for newbies, others will knock them on their asses.
There’s one other thing beginners need to know about churchills: Because they’re so long, it means you’ll inevitably consume significantly more tobacco by the time you put it out. The larger size also provides better heat distribution throughout, which leads to a smoother/more even smoke throughout.
On the other hand, smaller cigars tend to burn hotter and faster. That’s because they bring the heat closer to your palate when you light the foot due to their shorter format. Therefore it makes sense to build up your tolerance for cigars. For instance, start with a Robusto blend then a Toro before getting comfortable 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+
Smoking a good cigar is like having a religious experience and Crowned Heads Cigars’ Mother Church Churchill is no exception. Named after Nashville’s famous music venue (the Ryman Auditorium), it has a light buttery (almost caramel-like) sweetness throughout.
The dark chocolate-brown Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper provides rich aromas that marry well with an 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 want full bodied smoke filled with wonderfully bold and creamy flavors then look no further than Romeo y Julieta Reserve Churchill. The dark oily Nicaraguan wrapper shines beautifully like caramel as it encapsulates balanced yet complex blend from Honduran and Nicaraguan long leaf tobaccos.
Each draw brings forth sweet & spicy cinnamon earth roasted pine nuts spice explosion with a kick of black pepper at the start for good measure.
If you’re afraid this giant won’t keep your attention during its 90 minute smoke time, try it with martini or dark roast Columbian coffee.
AGANORSA LEAF CONNECTICUT CHURCHILL
Country of Origin: USA
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 7
Ring: 48
Strength: Medium – Full
Smoke Time: 60 minutes+
Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut Churchill is a medium bodied cigar that’s full of complexity and flavor. It features a lightly box-pressed shape, finished in classic golden hay shade Ecuadorian wrapper. Equally impressive draw on this hefty cigar reveals creamy and toasty notes mixed with some spices cedar wheat toffee wood profile.
In the background there is also an undertone of sweetness and almond nuttiness while chocolatey finish takes top notch Connecticut to another flavor level altogether.
Oliva Serie V Melanio Churchill
FINAL THOUGHTS
“Smoking cigars is like falling in love,” Winston Churchill once said.
Whether you’re still getting used to different cigar sizes or have become an aficionado who loves nothing more than lighting up one of these great Churchills from around the world