Appendix F
Cigar Physical Characteristics
Overall Paper Authored by:1 Sundos Yassin and Jeremy Giberson2
Additional authors:3 Michelle Page4
INTRODUCTION AND TASK
To inform the Committee on Patterns of Use and Health Effects of “Premium Cigars” and Priority Research, a variety of premium cigars across the top 15 brands, including sub-brands within each, was purchased, weighed, measured, and photographed. An assortment of other products was included in the study, such as cigarillos and traditional cigars. Each product was weighed twice, measured by length and diameter, and photographed against a blue background with a measuring device beside it. All products were purchased within the San Francisco Bay Area in August 2021.
METHODS
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provided a list of cigars, indicating the most popular premium brands and
___________________
1 Committee member Neal Benowitz oversaw the cigar characteristics analysis, reviewed the results for accuracy, provided regular feedback to the authors, and edited the final paper.
2 Clinical Pharmacology Research Program, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
3 Committee member Maciej Goniewicz oversaw the nicotine content analysis and reviewed the results for accuracy, provided regular feedback to the chemist conducting the analysis, and edited the summary of the findings.
4 Research Associate, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, conducted the nicotine analysis and summarized the methodology and findings.
other types. An online search determined the local retail locations of cigar shops, and three tobacco stores, three convenience stores, and two chain markets were chosen. Products from the most popular brands were purchased first, including 2–4 sub-brands of each brand and 1–2 cigars from each sub-brand. Less popular brands were purchased second, given local availability.
Each cigar was compiled into a list, organized by brand and sub-brand (Table F-1). The weight, length, and diameter of each cigar were recorded, in addition to photographs of the cigar with and without the original packaging.
A composite photograph of cigar brands was taken with the original packaging. Photographs of each individual cigar next to the measuring device were taken after removal of the original packaging. Additionally, composite photographs across cigar brands and sub-brands were taken, both with and without original packaging.
To measure weight, a clean beaker was placed on a digital scale and tared. The cigar was removed from its packaging and placed into the beaker. The weight was recorded in grams. These procedures were completed twice for each cigar. To measure diameter and length, a digital caliper was used. The diameter was taken from the middle portion of each cigar. The length was measured from the tip to the foot. Note that the caliper was not able to measure every cigar; the largest required a standard ruler. The diameter and length were both recorded in millimeters.
To analyze the nicotine content, a 3 gram sample was collected from 58 cigars of varying brands (one from each sub-brand) using a sterile scalpel. It was placed in a 50 milliliter plastic conical vial and labeled with a sample ID. All vials were sent to the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY for analysis. Tobacco samples were analyzed for their respective nicotine content using gas chromatography-nitrogen phosphorus detector, using a modification of the CORESTA number 62 method.5 (See the analytical report from Roswell Park for details.6)
RESULTS
The weight, length, and diameter for all cigars analyzed are listed below, sorted by brand popularity. Average nicotine concentration and total nicotine per cigar are also listed for each sub-brand.
___________________
5 CORESTA. 2020. CORESTA Recommended Method No. 62: Determination of nicotine in tobacco and tobacco products by gas chromatographic analysis. Paris, France: Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco.
6 Available in the project’s public access file and upon request from the National Academies Public Access Records Office at PARO@nas.edu.
TABLE F-1 All Cigars Purchased
| Brand | Sub-Brands |
|---|---|
| Cohiba* | Serie M (Miami Limited Edition) Cohiba Robusto Red Dot (2) Black Robusto (2) |
| Romeo y Julieta* | 1875 Reserva Real Toro 1875 Reserva Real Bully Short Story (2) 1875 Nicaragua |
| Arturo Fuente* | Hemingway Signature (3) Hemingway Short Story (2) Curly Head Natural |
| Macanudo* | Hyde Park Café (2) Baron de Rothschild Petit Corona (2) |
| Montecristo* | Classic Robusto White Series Court White Series Churchill |
| Padron* | Churchill 3000 Maduro “Handmade” (2) 2000 Maduro “Handmade” (2) |
| Rocky Patel* | 1992 Vintage Sumatra Robusto 1990 Vintage Perfecto 1990 Vintage Robusto (2) 1999 Vintage Robusto (2) |
| Punch* | Clasico Double Corona (2) Clasico London Club Clasico Rothschild |
| Partagas* | Robusto (2) Black Bravo Black Magnifico |
| La Gloria Cubana* | Cubana Wavell Maduro (2) Cubana Wavell Natural (2) Cubana Churchill |
| K. Hansotia Gurkha* | Gurkha Cellar Reserve 15 Year Hedonism (2) Gurkha Cellar Reserve Ghost (2) |
| My Father* | Garcia & Garcia No. 1 Robusto El Centurion H-2K-CT (2) Flor de las Antillas (2) |
| Ashton* | Aged Maduro Virgin Sun Grown Virgin Sun Grown Eclipse |
| Brand | Sub-Brands |
|---|---|
| CAO* | America Potomac (2) Gold Maduro |
| Davidoff* | Aniversario Special “R” (2) Aniversario No. 3 Churchill Robusto |
| Acid | Kuba Kuba (2) Blondie (2) |
| Black & Mild | Casino Cigar (plastic tip) (2) Original Cigar (wood tip) (2) Jazz Cigarillos (2) |
| Backwoods | Original Cigar Honey Berry Cigar (2) |
| Swisher Sweets | Blueberry Cigarillos (2) Grape Cigarillos (2) Leaf Original Cigar (2) |
| Dutch Masters | Dutch Blend—Silver Cigarillos (2) Palma Cigar (2) |
| Garcia y Vega | Irish Cream Cigar (2) Natural (Brown Leaf Cigar) (2) |
NOTE: * = premium brand as determined by the committee.
Brand: Cohiba
Table F-2 shows Cohiba and selected sub-brands. The Cohiba Robusto Red Dot had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 1.3 grams, 0.71 mm, and 0.16 mm, respectively. The Black Robusto had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 2.8 grams, 1.55 mm, and 0.73 mm, respectively.
Brand: Romeo y Julieta
Table F-3 shows Romeo y Julieta and selected sub-brands. The 1875 Reserva Real Bully Short Story had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 1.8 grams, 0.38 mm, and 0.39 mm, respectively.
TABLE F-2 Cohiba and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serie M (Miami Limited Edition) | 17.1 | 17.1 | 146.66 | 19.12 | 37.70 | 33.26 | 568.75 |
| Cohiba Robusto Red Dot | 11.6 | 11.6 | 126.45 | 19.28 | 25.57 | — | — |
| Cohiba Robusto Red Dot | 12.9 | 12.9 | 127.16 | 19.12 | 28.44 | 16.47 | 212.46 |
| Black Robusto | 12.3 | 12.3 | 137.83 | 20.30 | 27.12 | — | — |
| Black Robusto | 15.1 | 15.1 | 139.38 | 19.57 | 33.29 | 18.56 | 280.26 |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
TABLE F-3 Romeo y Julieta and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1875 Reserva Real Toro | 21.5 | 21.5 | 152.44 | 21.24 | 47.40 | 28.63 | 615.55 |
| 1875 Reserva Real Bully Short Story | 15.1 | 15.1 | 126.79 | 19.56 | 33.29 | 26.12 | 394.41 |
| 1875 Reserva Real Bully Short Story | 13.3 | 13.3 | 126.41 | 19.17 | 29.32 | — | — |
| 1875 Nicaragua | 10.4 | 10.4 | 126.19 | 19.32 | 22.93 | 9.78 | 101.71 |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
Brand: Arturo Fuente
Table F-4 shows Arturo Fuente and selected sub-brands. The Hemingway Short Story had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.4 grams, 0.95 mm, and 0.5 mm, respectively.
Brand: Macanudo
Table F-5 shows Macanudo and selected sub-brands. The Hyde Park Café had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 3.4 grams, 2.09 mm, and 0.17 mm, respectively. The Petit Corona had no difference in weight, but the length and diameter difference between the two samples was 1.71 mm and 0.35 mm, respectively.
TABLE F-4 Arturo Fuente and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hemingway Signature | 11.9 | 11.9 | 151.99 | 17.33 | 26.24 | — | — |
| Hemingway Signature | 10.4 | 10.4 | 151.99 | 17.25 | 22.93 | 21.65 | 225.16 |
| Hemingway Signature | 11.1 | 11.1 | 149.51 | 17.52 | 24.47 | — | — |
| Hemingway Short Story | 7.8 | 7.9 | 99.35 | 16.9 | 17.20 | — | — |
| Hemingway Short Story | 8.2 | 8.2 | 100.3 | 16.4 | 18.08 | 18.94 | 155.31 |
| Curly Head Natural | 10.3 | 10.3 | 170.1 | 16.10 | 22.71 | 12.70 | 130.81 |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
TABLE F-5 Macanudo and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyde Park Café | 13.6 | 13.6 | 139.30 | 18.92 | 29.98 | — | — |
| Hyde Park Café | 17.0 | 17.0 | 141.39 | 18.75 | 37.48 | 17.40 | 295.80 |
| Baron De Rothschild | 14.8 | 14.8 | 140.08 | 19.00 | 32.63 | 8.51 | 125.95 |
| Petit Corona | 6.6 | 6.6 | 126.29 | 14.40 | 14.55 | — | — |
| Petit Corona | 6.6 | 6.6 | 128.00 | 14.05 | 14.55 | 15.05 | 99.33 |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
Brand: Montecristo
Table F-6 shows Montecristo and sub-brands. Cigars from this brand were difficult to locate, so only one from each sub-brand listed above was included in the study.
Brand: Padron
Table F-7 shows Padron and selected sub-brands. The 3000 Maduro “Handmade” had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.8 grams, 1.03 mm, and 0.5 mm, respectively. The 2000 Maduro “Handmade” had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.4 grams, 0.24 mm, and 0.01 mm, respectively.
Brand: Rocky Patel
Table F-8 shows Rocky Patel and selected sub-brands. The 1990 Vintage Robusto had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 4 grams, 0.01 mm, and 1.41 mm, respectively. The 1999
TABLE F-6 Montecristo and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Robusto | 16.9 | 16.9 | 127.90 | 19.73 | 37.26 | 26.76 | 452.24 |
| White Series Court | 11.4 | 11.4 | 139.58 | 16.67 | 25.13 | 17.62 | 200.89 |
| White Series Churchill | 25.8 | 25.8 | 176.2 | 20.29 | 56.88 | 24.39 | 629.26 |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
TABLE F-7 Padron and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Churchill | 11.6 | 11.6 | 171.01 | 17.24 | 25.57 | 14.74 | 170.98 |
| 3000 Maduro “Handmade” | 14.3 | 14.3 | 138.87 | 19.26 | 31.53 | 21.63 | 309.31 |
| 3000 Maduro “Handmade” | 13.5 | 13.5 | 139.90 | 19.76 | 29.76 | — | — |
| 2000 Maduro “Handmade” | 12.2 | 12.2 | 126.34 | 18.74 | 26.90 | 22.73 | 277.31 |
| 2000 Maduro “Handmade” | 11.8 | 11.8 | 126.58 | 18.73 | 26.01 | — | — |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
Vintage Robusto had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.6 grams, 0.78 mm, and 1.2 mm, respectively.
Brand: Punch
Table F-9 shows Punch and selected sub-brands. The Clasico Double Corona had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.1 grams, 0.08 mm, and 0.67 mm, respectively.
TABLE F-8 Rocky Patel and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 Vintage Sumatra Robusto | 14.8 | 14.8 | 139.39 | 18.93 | 32.63 | 14.14 | 209.27 |
| 1990 Vintage Perfecto | 9.2 | 9.2 | 101.15 | 17.5 | 20.28 | 10.72 | 98.62 |
| 1990 Vintage Robusto | 16.3 | 16.3 | 139.66 | 19.93 | 35.94 | 23.12 | 376.86 |
| 1990 Vintage Robusto | 12.3 | 12.3 | 139.67 | 18.52 | 27.12 | — | — |
| 1999 Vintage Robusto | 15.1 | 15.1 | 139.67 | 19.75 | 33.29 | 25.02 | 377.80 |
| 1999 Vintage Robusto | 14.5 | 14.5 | 138.89 | 18.55 | 31.97 | — | — |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
TABLE F-9 Punch and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clasico Double Corona | 15.1 | 15.1 | 170.04 | 18.92 | 33.29 | — | — |
| Clasico Double Corona | 15.2 | 15.2 | 170.12 | 18.25 | 33.51 | 24.22 | 368.14 |
| Clasico London Club | 8.3 | 8.3 | 126.20 | 15.40 | 18.30 | 13.03 | 108.15 |
| Clasico Rothschild | 10.9 | 10.9 | 116.29 | 20.06 | 24.03 | 16.07 | 175.16 |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
Brand: Partagas
Table F-10 shows Partagas and selected sub-brands. The Robusto had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 1 gram, 0.29 mm, and 0.27 mm, respectively.
Brand: La Gloria Cubana
Table F-11 shows La Gloria Cubana and selected sub-brands. The Cubana Wavell Maduro had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 2.6 grams, 1.18 mm, and 1.55 mm, respectively. The Cubana Wavell Natural had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 1.8 grams, 0.14 mm, and 1.03 mm, respectively.
Brand: K. Hansotia Gurkha
Table F-12 shows K. Hansotia Gurkha and selected sub-brands. The Gurkha Cellar Reserve 15 Year Hedonism had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.5 grams, 1.1 mm, and
TABLE F-10 Partagas and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robusto | 10.0 | 10.0 | 113.28 | 18.54 | 22.05 | 14.44 | 144.40 |
| Robusto | 11.0 | 11.0 | 112.99 | 18.81 | 24.25 | — | — |
| Black Bravo | 14.4 | 14.4 | 114.41 | 20.56 | 31.75 | 32.28 | 464.83 |
| Black Magnifico | 19.1 | 19.1 | 151.62 | 21.72 | 42.11 | 15.10 | 288.41 |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
TABLE F-11 La Gloria Cubana and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubana Wavell Maduro | 13.5 | 13.5 | 125.63 | 18.35 | 29.76 | — | — |
| Cubana Wavell Maduro | 16.1 | 16.1 | 126.81 | 19.90 | 35.49 | 24.02 | 386.72 |
| Cubana Wavell Natural | 13.9 | 13.9 | 127.12 | 19.43 | 30.64 | — | — |
| Cubana Wavell Natural | 12.1 | 12.1 | 127.26 | 18.40 | 26.68 | 19.10 | 231.11 |
| Cubana Churchill | 18.6 | 18.6 | 178.21 | 19.03 | 41.01 | 25.37 | 471.88 |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
0.11 mm, respectively. The Gurkha Cellar Reserve Ghost had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 3.6 grams, 0.14 mm, and 0.36 mm, respectively.
Brand: My Father
Table F-13 shows My Father and selected sub-brands. The El Centurion H-2K-CT had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.7 grams, 0.03 mm, and 0.25 mm, respectively. The Flor de las Antillas had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 2.9 grams, 1.99 mm, and 0.33 mm, respectively.
TABLE F-12 K. Hansotia Gurkha and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gurkha Cellar Reserve 15 Year Hedonism | 16.1 | 16.1 | 150.86 | 20.69 | 35.49 | — | — |
| Gurkha Cellar Reserve 15 Year Hedonism | 16.6 | 16.6 | 151.96 | 20.58 | 36.60 | 31.90 | 529.54 |
| Gurkha Cellar Reserve Ghost | 16.2 | 16.2 | 152.31 | 20.52 | 35.71 | 16.38 | 265.36 |
| Gurkha Cellar Reserve Ghost | 19.8 | 19.8 | 152.17 | 20.88 | 43.65 | — | — |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
TABLE F-13 My Father and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garcia & Garcia No. 1 Robusto | 16.3 | 16.3 | 132.60 | 20.10 | 35.94 | 18.81 | 306.60 |
| El Centurion H-2K-CT | 14.0 | 14.0 | 139.32 | 20.07 | 30.86 | 15.73 | 220.22 |
| El Centurion H-2K-CT | 13.3 | 13.3 | 139.29 | 19.82 | 29.32 | — | — |
| Flor de las Antillas | 14.6 | 14.6 | 150.00 | 20.85 | 32.19 | 13.34 | 194.76 |
| Flor de las Antillas | 17.5 | 17.5 | 151.99 | 21.18 | 38.58 | — | — |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
Brand: Ashton
Table F-14 shows Ashton and sub-brands. Cigars from this brand were difficult to locate, so only one from each sub-brand listed was included in the study.
Brand: CAO
Table F-15 shows CAO and selected sub-brands. The America Potomac had a difference in weight and length between the two samples of 0.1 grams and 0.01 mm; there was no difference in diameter.
TABLE F-14 Ashton and Sub-Brands
| >Sub-Brand | >Weight #1 (g) | >Weight #2 (g) | >Length (mm) | >Diameter (mm) | >Pounds per Thousand (lb) | >Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | >Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aged Maduro | 12.1 | 12.1 | 171.11 | 16.74 | 26.68 | 18.21 | 220.34 |
| Virgin Sun Grown | 12.6 | 12.6 | 111.32 | 24.23 | 27.78 | 19.67 | 247.84 |
| Virgin Sun Grown Eclipse | 15.3 | 15.3 | 150.88 | 19.96 | 33.73 | 17.52 | 268.06 |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
TABLE F-15 CAO and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| America Potomac | 18 | 18 | 126.5 | 19.75 | 39.68 | 20.61 | 371.98 |
| America Potomac | 17.9 | 17.9 | 126.49 | 19.75 | 39.46 | — | — |
| Gold Maduro | 17.8 | 17.8 | 166.7 | 18.85 | 39.24 | 12.44 | 221.43 |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
Brand: Davidoff
Table F-16 shows Davidoff and selected sub-brands. The Aniversario Special “R” had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.6 grams, 0.2 mm, and 0.15 mm, respectively.
Brand: Acid
Table F-17 shows Acid and selected sub-brands. The Kuba Kuba had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.6 grams, 0.82 mm, and 0.9 mm, respectively. The Blondie had no difference in weight, but the length and diameter difference between the two samples was 1.68 mm and 0.49 mm, respectively.
TABLE F-16 Davidoff and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aniversario Special “R” | 14.9 | 14.9 | 124.69 | 20.13 | 32.85 | 27.78 | 413.92 |
| Aniversario Special “R” | 15.5 | 15.5 | 124.49 | 19.98 | 34.17 | — | — |
| Aniversario No. 3 | 19.2 | 19.2 | 153.48 | 19.6 | 42.33 | 28.92 | 555.26 |
| Churchill Robusto | 15 | 15 | 134.85 | 19.38 | 33.07 | 23.00 | 345.00 |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
TABLE F-17 Acid and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuba Kuba | 12.5 | 12.5 | 126.96 | 20.68 | 27.56 | 20.45 | 255.63 |
| Kuba Kuba | 13.1 | 13.1 | 126.14 | 19.78 | 28.88 | — | — |
| Blondie | 5.3 | 5.3 | 102.86 | 14.37 | 11.68 | — | — |
| Blondie | 5.3 | 5.3 | 101.18 | 13.88 | 11.68 | 16.06 | 85.12 |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
Brand: Black & Mild
Table F-18 shows Black & Mild and selected sub-brands. Tips were removed from the Casino Cigar (plastic tip) and Original Cigar (wood tip) prior to measurements. The Casino Cigar had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.2 grams, 2.3 mm, and 0.61 mm, respectively. The Original Cigar had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.6 grams, 0.58 mm, and 0.21 mm, respectively. The Jazz Cigarillos had no difference in weight, but the length and diameter difference between the two samples was 1.29 mm and 0.37 mm respectively.
Brand: Backwoods
Table F-19 shows Backwoods and selected sub-brands. The Honey Berry Cigar had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.1 grams, 0.8 mm, and 0.06 mm, respectively.
TABLE F-18 Black & Mild and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casino Cigar (plastic tip)* | 2.7 | 2.7 | 96.20 | 8.67 | 5.95 | 12.29 | 33.18 |
| Casino Cigar (plastic tip)* | 2.5 | 2.5 | 93.90 | 9.28 | 5.51 | — | — |
| Original Cigar (wood tip)* | 2.5 | 2.5 | 93.46 | 8.84 | 5.51 | 10.49 | 26.23 |
| Original Cigar (wood tip)* | 3.1 | 3.1 | 92.88 | 9.05 | 6.83 | — | — |
| Jazz Cigarillos | 2.9 | 2.9 | 108.64 | 9.96 | 6.39 | 11.54 | 33.47 |
| Jazz Cigarillos | 2.9 | 2.9 | 107.35 | 10.33 | 6.39 | — | — |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
* Tips were removed prior to measurements.
Brand: Swisher Sweets
Table F-20 shows Swisher Sweets and selected sub-brands. The Blueberry Cigarillo had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.1 grams, 0.12 mm, and 0.05 mm, respectively. The Grape Cigarillo had no difference in weight, but the length and diameter difference between the two samples was 0.1 mm and 0.22 mm, respectively. The Leaf Original Cigar had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.2 grams, 9.18 mm, and 2.14 mm, respectively.
TABLE F-19 Backwoods and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Cigar | 2.1 | 2.1 | 105.23 | 8.86 | 4.63 | 13.30 | 27.93 |
| Honey Berry Cigar | 2.6 | 2.6 | 107.48 | 9.98 | 5.73 | — | — |
| Honey Berry Cigar | 2.7 | 2.7 | 108.28 | 9.92 | 5.95 | 18.68 | 50.44 |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
TABLE F-20 Swisher Sweets and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blueberry Cigarillos | 2.8 | 2.8 | 108.67 | 10.33 | 6.17 | 10.52 | 29.46 |
| Blueberry Cigarillos | 2.7 | 2.7 | 108.79 | 10.28 | 5.95 | — | — |
| Grape Cigarillos | 2.9 | 2.9 | 108.85 | 10.55 | 6.39 | 10.69 | 31.00 |
| Grape Cigarillos | 2.9 | 2.9 | 108.75 | 10.77 | 6.39 | — | — |
| Leaf Original Cigar | 2.8 | 2.8 | 114.42 | 8.39 | 6.17 | 30.64 | 85.79 |
| Leaf Original Cigar | 2.6 | 2.6 | 105.24 | 10.53 | 5.73 | — | — |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
Brand: Dutch Masters
Table F-21 shows Dutch Masters and selected sub-brands. The Dutch Blend-Silver Cigarillos had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.5 grams, 0.4 mm, and 0.35 mm, respectively. The Palma Cigar had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.4 grams, 0.07 mm, and 0.43 mm, respectively.
Brand: Garcia y Vega
Table F-22 shows Garcia y Vega and selected sub-brands. The Irish Cream Cigar had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.1 grams, 1.02 mm, and 0.59 mm, respectively. The Natural (Brown Leaf Cigar) had a difference in weight, length, and diameter between the two samples of 0.4 grams, 0.69 mm, and 0.43 mm, respectively.
TABLE F-21 Dutch Masters and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dutch Blend-Silver Cigarillos | 2.7 | 2.7 | 111.08 | 10.68 | 5.95 | 15.42 | 41.63 |
| Dutch Blend-Silver Cigarillos | 3.2 | 3.2 | 111.48 | 11.03 | 7.05 | — | — |
| Palma Cigar | 3.2 | 3.2 | 113.13 | 10.41 | 7.05 | 11.24 | 35.97 |
| Palma Cigar | 2.8 | 2.8 | 113.06 | 10.84 | 6.17 | — | — |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
TABLE F-22 Garcia y Vega and Sub-Brands
| Sub-Brand | Weight #1 (g) | Weight #2 (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Pounds per Thousand (lb) | Average Nicotine Concentration (mg/g tobacco) | Total Nicotine per Cigar (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Cream Cigar | 2.8 | 2.8 | 113.44 | 9.02 | 6.17 | 20.38 | 57.06 |
| Irish Cream Cigar | 2.9 | 2.9 | 112.42 | 8.43 | 6.39 | — | — |
| Natural (Brown Leaf Cigar) | 2.5 | 2.5 | 108.36 | 9.72 | 5.51 | — | — |
| Natural (Brown Leaf Cigar) | 2.9 | 2.9 | 109.05 | 9.29 | 6.39 | 12.67 | 36.74 |
NOTE: g = gram; lb = pound; mg = milligram; mm = millimeter.
— Not calculated.
DISCUSSION
This commissioned analysis by the Committee on Patterns of Use and Health Effects of “Premium Cigars” and Priority Research provides data on the variations between brands of cigars and within the sub-brands of each. Some interesting observations can be noted. First, each cigar varied significantly in smell. Three cigars for the Davidoff line, which were among the most expensive (see Appendix 1 for the cost of premium cigars per stick), were the most pleasant. Each cigar came packaged in a sealed tin with an aromatic cedar wrapper surrounding it. This brand of cigar also had the most consistency within sub-brands for the advertised measurements of each cigar.
Additionally, some cigars were visibly fresher once removed from the packaging. Two cigars from the Macanudo Hyde Park Café sub-brand were analyzed, for example; each was purchased from different smoke or specialty tobacco stores within the same week. One of them, however, was significantly drier. The wrapper was much darker in color, and the texture was dry and brittle. Their measurements also differed significantly: the drier cigar was 3.4 grams lighter.
Cigarillos and traditional cigars were also analyzed. These were extremely potent in smell, regardless of flavor, and had great inconsis-
tency in weight, length, and diameter among sub-brands, despite the fact that many of these are sold in packs.
LIMITATIONS
As mentioned, cigar brands and sub-brands had slight variations in texture and overall freshness. As cigars must be stored at a proper humidity in a humidor to maintain freshness, the variation in weight of the Macanudo Hyde Park Café cigars may be due to the differences in storage methods between each purchase location.
Additionally, due to the flavored tobacco ban within the city of San Francisco, it proved difficult to locate a variety of cigarillos and traditional cigars. The top brands of little/filtered cigars could not be located at many stores in the San Francisco Bay Area. Limited inventory at various smoke and tobacco shops made it difficult to purchase and analyze two sub-brands within each premium cigar brand. By increasing the geography or purchasing products online, more robust conclusions may be possible.
APPENDIX 1 COST OF PREMIUM CIGARS PER STICK
| Brand | Sub-Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cohiba* | Serie M (Miami Limited Edition) Cohiba Robusto Red Dot Black Robusto |
$38.99 $29.99 $31.99 |
| Romeo y Julieta* | 1875 Reserva Real Toro 1875 Reserva Real Bully Short Story 1875 Nicaragua |
$26.00 $13.99 $13.99 |
| Arturo Fuente* | Hemingway Signature Hemingway Short Story Curly Head Natural |
$18.99** $13.99 $7.99 |
| Macanudo* | Hyde Park Café Baron de Rothschild Petit Corona |
$18.99 $13.49 $13.99 |
| Montecristo* | Classic Robusto White Series Court White Series Churchill |
$18.99 $18.99 $21.99 |
| Padron* | Churchill 3000 Maduro “Handmade” 2000 Maduro “Handmade” |
$12.99 $11.99 $11.99 |
| Rocky Patel* | 1992 Vintage Sumatra Robusto 1990 Vintage Perfecto 1990 Vintage Robusto 1999 Vintage Robusto |
$17.99 $13.99 $13.99 $12.99 |
| Punch* | Clasico Double Corona Clasico London Club Clasico Rothschild |
$15.99 $11.99 $12.99 |
| Partagas* | Robusto Black Bravo Black Magnifico |
$15.99 $11.00 $11.00 |
| La Gloria Cubana* | Cubana Wavell Maduro Cubana Wavell Natural Cubana Churchill |
$12.99 $13.99 $17.99 |
| K. Hansotia Gurkha* | Gurkha Cellar Reserve 15 Year Hedonism Gurkha Cellar Reserve Ghost |
$19.99 $12.99 |
| My Father* | Garcia & Garcia No. 1 Robusto El Centurion H-2K-CT Flor de las Antillas |
$15.99 $13.99 $13.99 |
| Ashton* | Aged Maduro Virgin Sun Grown Virgin Sun Grown Eclipse |
$17.99 $24.99 $22.99 |
| CAO* | America Potomac Gold Maduro |
$11.99 $14.99 |
| Brand | Sub-Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Davidoff* | Aniversario Special “R” Aniversario No. 3 Churchill Robusto |
$32.99 $39.99 $29.99 |
| Acid | Kuba Kuba Blondie |
$16.99 $9.99 |
| Black & Mild | Casino Cigar (plastic tip) Original Cigar (wood tip) Jazz Cigarillos |
$0.99 $0.99 $0.99 (2/pack-age) |
| Backwoods | Original Cigar Honey Berry Cigar |
$7.50 (5/pack-age) $5.50 (3/pack-age) |
| Swisher Sweets | Blueberry Cigarillos Grape Cigarillos Leaf Original Cigar |
$4.89 (5/pack-age) $4.89 (5/pack-age) $4.49 (3/pack-age) |
| Dutch Masters | Dutch Blend—Silver Cigarillos Palma Cigar |
$1.49 (2/pack-age) $3.49 (3/pack-age) |
| Garcia y Vega | Irish Cream Cigar Natural (Brown Leaf Cigar) |
$7.99 (5/pack-age) $1.29 (2/pack-age) |
* = premium brand as determined by the committee.
** = Three Hemingway Signature cigars are included in this summary; two were purchased at $18.99 and one at $15.99.
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