Lancero

The size

The Cuban lancero is 7.5 inches by 38 ring, and Cuban factories call it Laguito No. 1. Non-Cuban versions run 6.5 to 7.5 inches and can be a little fatter. It belongs to the gran panatela family.

Where the name comes from

The size was first rolled at the El Laguito factory in Havana in the 1960s for the Cohiba Lancero, a cigar originally made for Fidel Castro.

Why smoke one

With so little filler, the wrapper's flavor comes through more than in any other shape, and a lancero can make a familiar blend taste new.

Lanceros are hard to roll. Underfill one and it burns hot and bitter; overfill it and it barely draws. Construction matters more here than in most sizes.