Monday, November 29 1999
Q. I cannot get my
head wrapped around the word "
torpedo." Does it refer to a shape or a size (like
Churchill,
Corona or
Robusto)? I have seen "torpedo" listed in tables like: Churchill, Corona, Torpedo, but I have also seen some torpedo-shaped cigars that are not the typical Torpedo size, like MAXX Curve by Alec Bradley, for example. I'm confused!! Can you un-confuse me? I appreciate your help.
- Rich S. in Palm Coast, FL
A. "Torpedo" refers to the shape, but they are generally rolled to the “standard" size of 6½” x 52. I put standard in quotes because some manufacturers roll them somewhere outside the standard size, while still calling them by their standard names ("Churchill," "Corona," " Toro," "Robusto," etc.), or substitute their own names for classic shapes.
A good example of this is the 7" x 58 Alec Bradley MAXX "The Curve" which you referred to. Due to the nature of that particular series, they intentionally rolled it to an extra large size and called it "The Curve." But now take a look at the MAXX Traditional "Torpedo" (shown), which is rolled to a more standard, or "traditional" sized 6 1/8" x 52 and named as such.
One thing that is always consistent with a Torpedo, or any other “ Figurado” shaped cigars such as Pyramids, Belicosos, and some Perfectos, is the tapered head.
