What Is a Salomones Cigar?

The Salomones format is a study in controlled combustion, defined by a ring gauge range of 52 to 56 and lengths from 5.4 to 7.0 inches. At 52–56 ring, you’re pulling a substantial column of filler, which slows the burn line and lowers the wrapper-to-filler ratio—meaning the binder and filler tobaccos carry more of the aromatic load, while the wrapper’s high notes recede into a deeper, more rounded bass. The draw resistance is naturally a touch firmer than a thinner vitola, but that’s an asset: it forces a slower, more deliberate pull, which keeps the ember cooler and lets each puff unfold in layers rather than a single blast. Length matters too—a 7.0 x 56 like the Cohiba Behike BHK 56 gives you a long, gradual temperature climb, so the first third is almost creamy, and the final third turns dense and peppery as the heat builds. Compare this to a Robusto (typically 5.0 x 50): the Salomones’ extra length and girth spread the flavor arc over twice the time, but with less wrapper-driven spice upfront. The taper at the cap—common in figurado Salomones—concentrates the smoke stream as it exits, so the first few draws are intensely focused, almost syrupy, before opening up as the burn widens into the body.

Salomones Cigars in AshMap (4)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Salomones cigar?

A Salomones is a figurado vitola with a tapered cap and often a closed foot, characterized by a ring gauge between 52 and 56 and a length from 5.4 to 7.0 inches. The taper concentrates flavor at the start, while the wider body promotes a slower, cooler burn.

How long does a Salomones cigar take to smoke?

At a normal cadence of one to two puffs per minute, a Salomones will last between 60 and 90 minutes. The shorter 5.4 x 52 format leans toward an hour, while the 7.0 x 56 can stretch past 90 minutes due to its larger ring gauge and longer length.

What ring gauge is a Salomones?

Salomones typically range from 52 to 56 ring gauge, with common sizes including 5.4 x 52, 5.9 x 52, and 7.0 x 56. The larger ring gauge increases filler volume and slows the burn, altering the flavor balance toward deeper, earthier notes.

What are the best Salomones cigars?

From the provided list, the Cohiba Behike BHK 56 (7.0 x 56) is a benchmark for its long, layered evolution, while the Cohiba Behike BHK 52 (5.4 x 52) offers a more concentrated, taper-driven start. The Cohiba Siglo VI BHK 52 (5.9 x 52) is a balanced middle ground.

Is a Salomones good for beginners?

Not ideal for beginners. The 52–56 ring gauge delivers a dense, powerful smoke that can overwhelm a novice palate, and the 60–90 minute smoke time demands patience. The tapered cap also requires careful lighting and an even burn, which is easier to manage with experience.