Understanding Cuban cigars requires mastering the difference between the factory name (Vitola de Galera) and the commercial marketing name (Vitola de Salida). Here is the definitive taxonomy used by Cuban torcedores and world sommeliers.
Vitola de Galera (The Factory Rolling Blueprint)
The Vitola de Galera is the exact technical specification used by the torcedor on the factory rolling floor. It defines the precise ring gauge (cepo) and length in millimeters. For example, the factory vitola "Cañonazo" measures 52 cepo by 150 mm, while "Julieta No. 2" measures 47 cepo by 178 mm.
Vitola de Salida (The Commercial Name)
The commercial name is what appears on the band and box. For instance, the factory vitola "Cañonazo" is sold commercially as the "Cohiba Siglo VI". The factory vitola "Julieta No. 2" is sold commercially as the "Romeo y Julieta Churchill" or "Montecristo Churchill Añejados".
Ring Gauge (Cepo) Mathematics
Ring gauge is expressed in 64ths of an inch. A cepo 64 cigar has an exact diameter of 1 inch (25.4 mm). Therefore, a classic Robusto with ring gauge 50 has a diameter of 50/64 inch, or approximately 19.84 mm. Thicker ring gauges allow the master blender to incorporate more ligero leaf for increased strength and cool burning.