Often times, novice cigar enthusiasts will come up to a tobacconist and say, "How long does it take to smoke a robusto or a double corona?" The cigar expert might respond by asking, "How much time do you have?" The tobacconist is not trying to be a wise guy (or gal). They are simply trying to point out that smoking a premium cigar, like an exquisitely prepared gourmet meal, should be enjoyed at a leisurely paced, and not rushed. Smoking times are based on the cigar's length and ring gauge (diameter). As a rule of thumb, set aside at least 30 to 90 minutes of uninterrupted time so you can fully experience the cigar, especially if you are trying out a new blend. But to give you a general idea, the following are examples of smoking times. If you're smoking a robusto, which is typically 5 inches long with a 50 ring gauge, it should take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. A double corona or a Churchill, which usually measures 7 ½ inches long with a 50 ring gauge, may take 90 minutes (or longer) to smoke. Please keep in mind these times may vary.