The Classic Shape That Feels Like a Belicoso — Without the Point

If you’ve ever picked up a cigar and thought, “Is this a belicoso? It doesn’t look quite like one.” — you were probably holding a 109.

At first glance, it does feel familiar. It has that slight taper toward the head. It’s not flat like a traditional parejo. But it’s also not sharply pointed like a torpedo or belicoso. Instead, it softens as it narrows — rounded, intentional, and just a little old-school.

And that subtle difference? It changes the experience more than you might think.

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So what actually is a 109?

The 109 refers to the shape of the head — the part you cut and place in your mouth. Rather than coming to a defined point, it gently tapers and rounds off at the cap.

It’s refined. Not dramatic.

If a belicoso feels precise and sharp, the 109 feels composed and balanced.

You still get a bit of that focused airflow that people love about figurados, but without the intensity of a pointed tip. It doesn’t funnel the smoke quite as aggressively. Instead, it delivers flavor in a way that feels controlled and smooth.

It’s kind of the middle ground — in the best way.

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How does it feel compared to a belicoso?

A belicoso concentrates smoke toward the center of your palate. That can make flavors feel more intense, especially at the start. Some people love that laser-focused delivery.

A 109 keeps some of that focus, but it relaxes the experience. There’s more surface area at the mouth. The draw often feels a little more natural. The smoke doesn’t feel forced into one tight stream.

It’s balanced.

If a belicoso feels like turning the flavor dial up, the 109 feels like adjusting it just right.

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Does it actually change the flavor?

The blend itself doesn’t change. The tobaccos are the same.

But the way smoke hits your palate absolutely influences perception.

Because of that gentle taper, the first third of a 109 can feel slightly more concentrated than a straight-cut cigar, but not as sharp or punchy as a belicoso. Some people notice a little more sweetness early on. Others describe it as smoother or more refined.

It’s not dramatic — but it’s noticeable if you’re paying attention.

And that’s part of the fun.

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Is it harder to cut?

Not at all.

That’s one of the reasons people love this format. You don’t have to overthink it the way you sometimes do with a belicoso. A straight cut works beautifully. A shallow angled cut works too. So does a v-cut The rounded shoulder gives you a natural guide.

It feels classic because it is classic.

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Why you don’t see them everywhere

The 109 isn’t trendy. It’s not flashy. It’s not trying to prove anything.

It’s usually chosen intentionally — often by brands that care deeply about construction and presentation. It feels like a nod to heritage craftsmanship. Something made on purpose, not just for novelty.

And that fits beautifully with the kind of cigar experience we talk about all the time — slowing down, noticing the details, appreciating how something is built.

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The next time you pick one up, take a second to really look at the head. Notice how it rounds instead of points. Notice how it feels on the draw.

Sometimes the smallest details are what elevate the whole experience.

And the 109?
It’s one of those details.

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If you’re curious, don’t just read about it — experience it.