A torpedo cigar is a cylindrical-shaped cigar with pointed ends. The pointed tips of the cigar create a conical shape, which gives the torpedo its distinctive look. A perfecto cigar, on the other hand, has both ends tapered to form a more rounded and bulbous shape. Perfectos are usually slightly longer than torpedoes and often feature an extra wrapper leaf at the foot of the cigar for added complexity in flavor.
In terms of construction, torpedoes have three parts: filler tobaccos at their core surrounded by two wrappers–the outer binder leaf and an additional layer that helps to seal in moisture. Perfectos also contain these components but may have up to four wrappers for added complexity in flavor.
Torpedoes tend to be stronger than perfectos due to their pointed tips providing increased air flow during smoking; however, this can vary depending on how tightly packed each type of cigar is made.