Does size matter?

[Bsneed51]

Hey guys, I've tried to search this topic and I'm coming up blank, so if it's been covered already please accept my humble apologies.

My question is, does the size of the cigar affect the taste? Is there a big difference in taste of say a Churchill vs a Pyramid vs a Robusto? I ask this I guess for two reasons.

1. I mostly only have robusto sized cigars in my humidor right now because I don't usually have a ton of time to smoke an hour + cigar, so I stick with this size so I can be done in 25-35 minutes. But if I have a cigar that I love in a robusto size and want to buy a longer/larger size stick, will it still taste the same only each section of flavor last longer?

2. Do those of you with more experience always pick a certain size/shape when they are available and why?

I know this is probably a pretty silly newb question, but I'm trying to learn and I can only do that by asking those with more experience than me. Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[jfields]

If you tried a search and came up empty, then that's all that matters.

Yes, size does matter. If you smoke the same blend, but in different sizes, you should notice different charateristics in each. Finding your preference is something you will have to do by experimentation.
For example..........CA gave the Oliva V Torpedo a 94 rating not long ago. I tried a few and really liked them (Don't know about a 94 though). However, I had a Lancero in the line and hands down it is my favorite over the Torpedo, Churchill, and Belicoso. In my opinion this thin RG is the perfect size to let the perfect amount of the wrapper profile peek through the filler/binder.

 

[badhangover]

Thicker cigars need more volado leaf for combustion. Volado burns easier than seco and ligero leaf. Volado is also relatively bland in comparison to seco and ligero leaf. I think many thicker cigars are more bland than their thinner brethren.

However, a thicker cigar platform allows a blender more opportunity to tweak the taste profile. Thick = more leaf, and the leaf does not have to be from the same source or style.

 

[Bsneed51]

However, a thicker cigar platform allows a blender more opportunity to tweak the taste profile. Thick = more leaf, and the leaf does not have to be from the same source or style.

Okay, just to make sure this is clear in my own head, if I buy two cigars, same brand, different sizes they could have different filler tobaccos?

 

[Infinity]

How do you smoke a Robusto in 25 to 35 minutes? It takes me +- 30 minutes to smoke a petite corona and I regard myself as a fast smoker.

To your question... Different vitola's have different tastes even if the tobacco, filler etc are exactly the same. badhangover gave a good explanation about burning
I don't think that thicker cigars are more bland as a rule. This is where all our tastes vary and differ. Some may prefer thicker cigars, while others, like you, prefer Robusto's.
What you need to do is smoke a variation of vitola's from the same brand, you may find that you prefer other sizes.

Brian

 

[H311oLHD]

How do you smoke a Robusto in 25 to 35 minutes? It takes me +- 30 minutes to smoke a petite corona and I regard myself as a fast smoker.

To your question... Different vitola's have different tastes even if the tobacco, filler etc are exactly the same. badhangover gave a good explanation about burning
I don't think that thicker cigars are more bland as a rule. This is where all our tastes vary and differ. Some may prefer thicker cigars, while others, like you, prefer Robusto's.
What you need to do is smoke a variation of vitola's from the same brand, you may find that you prefer other sizes.

Brian

I was thinking the same thing Brian. I'm a 'slow' smoker and PCs take me easily 40-45 minz to smoke. a robusto in an hour is FAST smoking for me. :laugh:

 

[Bsneed51]

How do you smoke a Robusto in 25 to 35 minutes? It takes me +- 30 minutes to smoke a petite corona and I regard myself as a fast smoker.

Now you guys are going to force me into timing myself. Maybe they just seem to go by quickly. Well shoot, now this is really bothering me. I think I will be forced to find somewhere to enjoy a nice robusto in the next few days to see just how long it takes me. That is if I can find a place that is above sub zero temps and out of the snow and ice we are getting right now. I guess it will be off to the Outlaw on Monday.

Thanks for all of the information though. I'm trying to process everything I've been reading, and it's a lot to wrap your head around. Cigar smoking is suppose to be a time where I don't have to think, but it's becoming just the opposite.

 

[badhangover]

I completely missed that part. That does seem fairly quick. I would estimate my Robusto smoking times to be in the 45-50 minute range, or even longer. Smoking one in the times you listed is likely smoking it too fast. Smoking too fast burns the leaf too hot. Hot leaf = harsh smoke.

 

[souldog]

Thanks for all of the information though. I'm trying to process everything I've been reading, and it's a lot to wrap your head around. Cigar smoking is suppose to be a time where I don't have to think, but it's becoming just the opposite.

Hey brother, I am new to smoking, only since November, so I don't know if you've done it longer or not, but in a most loving way:

Don't over think it. You'll ruin the experience and get to the place you're heading...where you're worrying too much about getting the right one instead of one that you can just enjoy.

I haven't smoked a whole AT ALL, but I do know that when I look at a store to buy a single, I just go with what feels right to me. It could be a Rocky Toro, a Gurkha Robusto, or even an Acid Corona (I know I know...gimme a break here!). Just go with what feels right to you man, you and I have a long time to figure out and tweak our tastes and preferences, if you're serious.

Anyways, it was nice to meet you. Hope you don't mind my two cents.


PS- Sucks you have sub zero temps, I sympathize with that. That can impact your smoke time. :0

 

[badhangover]

Don't over think it. You'll ruin the experience and get to the place you're heading...where you're worrying too much about getting the right one instead of one that you can just enjoy.

This should be the mantra of all new (and old) cigar enthusiasts. In the end, it's just cigar smoking, and not rocket science. An act meant for pleasure and not to win some cold war. There are many variables to this hobby and it's accessories. Few of them are better than others, when taking effort and expense into consideration to balance their value.

Have a cigar and come back tomorrow with the next question. :thumbs:

 

[NiteSeer]

My wife doesn't think so, hehehe.

 

[souldog]

In the end, it's just cigar smoking, and...not to win some cold war.

:laugh: So great!!

 

[JHolmes763]

Yes, size matters.

---John Holmes...

 

[leafandale]

Yes, size matters.

---John Holmes...

Holmes... stay on your toes while you are over there. PM me your info and I'll earmark some of the cigars we collect for the troops and send them your way.

Yes, size does affect taste and when the temperature reads a BIG FAT GOOSE-EGG, I can understand why it only takes 35 minutes to smoke a rubusto. At that temp, I'd kill an "A" in 20 minutes if I had to.

 

[Treamayne]

Okay, just to make sure this is clear in my own head, if I buy two cigars, same brand, different sizes they could have different filler tobaccos?

It's not that the fillers are different, it's the ratios change (same tobaccos used but ratio may vary).

...the leaf does not have to be from the same source or style.

Not sure about this one - I doubt the blends differ from say An Opus A and an Opus xXx, but the ratios are definitely different, profiles are slightly different and the xXx is the stronger of the two.

I think many thicker cigars are more bland than their thinner brethren.

I wouldn't say blander, but that me your description of the same effect. I would say that generally, given two sizes of the same cigar, the smaller of the two will be stronger.

-K-