Different views and different threads - why a small cigar?

[deltawhisky]

Gentlemen,

I have been keenly reading the many views and opinions we all have expressed about small cigars, on recent threads.

And I have gathered that there is little agreement on the virtues of smaller cigars. It seems that many connoisseurs prefer premium market, larger cigars.

I'm very curious about this. So on this thread, I'd appreciate your views on --

a) the purpose of the small cigar - its advantages
b) why you appreciate larger sticks more, if that is the case
c) and your views on the image of small sticks compared to large ones.

Are bigger sticks naturally better, in quality and image?

Thanks! Deltawhisky

[cohibaIV]

Hmmm

Lots to think about there Delta..

Give me a bit of time, My thoughts will be with you soon...

[michael69]

a) the purpose of the small cigar - its advantages
b) why you appreciate larger sticks more, if that is the case
c) and your views on the image of small sticks compared to large ones.

Are bigger sticks naturally better, in quality and image?

As to a), the advantages are
1. It won't require as much time to enjoy, if time is limited
2. It will probably be less expensive than a larger cigar from a similarly priced brand.
3. In certain situations, it could appear to be less 'ostentatious' than a big cigar, which may be desirable - this also addresses c)

As to b), I think I do appreciate larger cigars more, as long as time and situation isn't an issue.

There is generally a greater complexity and development of flavour, and it often has superior construction (in Cuba, the larger vitolas are often made by the better/more experienced rollers)

So, are bigger sticks naturally better, in quality and image?.....

I would say mostly yes; as long as you are comparing large and smaller sticks from with the same, or similar, brands.

[Robusto]

a) the purpose of the small cigar - its advantages
TIMESAVER
A 'GASPER' IF YOU ARE DESPERATE FOR A SMOKE

b) why you appreciate larger sticks more, if that is the case
IN FOR A LONGER GOOD TIME
GOOD FOR PARADING / SHOWING OFF
IMO GENERALLY A MORE COMPLEX SEQUENCE OF TASTES

c) and your views on the image of small sticks compared to large ones.
TOO MUCH LIKE A CIGARETTE
CAN LOOK EFFEMINATE

To qualify:
The smallest cigar I smoke is a RA Small Club Corona. For me, this is butch enough and has a fine taste.

I have some Montecristo Twiglets but they are just silly.

I do like a 50 gauge or bigger in my mouth. It's an object that you can't ignore - and others can't ignore - and it just makes me feel better.

[MaledettoToscano]

I am as far from being a conoisseur as I can imagine but from the point of view of someone getting into serious cigars (with that I mean hand made, from properly matured tobacco and not sawdust, etc) just now I can explain why I am drawn towards smaller cigars at the moment.

- a bit of fear towards long thick gauge sticks and with that I mean fear that they might be too much for me at the moment. Too long a smoke, too intense an experience to really appreciate it. I enjoy smoking for an hour or so, but would I enjoy 2? Not sure... but I'll kindly accept any gifts of big cigars to try out and convince me of the contrary (hey worth a try! )

- cost, although not the main reason, plays a role. First for the same budget I can try more smaller cigars than bigger ones, and at the moment I would like to try as many brands as possible.

- Also there is a consideration concerning what I like now and what I might like in the future; let's say I decide to try a Bolivar or a Partagas now. I am not sure if my taste at the moment will make me appreciate them or not, might be too powerful. So if I decide to try one I might go with the smaller cheaper stick rather than the bigger one. If I don't like it I won't feel like I have wasted too much cash. To be honest after reading the forum for a while I am starting to understand this is a missconception, as the consensus seems to be that bigger smokes are more complex and less rough than smaller sticks (if I understood right ).

Having said all that, I am someone who likes variety and thinks that you shouldn't be prejudiced when it comes to "pleasurable" activities . So although I might one day end up preferring larger cigars, and I would not be surprised if I did, I am pretty confident that I will still enjoy the occasional petit corona, minuto or perla for a short smoke.

[Paulie]

A: Time dependant plus there needs to be variety for everybodys tastes.

B: Better flavours and look/feel better IMO, last longer too.

C: Not everybody likes a big stick, so if people wish to have a smaller cigar then they can.

I do prefer larger sticks than small, but sometimes a smaller one is good for a change.

[cj121]

I'm very curious about this. So on this thread, I'd appreciate your views on --

a) the purpose of the small cigar - its advantages
b) why you appreciate larger sticks more, if that is the case
c) and your views on the image of small sticks compared to large ones.

Are bigger sticks naturally better, in quality and image?

Thanks! Deltawhisky

Nice thread Delta.

From the top
a: Time and money for me over recent weeks. The smaller vitola has helped me keep in touch with Cuba financially; and with my wife having an adversity to all things stogie, a smaller smoke has enabled me to get one in during the evening. Cigars, well for me, really are a 'time out' (as most people I expect) and to take too much time out, nearing the birth of our son and my wife getting, ahem, hormonal now and again, I feel somewhat concious of it. (I'm always tapping on the keyboard too, so I strike a balance)

b: Larger sticks really bring it all home, don't they? A girth of Cuban (or NC) tobacco between the mush, in the hand, generates a longer experience and gives rise to, generally, a more complex smoke. It would be hard to imagine the first, second and third of a stick that takes possibly half the time of a larger sibling. They're built for comfort, not speed

c: I've no dramas about smaller sticks compared to larger but go no smaller than a mareva/minuto TBH. I can't associate the diddly ones with being cigars for some reason

[cohibaIV]

Still thinking...

[cj121]

Still thinking...

Go easy there Dale

[snooky]

A. Most of us socialise with non-cigar smokers so after dinner an hour outside does annoy our company, though i meet some interesting folk outside whilst smoking, one thing i hate having to rush a good cigar or worse throw half away,
B. The bigger ring cigar is far more satisfying and holds far more flavours
C. The bigger stick looks better and says more about the host.
small cigars ! , we'll be rolling them in rizlas next.

[MaledettoToscano]

Just had my wife peeking over my shoulder while I was reading this discussion, and her comment on large cigars was:

"when I see a guy with a big cigar i always wonder what he's compensating for...." Ouch!

I'd rather hear a second (female) opinion on this

[michael69]

"when I see a guy with a big cigar i always wonder what he's compensating for...." Ouch!

I'd rather hear a second (female) opinion on this

Well, I actually really really like a cohiba exquisitos......

but, then again, I probably have a lot to compensate for, but I don't care!

(one of my faves is the Lusitanias though)

[TJCoro]

Smokin' Grey Matter!

Go easy there Dale

:




Names TJ, TJCoro, and I'm paddin' my stats with a single smiley answer

[Stevieboy]

I would only ever smoke a tiddler if I was pushed for time...they just don't have the complexity or depth of the fuller-figured smokes ie the 50+ boys....the best wee one has to be the Trini Reyes (IMO) and I was recently sent some JLPCs by Mr Whisk and they were splendid...absolutely splendid

[deltawhisky]

Chaps, very enlightening to read everything you have to say on the matter. I've churned it over, and so far from what we have here --

a) image is a factor - there is something pleasant about enjoying a larger cigar
b) quality is a major factor - in terms of flavour and construction
c) but smaller cigars come into play for convenience and when considering non-smokers who don't want to be outside for 2 hours.

I also think experience plays a role. As you all know, I've got a green P sign on my small stash of sticks, and do not feel 'ready' yet to delve into the larger beasts available. The experienced, on the other hand, are comfortable with the big sticks.

Not too far from the truth?

Deltawhisky