Different views and different threads - why a small cigar?

[deltawhisky]

And also, chaps, I have posted a brief review of the Boli. Tubos. #3 a couple of minutes back, and can safely add to this thread that I would recommend the economic, well made stick to anyone interested in smaller 'lunchtime' burns.

[deltawhisky]

Good stuff, Mr Sci!

[rokkitsci]

IMHO

"No cigar should be smaller than 5 x 50" - so sayeth rokkitsci.

Anything thinner or shorter screams "I'm gay and I'm trying to look manly by smoking this smelly piece of rolled up tobacco." Also holding true here is the age-old adage: "Bigger is better."

The shorter/thinner cigars take less time to smoke argument is the only marginally reasonable excuse for puffing a small stogie; however, I am of the firm belief that a larger cigar can be successfully smoked in stages if you know the proper way to relight it (documented in myriad places; I don't intend to reproduce Cigar Smoking 101, here).

The opposing viewpoint (which I happen to share) concerning larger cigars is that they can contain more, various type of leaf, thus can be more complex.

I do make some rare exceptions: the Nestor Plasencia Reserva Organica Nestico, at 4 3/4 x 36, is not only perfectly sized to last exactly one "walkies" around the block with the dog, but has a unique and marvelous flavo(u)r I've not encountered in any other cigar, even Reserva Organicas of different size; and the Cuban Crafters Brown Label Limited Reserve Figurado Botella, at 4 1/2 x 48, is simply one of the most fun cigars to smoke I've tried (you light the little tip, which looks like it ought to go in your mouth, and basically puff on it until you get to the fat part. Up ?til then, it?s a remarkably unremarkable little stogie. Once you get past the bump though, it turns into the Everlasting Gobstopper of cigars. You never know what the next puff is going to bring!).

Otherwise, give me a big, honking, "manly" cigar every time.

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

[Paulie]

Sounds about right to me.

[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

[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

[TJCoro]

Smokin' Grey Matter!

Go easy there Dale

:




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

[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)

[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

[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.

[cj121]

Still thinking...

Go easy there Dale

[cohibaIV]

Still thinking...

[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

[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.

[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.