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Last post 20 years ago by rasdas. 23 replies replies.
size matters?
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sroone1 Offline
#1 Posted: Fri, May 23 2003, 7:55 AM EST
Joined: 05-23-2003
Posts: 5
Hi,
I am new here....and to smoking cigars. My question is for a newbie what is best length or girth. I don't smoke cigarettes (if that matters) so I am looking for something smooth, and preferably with a hint of sweetness. Any help or reccomendations with what I should start smoking, and what I should progress with?
Thanks for any help.
Steve.
P.S. Sorry if this is one of those frequent annoying newbie posts!!!
SteveR@CigarBid Offline
#2 Posted: Fri, May 23 2003, 8:02 AM EST
Joined: 11-19-2002
Posts: 12,746
Generally, the thicker the cigar, the more creative the manufacturer can be with the blend. More leaves can be used, and the cigar will burn slower and cooler. Also, you may notice a slight increase in strength with larger ring gauge cigars. Lastly, a longer cigar may seem more complex, as there is more time for the oils to run throughout the cigar, and longer/larger portions of leaves can be utilized.

This does not hold true for all cigars, however.
dbguru Offline
#3 Posted: Fri, May 23 2003, 8:04 AM EST
Joined: 03-06-2002
Posts: 1,300
This subject again???
Its a personal thing and I'm sure everyone will chime in on their preferences. One thing I will add that hasn't been said before is that some brands do better with difference sizes than others. Torano, Pardon and CAO seem to really excel with their larger sizes whereas many of the big Fuente's have not been good as their more moderate size counterparts. My two favorite sizes are a 6x52 Torpedo and the basic 5x50 robusto.
Fatshotbud Offline
#4 Posted: Fri, May 23 2003, 8:09 AM EST
Joined: 03-31-2003
Posts: 782
Ditto on above. Venturing into a good quality cigar store and getting some suggestions from the people there also might help. Might want to start with mild-medium and take it from there as palate matures.
BUD
Penguin13 Offline
#5 Posted: Fri, May 23 2003, 8:46 AM EST
Joined: 07-26-2002
Posts: 1,546
I think you need the Galaxia! Thats a nice beginer smoke ;) They have one for auction now. Once your done smoking it, and you can still see/reach the keyboard, let us know what you think.

KC

BTW - 5.5 X 52 is just right..for me :)
Charlie Offline
#6 Posted: Fri, May 23 2003, 9:12 AM EST
Joined: 06-16-2002
Posts: 39,751
Try Baccarat Luchadores as they are a good beginners cigar, and have a "sweet" taste to the wrapper. Mild and easy to start with.

Charlie
Robby Offline
#7 Posted: Fri, May 23 2003, 2:05 PM EST
Joined: 10-30-2002
Posts: 5,067
Start off with a Joya De Nic Antonia, very mild, smooth, mellow, with a tinge of sweetness. It's like eating a candy bar :-) They come in a number of sizes. I like the belicoso.
eleltea Offline
#8 Posted: Fri, May 23 2003, 2:14 PM EST
Joined: 03-03-2002
Posts: 4,562
I thought E-Chick would have weighed in by now. BBL.
osage Offline
#9 Posted: Fri, May 23 2003, 4:30 PM EST
Joined: 02-18-2001
Posts: 492
Go with a Carbonell. They are mild and have a sweet taste to them. Also, they are not expensive. A good starter smoke.
gideon Offline
#10 Posted: Fri, May 23 2003, 5:19 PM EST
Joined: 04-23-2003
Posts: 108
I gotta tell you, for a great mild smoke, go with an Avo Classic. I know they are a bit more pricey, but they are an outstanding introduction to quality cigars.

They always have a place in my humi.
eleltea Offline
#11 Posted: Fri, May 23 2003, 9:02 PM EST
Joined: 03-03-2002
Posts: 4,562
Lately I have enjoyed the toro size. Typically 6x50, so it lasts longer than the robusto, but pretty much has the same flavor/strength profile as the same brand in the ~5x50 robusto size.
AZ-Ron Offline
#12 Posted: Sat, May 24 2003, 4:30 AM EST
Joined: 05-10-2003
Posts: 469
If your just starting.... I like the Macanudo, Duke of Windsor... that's what I was popped on and I love them to this day... If you really want something sweet, than this is not what you want... but super smooth.
I say, get a few 5's and enjoy the search for what you like..
Ron
bassithound Offline
#13 Posted: Sat, May 24 2003, 5:21 AM EST
Joined: 07-24-2002
Posts: 118
The smoke size I prefer is based on what I am doing. larger gauge, 50+, I enjoy if I have time to relax and enjoy the cigar. I base the length on how much time I have. When fishing or golfing (if walking), I like 42 ring gauge, especially in winding conditions. I find the large gauges are harder to keep a good burn going.
jm2cents
Dave in NJ
Steve*R Offline
#14 Posted: Sat, May 24 2003, 5:59 AM EST
Joined: 07-23-2001
Posts: 1,858
The suggestions, above, for Baccarat and Carbonell are excellent, if you want a "sweet" touch. Both have wrappers that are treated with bethune, which will give sweetness to the tongue. The suggestion of Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 was obviously in jest. The Antano 1970s are extremely powerful and inappropriate for a beginning cigar smoker.
jdrabinski Offline
#15 Posted: Sat, May 24 2003, 6:24 AM EST
Joined: 08-16-2002
Posts: 794
I have a couple of non-specific recommendations:

First, I'd say start by smoking Robustos and Churchills. They are the vitolas that set flavor standards, in my book. They're a great way to see how some smokes are one-dimensional and others complex...they are big enough, especially the Churchill, to develop flavors. Make the time to enjoy longer cigars. Smaller cigars are good, too, but sometimes are a bit harsher or more intense flavor-wise. Cool, leisurely smoke and smoking is pretty much the essence of cigars in my book. Churchills are perfect for that.

Second, smoke a premium cigar very soon. Something like a Padron Anniversaire 1964 or 1926 or an Opus X. I say this because it helps develop your taste to know what a 'really good cigar' tastes like. One of my very first cigars was a Cuban Romeo y Julieta, and I thought 'ah, that's what it is supposed to taste like.' Helped me develop my taste a lot.

Buy up five-packs. It has been said many times here, and it is always true: if you don't like 'em, trade 'em. Someone out there probably likes the smokes that don't do it for you.

Best of luck. I remember getting started with cigars and developing my preferences. Great time and very fun.

John
rayder1 Offline
#16 Posted: Sat, May 24 2003, 4:25 PM EST
Joined: 06-02-2002
Posts: 2,226
My 2 bits. No matter what you try....keep in mind that your tastes will change. Especially if you begin to smoke with some frequency.

I used to like mild cigars early on. But I bought dozens of samplers and found more fulfillment (hence CI fulfillment) from some stronger smokes when the mood presents.

Don't buy into a whole box of mild cigars yet unless you are certain that is your preference. I smoked a Macanudo Portofino a few days ago and thought it tasted like straw. But that has come on the heels of a Perdomo2 binge, a Bucanero and a handful of ISOM samples a friend sent me. My taste buds are spoiled.

You will probably find a similar experience as you progress.
rayder1 Offline
#17 Posted: Sat, May 24 2003, 4:26 PM EST
Joined: 06-02-2002
Posts: 2,226
PS welcome to the forum. Don't forget to send Steve a cigar.
Charlie Offline
#18 Posted: Sat, May 24 2003, 5:16 PM EST
Joined: 06-16-2002
Posts: 39,751
Joya de Nics! Roar with laughter, mild as wildcat is tame!

Charlie
sroone1 Offline
#19 Posted: Wed, May 28 2003, 10:50 AM EST
Joined: 05-23-2003
Posts: 5
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions (except the Joya De Nic. guy!!). I will try out some different five packs and see where it goes.
My idea of a good time is doing nothing except sitting, drinking and enjoying a smoke out back. As long as the wife and the new baby will leave me alone for a spell!!
Thanks again,
Steve.
sroone1 Offline
#20 Posted: Wed, May 28 2003, 10:51 AM EST
Joined: 05-23-2003
Posts: 5
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions (except the Joya De Nic. guy!!). I will try out some different five packs and see where it goes.
My idea of a good time is doing nothing except sitting, drinking and enjoying a smoke out back. As long as the wife and the new baby will leave me alone for a spell!!
Thanks again,
Steve.
sroone1 Offline
#21 Posted: Wed, May 28 2003, 10:52 AM EST
Joined: 05-23-2003
Posts: 5
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions (except the Joya De Nic. guy!!). I will try out some different five packs and see where it goes.
My idea of a good time is doing nothing except sitting, drinking and enjoying a smoke out back. As long as the wife and the new baby will leave me alone for a spell!!
Thanks again,
Steve.
sroone1 Offline
#22 Posted: Wed, May 28 2003, 10:52 AM EST
Joined: 05-23-2003
Posts: 5
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions (except the Joya De Nic. guy!!). I will try out some different five packs and see where it goes.
My idea of a good time is doing nothing except sitting, drinking and enjoying a smoke out back. As long as the wife and the new baby will leave me alone for a spell!!
Thanks again,
Steve.
rasdas Offline
#23 Posted: Wed, May 28 2003, 11:09 AM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 4,716
How about the Santa Damiana Connecticut....not to be confused with the Santa Damiana Habana 2000 (H2000)...

RasDas
rasdas Offline
#24 Posted: Wed, May 28 2003, 11:10 AM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 4,716
To finish my post....

The Connecticut version is real mild...go starter cigar...the H2000 is a little stronger...then you move onto the Joya....

RasDas
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