Jokes aside, I’ve seen a lot of folks say “NH this cigar size”. Realistically, how much does the cigar size impact the smoke itself. Obviously, bigger smokes lead to longer smoke times but does differences in cigar shape impact the taste profile of the cigar itself?

Just some more n00b questions from a n00b.

Yes. It’s the ratio of filler to wrapper that can completely change cigar taste. Take a lancero very little filler so you’re gonna hit more on the wrapper. Gordo well there’s a lot of filler.

For myself and plenty of other fellas that schooled me 50 ring guage is a pretty happy place. I don’t like going much larger.

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+1

Also the gordo styles won't burn as hot as a say 48 gauge ring. Not that you are gonna not be able to hold a smaller ring gauge or anything like that.

Sometimes you want a smaller ring guage, think 44 if the wrapper is worth getting more of.

+2

But keep in mind, regardless of the RG, there will be blends that will send you to the moon and conversely, just won’t float your boat. For newbies it’s been recommended to keep detailed notes of the cigars you smoke. Obviously the brand, series, name (if any), size, the country of origin, wrapper, binder and filler. If you really wanna get into detail then tracking the region where the tobacco was grown is also something to record. Note down what you liked / didn’t like and at some point in time, a bell will figuratively ring and you’ll be able to discern what tobacco and blends you prefer.

What they all said. It can vary some between blends. I favor smaller usually, but have found one or two I prefer in a gordo. You'll develop your own rule of thumb over time. Until then just remember corona gorda is the best

I prefer the mid 40's or lower gauge like a Corona. With that said, I'm game for a Robusto too. The big jaw breakers of 60 gauge that seem to be popular these days are not in my wheelhouse.

does size matter?

really?


Frankie Tripod

Plus with those 60s gauges you have to be very sharp with the comebacks, as the phallic jokes on the golf course will come flooding in.
Especially from Frankie Tripod II

Frankie scoffs at any phallic representation below a 90 gauge

long and thin
may be in
but long and fat
is where it's at

generally I prefer petit coronas, coronas, right up to romustos (did I spell that right?) but can enjoy certain 52 ring smokes.
Conan is right, sometimes certain blends just taste different to everyone.
When I smoked Kristoffs a while back, I liked the matador best.

No

Frank you did indeed spell it correct

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When I'm trying a new cigar line, I go for the robusto size. You'd be surprised how many cigars are crafted on that and the toro sizes alone. If I like that then I'll move forward in the line with different ones until my palette is rewarded with the purchase. I really like the Double Corona and Toro sizes as well, they seem to burn less hot. I'm not one of those "Gotta Smoke 10 Cigars A Day So Chop Chop Git To It Times Awastin'" guy. It's my way of relaxing and I enjoy it more. Not really a mowing or working on the car kinda smoker either. I don't seem to ever do the cigar or myself any justice trying to cram that in.

All that 60 ring crap can disappear for all I care. Looks and feels ridiculous. I don't have THAT much time to relax.

Same, I don’t smoke too regularly. Mostly a “smoke while reading a good book after a long week” kinda guy.

What about those torpedo shaped cigars. Does the taste of the cigar change as you smoke it?

Depends on the blend more than the shape I would say. Some have transitions throughout the smoke, while others are more one dimensional

La Herencia Cubana toro = one of my all time favorite cigars
La Herencia Cubana lonsdale = nasty ammonia flavor around halfway

I generally prefer lonsdales over toros. But in this case, the toro is way better.

Basically, there's no simple answer to your question.