ok, first of all let me get this completely straight. i will use this link as an example http://cigar.com/cigars/default.asp?sid ... ku=C18/ROB. there are 3 different sizes listed there, they all contain the exact same stuff as the other sizes right? the ONLY difference is size? if thats the case how did they get such different ratings? is the churchill that poorely constructed that its 7 points less than the robusto? different wrappers maybe?
I didn't look at the link, but will add.
Size matters!
I have very little experiance with domestic cigars, but with Cubans
the smaller size cigars are usually stronger.
That said;
A bigger ring gauge will effect the flavor.
Usually bigger is milder.
More air flow, less strength.
IMO this seems to hold true, but with Cubans the blend from one size to the next will change.
Not sure about domestics
Size matters!
I have very little experiance with domestic cigars, but with Cubans
the smaller size cigars are usually stronger.
That said;
A bigger ring gauge will effect the flavor.
Usually bigger is milder.
More air flow, less strength.
IMO this seems to hold true, but with Cubans the blend from one size to the next will change.
Not sure about domestics
castle crest hit the nail on the head. Smaller cigars are proprtionatly more wrapper tobacco which contributes to most of a cigars flavor and the smaller ring also burns hotter.
On a side not with reguard to ratings I find that most of them are derived from advertising dollars and other "outside influences" and less on the actually taste or quality of cigars. My local tobacconist is always talking about the unreliability of ratings for these reasons. It is a lot of politics apparently.
On a side not with reguard to ratings I find that most of them are derived from advertising dollars and other "outside influences" and less on the actually taste or quality of cigars. My local tobacconist is always talking about the unreliability of ratings for these reasons. It is a lot of politics apparently.
now thats interesting. i didnt know that most of the flavor was from the wrapper. that means the filler is just that, "filler"? like the bread at a buffet? lol. i always thought the wrapper was just for asthetic value, and feel.
Most manufacturers will tell you that almost 80% of the cigars flavor is wrapper however in varys country to country. Cuba for example draws a lot of flavor from the binder and filller as well but the dominican has less. Consider the flavor of the opus x. The wrapper contributes most of what has made that cigar so successful. Futher, that is why "sun grown" cigars have a lot of flavor. All tobacco is sun grown but for a cigar like the diploma the tobacco is grown without the aid of cheese cloths to protect it from the wind and the elements. This results in " sun grown" plants to draw more nutrients from the soil to grow tougher leaves to withstand the elements and in turns this grows a more flavorful leaf. On a side note, this durability makes these wrappers burn less consistently which is why from time to time you will encounter more burn problems with real sungrown wrappers. I thing cigar smoka touched on something similar concerning his trip to honduras. Great thread.
I think certain characteristics of certain tobaccos create more or less favorable reviews depending on size.
Sure, some of it may be craftmanship...there's a system by which new rollers "rise in the ranks" so to speak. Relatively inexperienced rollers are only assigned certain sizes to roll, usually babies. As they develop more experience, they gradually move up to more popular sizes, with only seasoned rollers being given belicosos, pyramids and more diffulcult sizes & shapes.
Back to my original statement, with each tobacco having its better and more mediocre aspects, I believe these lend to being a more enjoyable smoke depending on size. I admit, I really don't have alot of variety to my cigar career thus far, but I have had the opportunity to taste different sizes of the same brand and I always have a clear-cut favorite. For example, my love affair with the CAO L'Anniversaire maduro began with the petite, moved to the belicoso, and has since settled on the toro. Each size plays to different strengths & weaknesses of that blend.
Sure, some of it may be craftmanship...there's a system by which new rollers "rise in the ranks" so to speak. Relatively inexperienced rollers are only assigned certain sizes to roll, usually babies. As they develop more experience, they gradually move up to more popular sizes, with only seasoned rollers being given belicosos, pyramids and more diffulcult sizes & shapes.
Back to my original statement, with each tobacco having its better and more mediocre aspects, I believe these lend to being a more enjoyable smoke depending on size. I admit, I really don't have alot of variety to my cigar career thus far, but I have had the opportunity to taste different sizes of the same brand and I always have a clear-cut favorite. For example, my love affair with the CAO L'Anniversaire maduro began with the petite, moved to the belicoso, and has since settled on the toro. Each size plays to different strengths & weaknesses of that blend.
if you still have questions check out a book my girlfriend just got me CIGAR Aficionado's Pocket Guide and it has helped me alot.