This site contains tobacco images. Please leave now if you are under 18

The Impact of Cigar Size on Flavour

Cigar enthusiasts often debate how many factors affect a cigar’s flavour, such as where the tobacco comes from, how it is aged and the blend of the filler leaves. One of the most fascinating and widely discussed factors is the size of a cigar. It is often debated which size is best in both length and ring gauge, and how they play a significant role in shaping the flavour experience.

The length of the cigar is measured in inches, and determines how long it takes to smoke. This impacts the progression of flavours as the cigar burns.
The Ring Gauge is the diameter of a cigar, it is measured in 64ths of an inch, and influences the ratio of wrapper to filler tobacco which is crucial in flavour balance.

Common cigar shapes and sizes include Robustos, which are medium sized and thick, Coronas which are long and slim and Churchills which are long and medium thickness. Each has a distinct profile that interacts with the blend of tobaccos to create unique experiences.

How Size Affects Flavour

1. Wrapper-to-Filler Ratio

The wrapper leaf is often the most flavourful part of a cigar, it provides much of its signature taste and aroma. A smaller ring gauge means a higher proportion of wrapper lead to filler tobacco, resulting in a more concentrated flavour from the wrapper. Conversely, cigars with a larger ring gauge have a higher filler to wrapper ratio, which can dilute the wrappers influence and highlight the filler blend instead.
Small Ring Gauge (e.g. Lancero, Panatela): Intense and focused wrapper flavour.
Large Ring Gauge (e.g. Gordo, Toro): More complex flavours due to a greater emphasis on the filler blend.

2. Smoke Volume and Complexity
Larger cigars with wider ring gauges produce more smoke, which can enhance the perception of flavour complexity. The multiple filler leaves used in larger cigars allow for intricate blends that evolve as the cigar burns. In contrast, smaller cigars have less room for blending, often delivering a more straight forward flavour profile.

3. Burn Temperature and Consistency
Longer cigars take more time to smoke, allowing the tobacco to burn cooler. Cooler burns tend to yield smoother and more subtle flavours, as high temperatures can intensify harshness or bitterness. Smaller cigars, especially short ones, often burn hotter due to their compact size, resulting in bolder but potentially harsher flavours.

4. Flavour Progression
A longer cigar has more room for transitions in flavor as the smoker progresses from the foot (start) to the nub (end). These transitions are often designed by master blenders to enhance the overall smoking experience. Shorter cigars, while potentially more consistent, may lack the same level of complexity and evolution.

Matching Size to Smoking Experience

For Beginners:
Shorter cigars with smaller ring gauges, such as Coronas or Petit Coronas, are ideal for beginners. They offer a quick, intense flavor experience without requiring a lengthy commitment or advanced smoking techniques.

For Connoisseurs:
Experienced smokers often gravitate toward larger cigars, like Robustos or Churchills, which provide extended smoking sessions and layered flavour complexities. These sizes allow aficionados to fully appreciate the craftsmanship behind the blend.

Time Considerations
Size also determines the smoking duration. For example, a Robusto may take 45 minutes to an hour to smoke. Meanwhile a Churchill could last up to two hours, making it better suited for long, relaxed occasions.

The size of a cigar is far from an aesthetic choice; it significantly influences the flavour and smoking experience. Smaller cigars tend to deliver concentrated, bold flavors dominated by the wrapper, while larger cigars offer complexity and a gradual evolution of taste. Whether you're seeking a quick, intense burst of flavour or a long, meditative session with subtle transitions, understanding the role of size will help you select the perfect cigar for your palate and occasion.

Written by Oliver Partington
 

Trustpilot