Shorter Smokes

GoCards

I've been spending my time on the forum mainly searching for answers to questions so as not to bother you all with something that's already been answered, but I need a little advice.  I enjoy winding down at night with a cigar, but don't have an hour plus to spend many nights after getting the little guys to bed.  The guy at my B&M told me that larger ring gauges and longer lengths are better for a cooler smoke.  I've mainly been buying robustos to try to get some ring gauge while trading length.  (Also about the smallest size they carry, and what you get in sampler packs online)

My question is, is there really a big difference between the different sizes of cigars?  It seems like a corona or smaller may be a better fit on those nights.  Can I assume that if I like a cigar in one size that it will be about the same in a different size?

Sorry for the long winded post...

jbohon

I've found there are slight differences between sizes of the same cigar. I usually keep some smaller vitolas around for times I can't devote 90-120 minutes to a smoke. 

raisindot

There are differently differences between sizes of the same cigar. With a smaller ring, you'll be "tasting" more of the wrapper and less of the filler. Some may argue that you get less "tobacco essence" with a smaller ring because less "air" is moving through it, but I find that smaller gauges tend to concentrate the smoke (assuming the cigar itself has a good draw). Of course, smaller rings don't always mean smaller cigars (MUST.RESIST. OBVIOUS.JOKE.). Plenty of 6-7" long cigars with smaller gauges out there.

Generally, I prefer to smoke cigars below 50 ring size and 5" or less. I prefer wrapper taste over filler and, like you, I don't have more than an hour to spend smoking. My favorites in this size are the Hemingway Best Seller and La Palina KB El Diario. 

Yakster

The La Palina KB El Diario is a great, strong, short smoke. 

Gray4lines

Today, many blenders try to adjust the blend across sizes to achieve a consistent profile. Some do not and so the size will have a little more influence on the experience (I think this style is more fun). 

I think overall, if you like the Oliva V robustos, for example, you would also enjoy the coronas and lanceros. I think very few blends would be night and day differences across formats.

Big rgs are more forgiving if you smoke fast, since they won't overheat as quickly as a skinny cigar, but if you let the cigar set the smoking pace, you can keep any cigar in the sweet spot.

miller65rod

Try Illusione Rothchildes. Short smoke that is very inexpensive and is not bland. If you want to dip in some ISOM's then look for some Partagas shorts another bargain seegar the is not bland. 

Diver43

Have you tried a Arturo Fuente Short Story?  I find them satisfying and they last right at 30 minutes.

peter4jc

Here's another thought...  let's say you spend $X.00 on a smaller cigar that you can enjoy and finish in the required timeframe.  Success!  But let's say you can find a robusto or toro that would take twice that amount of time to smoke for the same amount of money.

Can you stop smoking it when your allotted time is up?  Is it a crime to only enjoy a cigar for 45 min. when it could've lasted a hour and a half?

I say shop for the flavor you want at a price you can afford, and screw buying according to vitola.

Yakster

Not a fan of the Partagas Black Label Pronto. All I got was charred wood. 

MikeTodd

peter4jc said:

Here's another thought...  let's say you spend $X.00 on a smaller cigar that you can enjoy and finish in the required timeframe.  Success!  But let's say you can find a robusto or toro that would take twice that amount of time to smoke for the same amount of money.

Can you stop smoking it when your allotted time is up?  Is it a crime to only enjoy a cigar for 45 min. when it could've lasted a hour and a half?

I say shop for the flavor you want at a price you can afford, and screw buying according to vitola.

I agree! I have decided that since my smoking time is usually limited, I am just going to smoke a stick and enjoy whatever I get out of it. It is more about enjoyment than "did i smoke enough for the value?". On the other hand, if I get into a cigar that just isn't doing it for me, I have no problem letting it die in dignity and lighting up something else.

NorthsideSmoke

But keeping in the spirit of the OP's question I am a huge fan of the CroMagnon Aquitaine Knuckle Dragger it's 4x52 and a tasty dang smoke if you like full bodied smokes. 

Wylaff

Cracker Crumbs are tasty as well

jlmarta

I'm a fan of Fuentes and his Hemingway series Short Story is a very good smoke. Another one that I like for a short smoke is his Fuente Cubanitos. These are 4 x 32 and come in tins of 10 or bricks of 100. 

Check 'em out. They're really handy when you don't have time for a corona or robusto.....  

Gray4lines

@peter4jc that's a fair point. And honestly, a corona will not give you THAT much of a shorter smoking time than, say, a robusto. 

I guess I typically like coronas or smaller rg's as much, or more, as any other size, so it is never a "sacrifice" for me to grab a shorter smoke.

But if you're a 6x60 guy, then by all means buy what you like and smoke as long as you wish. No harm in setting a cigar down when you're done.

Or just make time for cigars. That is best.

GoCards

Wow - lots of great ideas!  I'll make a list and work on trying all the ones you have mentioned.  And, try not to feel bad about putting a larger one down either.  So much of what I am smoking is the first time, so I have been trying to give each their due.  (And I'm a numbers guy, so i did feel like I would be wasting money...)

You all are so helpful and welcoming here - thanks again!

KCW

Gray4lines said:

Big rgs are more forgiving if you smoke fast, since they won't overheat as quickly as a skinny cigar, but if you let the cigar set the smoking pace, you can keep any cigar in the sweet spot.

I agree

silvermouse

I'm an unwashed heathen and have no problem relighting a cigar I've set down during a smoke break.

dirtdude

I have to join you there Edward, if I don't have time to finish my papi chulo I just seatbelt him to the handrail and take him to the next stop

webmost

silvermouse said:

I'm an unwashed heathen and have no problem relighting a cigar I've set down during a smoke break.

UCK! It don't taste good.

Skindog

miller65rod, I like the illusione rothchildes as well. Burns quick, but good smoke.

Rhamlin

Another thing you can do which I do often is cut the cigar in half. But you need a good cutter and have some pectin or what I use ( unflavored chapstick) on hand to keep the wrapper from unraveling. It also helps to have a band you can place right below where your going to cut it. If done right there's no problem, if not done right it'll come apart on you. 

clearlysuspect

I just got in a box of Obsidian White Noise mini corona's (4.5x44) in today bought for this exact purpose.  I'll let you guys know what i think once I get one lit. 

YankeeMan

Another unwashed heathen here, I smoke half a cigar on the way to our other campus and half on the way back.  I just put it in a cigar tube when I get to school and relight it on the way back.

I make sure I ash it well and blow out the first time I relight it.

TX98Z28

Oliva offers the Series V in a 5.0x43 corona (No. 4). Not the shortest option but still worth a try. I just grabbed a box of 24, CCOM and others have them on clearance, looks Oliva is discontinuing the size possibly… what a shame.    

CharlieHeis

TX98Z28 said:

Oliva offers the Series V in a 5.0x43 corona (No. 4). Not the shortest option but still worth a try. I just grabbed a box of 24, CCOM and others have them on clearance, looks Oliva is discontinuing the size possibly… what a shame.    

They had a similar deal maybe a year ago and I don't think Ccom had them regularly after that. They can still be found though.