A Question to Pete Johnson...

[EugeneSax]

I tend to prefer slender sticks such as Lonsdales, Panatelas & Laguito 1 although my very favourite vitola is the Pyramide (perhaps it offers the best of fat & thin?)

[r0lan6]

The gauge needs to be at least 40-42 for me, though not above 60. Length-wise no preference really. I guess it all depends on the actual cigar, the time I have to smoke it, and the occasion perhaps.

[larrysputnik]

It seems that a lot more of you like long, thin smokes than I had expected. I read somewhere that lonsdales, and similarly shaped cigars, are best for tasting the entire flavor profile.

But I always feel that robustos and wide cigars are the most flavorful, which confuses me. Maybe I am missing out on the complexity of a blend because I choose the robusto, but in comparison I typically enjoy the flavor of a robusto much more.

For example, the Padron Ambassador is a lonsdale I don't enjoy very much. The flavor of it is one-dimensional the whole way through and disappoints me every time. But the Padron 2000 blows me away in comparison. It opens up midway through and has a delicious flavor to the finish that seems to build in complexity.

Maybe that is an exceptional case, or maybe I am finding out though the Ambassador that I don't really like the Padron recipe and that the 2000 dumbs it down enough for me to enjoy?

CJ makes an interesting point; cigars are also more enjoyable if they feel right in your hand, which means you think they also look right with you. (Figurados are an interesting choice BTW) In response to your mention of Mr B's thread, I noticed that most people put robusto there and already this thread seems to be leaning toward lonsdales and coronas over robustos. But people also don't seem to be so quick to commit to just one this time. Maybe this thread will yield more conversation about why certain shapes are preferable.

[monkey66]

I love thick cigars but I seem to have more 'moments' with thinner gauges. Specifically Monte 1's, boli gold medals, and Trini fundi's. They are all rocking for me at the moment.

[r0lan6]

Yes I do agree with CJ's point about the cigar must of course feel right in one's hand. There is nothing worse than smoking a cigar that just doesn't look all that nice. I mean the saying of, '...never judge a book by its cover...' does not quite apply (in my personal view) to cigars. I mean take the culebras.

[cj121]

In terms of the aesthetics, I was really pointing out the visual appearance of the cigar itself tbh, but I'm happy to go along with the image aspect too

Ergonomically? Now that's another subject...

Your dead on about the culebras for sure r0lan

[larrysputnik]

Perfectos do look badass, but they hurt my back because they are not ergonomically correct.

[r0lan6]

Certainly a cigar you could share with a lady or two, though I hear it packs a big punch.

[cj121]

Perfectos do look badass, but they hurt my back because they are not ergonomically correct.

I agree Larry, but I experience carpel tunnel syndrome after smoking two ot three in sucession

[mb55317]

I love the Double Robusto (inc the Sublime), Double Corona and Torpedo sizes

[r0lan6]

Why not smoke all three at once? I'm sure its combined gauge will be sufficient...

[Simon-JG-hr]

Like many, for me it is dependent upon the situation - and especially the time available.

I have started to see the appeal of robustos, but love Lonsdales and petit coronas. I've enjoyed panatellas (of varying lengths) too. In truth though, my favourite, when I get the opportunity is a piramide or a belicoso.

[El Catador]

Oh, well, if pushed, erm . . . a robusto is a reliable size.

(Not very 'Tony Soprano' though is it?)

[68TriShield]

Robusto for me too. As far as thinner cigars,I've heard it said a hundred times,"thinner cigar impart more wrapper flavor".

[shuckins]

i'm not convinced it's the real pete johnson that joined.
if it is he can answer this question:
who had you do what for me where recently?

and i have pics!