Flavour Profile by Vitola

[Cigar_Addict]

Excuse my ignorance, but have seen different types of the same line having different flavour profiles. For example, a Toro might taste better or worse than a Robusto?

Do you rely on samplers to try out each vitola to determine your preference?

[ha_banos]

Yes is the short answer. Some lines will try to blend the same across vitolas. But it's not usually the intent. I've heard Rob Ayala talk about how you have to blend again across vitolas. It's not guaranteed to work trying to use the same blend in a different size.

So usually, yes I think.

[PeeJay]

It always surprises me how the blends vary across the vitolas too, I don't particularly like a Partagas D4 but I love a D5 or a D6 which should just be a smaller version. I'm sure there's a science involved relative to the surface area of the wrapper leaf or something but its above my pay grade.

[Cigar_Addict]

I assume they use the same batch of leaves (filler, binder & wrapper) so does it just come down to the ratio used between all three (ie,bigger ring guage equals more filler)?

Either way there's likely to be some differences, but strange that they vary so much (although I'm taking people's word for it as I can't taste any flavours to begin with (which begs the question as to whether I should be smoking them at all 😂))

[smokey joe]

I assume they use the same batch of leaves (filler, binder & wrapper) so does it just come down to the ratio used between all three (ie,bigger ring guage equals more filler)?

Either way there's likely to be some differences, but strange that they vary so much (although I'm taking people's word for it as I can't taste any flavours to begin with (which begs the question as to whether I should be smoking them at all 😂))

Do you retrohale/breathe some of the smoke out your nose? That’s where all the flavour is! https://www.ukcigarforums.com/forum/...-haling-cigars

[Cigar_Addict]

Do you retrohale/breathe some of the smoke out your nose? That’s where all the flavour is! https://www.ukcigarforums.com/forum/...-haling-cigars

Yea, usually, unless it stings the sinuses then not so much. But still barely get any flavours. Maybe that's just how it is for me. Would love to be able to taste more, and find it fascinating how people can detect all the different nuances

[ha_banos]

Yea, usually, unless it stings the sinuses then not so much. But still barely get any flavours. Maybe that's just how it is for me. Would love to be able to taste more, and find it fascinating how people can detect all the different nuances

Well, they say... try a cigar with no distractions. Just water for drink. And a notepad and pen. And just take notes. No other distractions. Patience. Just note down anything that comes to you. For the entire duration. Don't over concentrate.

[Cigar_Addict]

Well, they say... try a cigar with no distractions. Just water for drink. And a notepad and pen. And just take notes. No other distractions. Patience. Just note down anything that comes to you. For the entire duration. Don't over concentrate.

Therein lies the challenge for me. With two fairly young kids I get barely any time to smoke, let alone quietly

[Scott 81]

It’s a summer hobby for me, I’m in the same boat as you with young family and busy work life, being in the north east getting nice days to enjoy one out side is few and far between.

[Simon Bolivar]

It always surprises me how the blends vary across the vitolas too, I don't particularly like a Partagas D4 but I love a D5 or a D6 which should just be a smaller version. I'm sure there's a science involved relative to the surface area of the wrapper leaf or something but its above my pay grade.

Agreed. I never got on with the Party No4 (most popular selling Cuban) but love all other Party's - weird.

[Cigar_Addict]

Watched a video by Creekside Cigar Co, they were saying about how the vitola/format changes the cigar experience. Apparently Robert Caldwell said that a Gordo is like an americano in that you can taste the flavours intended by the roaster, but its just watered down. A corona or a lancero is like an espresso.

Interesting. Maybe I am discounting cigar brands based on trying it in a particular vitola?

Keen to know more of your thoughts on contrasting cigars in different formats.

[liles]

I think another thing that cannot be understated when talking about different vitolas is how the size, shape and draw can really change your smoking experience, which in turn affect the flavours greatly.

Some cigars need absolute attention to maintain a consistent burn (this for me is true of a lot of smaller ring gauges) and therefore become a very intentional smoke. Bigger cigars (robusto+) generally are easier to keep burning at the right pace, so you can kinda switch your brain off a little and experience other stimuli without worrying about smoking too quickly or slowly - so great for flowing conversations and company.

Overall, if you're not burning your cigar with a relatively flat cherry, then you're not experiencing the blend as it was intended. If your cherry has a pimple, you're burning too much wrapper, conversely a dimple is too much filler.

[Cigar_Addict]

I think another thing that cannot be understated when talking about different vitolas is how the size, shape and draw can really change your smoking experience, which in turn affect the flavours greatly.

Some cigars need absolute attention to maintain a consistent burn (this for me is true of a lot of smaller ring gauges) and therefore become a very intentional smoke. Bigger cigars (robusto+) generally are easier to keep burning at the right pace, so you can kinda switch your brain off a little and experience other stimuli without worrying about smoking too quickly or slowly - so great for flowing conversations and company.

Overall, if you're not burning your cigar with a relatively flat cherry, then you're not experiencing the blend as it was intended. If your cherry has a pimple, you're burning too much wrapper, conversely a dimple is too much filler.

I've certainly found touching up a cigar so it burns evenly to be beneficial for the smoothness & taste it is supposed to deliver. I always thought it would do the opposite

[Cigar_Addict]

Watched a video by Creekside Cigar Co, they were saying about how the vitola/format changes the cigar experience. Apparently Robert Caldwell said that a Gordo is like an americano in that you can taste the flavours intended by the roaster, but its just watered down. A corona or a lancero is like an espresso.

Interesting. Maybe I am discounting cigar brands based on trying it in a particular vitola?

Keen to know more of your thoughts on contrasting cigars in different formats.

I just looked up the size of the cigar I used to really enjoy (Partagas Maduro No8) and it's RG is 47, so maybe there's some sense in what they were saying. I think I'll be trying more sub 50 RG cigars to see if I get a better experience from them