Re: Smaller ring gauges = less flavor complexity?
 

I agree with you on that one, Dave. I enjoy both the Kristoff Maduro and My Father blends in the robusto and toro size so I thought the lanceros would be even better...not the case at all. I was let down by both. Not bad cigars by any means, just not what I thought they would be and overall less complex than their thicker RG counterparts.

Still waiting to try that 20+ yo cc as well here, though I will say that one of my all time favorites was the '02 LGC MdO 3 that jjirons gifted me while golfing a few years ago. Great cigar and without a doubt the skinniest thing I've ever smoked.

Re: Smaller ring gauges = less flavor complexity?
 

My preference has been 38-46 ring for many, many years. Probably 75% of the smokes I burn fall in this range. I wish this new trend toward jaw-breakers would reverse, as some of the cigars I would like to try do not offer smaller vitolas.

Re: Smaller ring gauges = less flavor complexity?
 

^Exactly my sentiments regarding the jaw-breaker trend. But I think most here would agree with that as well.

I also don't try a new marca if the vitolas aren't to my liking.

Re: Smaller ring gauges = less flavor complexity?
 

Agreed 100%. I smoke the occasional robusto or torpedo/belicoso up to a 52, but overwhelmingly prefer less than 50 RG.

Re: Smaller ring gauges = less flavor complexity?
 

Yep. I used to only smoke churchills. 7x50+

Now im going more and more into smaller RG. 38-48 ish.

Required a big change in how I smoke. And I typically smoke much slower than most people. Robustos typically take me 20-25 mins longer than most people.

Re: Smaller ring gauges = less flavor complexity?
 

Holts has a Wednesday special on Pepin made petit coronas today...

Re: Smaller ring gauges = less flavor complexity?
 

Honestly, it depends on the blend...a cigar with an excellent wrapper is going to taste better in a smaller RG in general, as opposed to a cigar with a wrapper that is not as good, which might taste better in a large RG, since there is more room in the cigar to fill with other tobacco.