Does length affect flavor?

dave · 09-19-2011, 07:41 PM

It goes without saying that RG has a tremendous affect on cigar flavor. For nearly any blend, a toro tastes much different than, say a lancero of same blend. But, what about same blend and same or nearly same RG in different lengths? I have often thought that smoke traveling up through the cigar must impart some of the flavor changes as a cigar progresses. But, I must admit that my immature pallete has rarely been able to tell much difference in similar RG's, regardless of length. Thoughts?

cmitch · 09-19-2011, 07:49 PM

It most definitely affects flavor, especially on the finish. I cannot stand Churchills, generally. I find that I have to purge them constantly on the last third just to get anything pleasant out of them. So, I simply avoid them. Short lengths can cheat you out of great flavors you my get out of a slightly longer stick. It really, in the end, boils down to personal opinion.

Zanaspus · 09-19-2011, 07:53 PM

It sure does. Every vitola of every cigar has a little something different to offer (sometimes a big difference). I remember when I was developing my cigar tasting acuity, I was completely convinced this was all hooey. Just give yourself some time, smoke as many cigars as you can get your hands on, and before you know it, you'll notice differences.

Doctorossi · 09-19-2011, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zanaspus

Every vitola of every cigar has a little something different to offer (sometimes a big difference).

In relation to this length question, comparing different vitolas can be misleading as, for a given line, different length sticks of a similar RG may be made of very different leaves (different size, different priming of the plant, etc.). An easy way to understand the impact of length is to buy a pair of double coronas and then chop one of them down to robusto length. This will give you an even-playing-field impression of the effect of length (which is a combination of the cumulative impression on your palate and the build-up of residue inside the cigar as smoke is drawn through it).

dave · 09-21-2011, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doctorossi

In relation to this length question, comparing different vitolas can be misleading as, for a given line, different length sticks of a similar RG may be made of very different leaves (different size, different priming of the plant, etc.). An easy way to understand the impact of length is to buy a pair of double coronas and then chop one of them down to robusto length. This will give you an even-playing-field impression of the effect of length (which is a combination of the cumulative impression on your palate and the build-up of residue inside the cigar as smoke is drawn through it).

Thanks, all.
Doc, it was actually cutting cigars that got me thinking about this. I've been cutting some lanceros in half at times and have been convinced that the two halves taste different than a whole. Taking into account that there are a LOT of variables that affect the way an individual cigars tastes, I still feel that there is a difference.

jjirons69 · 09-19-2011, 07:54 PM

Oh, honey, come in here for a minute and respond to this post for me...

j/k

I tend to migrate toward longer, skinnier cigars. Also like a PC or smaller on occasion. The amount of leaf used in the cigar does make a difference in the taste.

longknocker · 09-19-2011, 08:02 PM

I Like Churchills & Torpedos! More To Smoke!

Doctorossi · 09-19-2011, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longknocker

I Like Churchills & Torpedos! More To Smoke!

Ogre · 09-19-2011, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longknocker

I Like Churchills & Torpedos! More To Smoke!

X2

Skywalker · 09-20-2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjirons69

Oh, honey, come in here for a minute and respond to this post for me...

j/k

I was thinking it!!!

Bill86 · 09-19-2011, 08:32 PM

More wrapper flavor on the smaller RG.

I prefer the long skinnies as well. You can get 80-90 minutes out of a Lancero.

longknocker · 09-19-2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill86

More wrapper flavor on the smaller RG.

I prefer the long skinnies as well. You can get 80-90 minutes out of a Lancero.

Maybe You Can!

60Min. Max For Me!

neoflex · 10-16-2011, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longknocker

Maybe You Can!

60Min. Max For Me!

I have a buddy who crushed a La Sirena "A" in 60 minutes. We were all baffled. Talk about Hot Boxing!!!!

icehog3 · 10-16-2011, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neoflex

I have a buddy who crushed a La Sirena "A" in 60 minutes. We were all baffled. Talk about Hot Boxing!!!!

kelmac07 · 09-19-2011, 08:36 PM

I used to think that smoking a longer stick would be a better thing. Lately I am finding coronas have a whole lot more flavor than the "big" sticks.

longknocker · 09-19-2011, 08:38 PM

I Like Smaller RG On CC's, Larger & Longer On NC's.

gator_79 · 09-20-2011, 11:42 AM

For an everyday smoke I try to stay between 5-6". If I know I'm going to have plenty of time for the smoke I'll break out something longer. I look at Rg more than length. Generally I like to stay under 52-54 rg, with 46-52 being my favorite.

mosesbotbol · 09-20-2011, 02:32 PM

Longer the better! Monte A's are one of my favorites.

OLS · 09-20-2011, 02:38 PM

Since flavor in a cigar is derived much more from plain smoke's interaction with the filler
on it's way to the mouth, you BET it affects flavor. There is a flavor to burning tobacco,
of course, but again, it's the hot smoke's time spent caressing the oily, unburned leaves
in the bunch that creates a cigar's true flavor.

RightAJ · 09-20-2011, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLS

Since flavor in a cigar is derived much more from plain smoke's interaction with the filler
on it's way to the mouth, you BET it affects flavor. There is a flavor to burning tobacco,
of course, but again, it's the hot smoke's time spent caressing the oily, unburned leaves
in the bunch that creates a cigar's true flavor.

^^This!

The longer the stick is, the longer the smoke passes through the filler leaves, I would imagine heating the oils more/differently than a shorter smoke.

aj

09-19-2011, 07:41 PM	#1
dave Have My Own Room Join Date: May 2011 First Name: Dave Location: Northern VA Posts: 1,180 Trading: (15)	Does length affect flavor? It goes without saying that RG has a tremendous affect on cigar flavor. For nearly any blend, a toro tastes much different than, say a lancero of same blend. But, what about same blend and same or nearly same RG in different lengths? I have often thought that smoke traveling up through the cigar must impart some of the flavor changes as a cigar progresses. But, I must admit that my immature pallete has rarely been able to tell much difference in similar RG's, regardless of length. Thoughts?

09-19-2011, 07:49 PM	#2
cmitch Heads up get down Join Date: Oct 2010 First Name: Clayton Location: NW Alabama by the river Posts: 2,720 Trading: (25)	Re: Does length affect flavor? It most definitely affects flavor, especially on the finish. I cannot stand Churchills, generally. I find that I have to purge them constantly on the last third just to get anything pleasant out of them. So, I simply avoid them. Short lengths can cheat you out of great flavors you my get out of a slightly longer stick. It really, in the end, boils down to personal opinion. __________________ No matter what one's status is in society, cigars are the great equalizer where the affluent and common share a love for the leaf. - Me.

09-19-2011, 07:53 PM	#3
Zanaspus Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Aug 2009 First Name: Tony Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 492 Trading: (3)	Re: Does length affect flavor? It sure does. Every vitola of every cigar has a little something different to offer (sometimes a big difference). I remember when I was developing my cigar tasting acuity, I was completely convinced this was all hooey. Just give yourself some time, smoke as many cigars as you can get your hands on, and before you know it, you'll notice differences. __________________ If you're gonna be a lamb, you might as well be a sheep.

09-19-2011, 07:54 PM	#6
jjirons69 Haberdasher Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jamie Location: Chucktown, SC Posts: 4,120 Trading: (94)	Re: Does length affect flavor? Oh, honey, come in here for a minute and respond to this post for me... j/k I tend to migrate toward longer, skinnier cigars. Also like a PC or smaller on occasion. The amount of leaf used in the cigar does make a difference in the taste. __________________ Somebody has to go back and get a chitload of dimes

09-19-2011, 08:02 PM	#7
longknocker Postwhore Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 11,174 Trading: (82)	Re: Does length affect flavor? I Like Churchills & Torpedos! More To Smoke!

09-19-2011, 08:32 PM	#11
Bill86 Snob Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Bill Posts: 6,704 Trading: (67)	Re: Does length affect flavor? More wrapper flavor on the smaller RG. I prefer the long skinnies as well. You can get 80-90 minutes out of a Lancero. __________________ I'm drunk......but I'll get drunker! - Doug Stanhope

09-19-2011, 08:36 PM	#15
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: Does length affect flavor? I used to think that smoking a longer stick would be a better thing. Lately I am finding coronas have a whole lot more flavor than the "big" sticks. __________________ Dom in the MLB thread "I could probably get you to wear a Yankee hat for a Maduro!"

09-19-2011, 08:38 PM	#16
longknocker Postwhore Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 11,174 Trading: (82)	Re: Does length affect flavor? I Like Smaller RG On CC's, Larger & Longer On NC's.

09-20-2011, 11:42 AM	#17
gator_79 Still Watching My Back Join Date: Sep 2011 First Name: Robin Location: Orange Park, FL Posts: 184 Trading: (3)	Re: Does length affect flavor? For an everyday smoke I try to stay between 5-6". If I know I'm going to have plenty of time for the smoke I'll break out something longer. I look at Rg more than length. Generally I like to stay under 52-54 rg, with 46-52 being my favorite.

09-20-2011, 02:32 PM	#18
mosesbotbol That's a Corgi Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Moses Location: Boston Posts: 6,171 Trading: (6)	Re: Does length affect flavor? Longer the better! Monte A's are one of my favorites. __________________ Port Wine & Claret \| British Cars \| Welsh Corgi's

09-20-2011, 02:38 PM	#19
OLS Suck It Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Brad Location: TN Posts: 7,912 Trading: (19)	Re: Does length affect flavor? Since flavor in a cigar is derived much more from plain smoke's interaction with the filler on it's way to the mouth, you BET it affects flavor. There is a flavor to burning tobacco, of course, but again, it's the hot smoke's time spent caressing the oily, unburned leaves in the bunch that creates a cigar's true flavor.