Rings of Pleasure: Unwrapping the Truth About Cigar Sizes

Does Size Matter? Understanding Cigar Ring Sizes

Cigar enthusiasts know that the world of cigars is full of personal preferences and nuanced choices. One such decision centers around cigar ring size—a topic that often sparks lively debates in lounges and on forums. But does size really matter when it comes to cigars, or is it all just a matter of taste? Let’s explore why some smokers reach for those big 60- or even 70-ring monsters, while others stick with more classic, slender vitolas.

What is Cigar Ring Size?

Cigar ring size refers to the diameter (thickness) of a cigar, measured in 64ths of an inch. For example, a 60-ring cigar is 60/64 of an inch thick—almost an inch wide! While traditional cigars often hover around 38 to 52 ring gauge, modern preferences have seen a boom in large-ring cigars, with some pushing the boundaries to 70 or more.

Why Do Some Prefer Large Ring-Size Cigars?

Big ring cigars offer a unique experience, and here's why some aficionados reach for them:

• Cooler Smoke: The wider diameter allows for a greater volume of smoke, which tends to be cooler and smoother as it reaches your palate. This can enhance the comfort and pleasure of the draw.
• Blend Complexity: Larger cigars can hold more filler tobacco, allowing blenders to introduce a wider range of leaves. This sometimes results in a more complex flavor profile, with different tobaccos burning and mingling throughout the smoke.
• Longer Smoking Time: Bigger cigars often equate to longer, more leisurely sessions, perfect for those who view smoking as a relaxing ritual rather than a quick break.
• Visual 'Wow' Factor: Let's be honest—there's something impressive about holding a thick, hefty cigar. For some, it's a statement or a celebration.

Why Stick with Smaller Ring Sizes?

On the other hand, smaller ring cigars have their own dedicated fans:

• Flavor Focus: Thinner cigars, like lanceros or coronas, emphasize the wrapper leaf, often considered the most flavorful part of the cigar. This can result in a more nuanced, wrapper-forward experience.
• Elegance and Tradition: Classic Cuban shapes and old-school aesthetics favor slimmer cigars, evoking a sense of timeless refinement.
• Shorter Sessions: Not everyone has two hours to spare. Smaller cigars can deliver satisfaction in a shorter time frame.

Benefits of Smoking Larger Cigars

Beyond the flavor and experience, large ring cigars offer additional benefits:

• Slower Burn: Their size means they burn more slowly, allowing for a longer, more gradual enjoyment.
• Less Heat: The increased tobacco volume means the cigar stays cooler for longer, reducing harshness even as you smoke toward the nub.
• Blending Opportunities: As mentioned, larger formats give blenders more room to play, sometimes resulting in cigars with "chapters" of flavor that evolve as you smoke.

The Challenge: Building a Large Ring Cigar

Rolling a massive cigar isn't as simple as just stuffing in more tobacco. There are extra steps and challenges involved:

• Construction Complexity: Maintaining a consistent draw and even burn is harder with more filler. Skilled rollers must expertly bunch and distribute the leaves to avoid plugs or loose spots.
• Wrapper Selection: Larger cigars require bigger, flawless wrapper leaves. These are rarer and more expensive, adding to the cigar's cost.
• Aging and Blending: More tobacco can mean more time needed to age and marry the flavors, requiring extra care in both the aging room and the blending process.

So, does size matter? When it comes to cigars, size is more than just a number—it's a matter of personal taste, ritual, and the experience you're seeking. Whether you crave the complexity and boldness of a 70-ring giant or the elegance and focus of a slim lancero, there's a cigar out there for every palate. Ultimately, the best cigar is the one that brings you the most enjoyment, no matter its size. Light up what you love, and savor every puff!