The bigger, the stronger ?
By David, on 30/11/2007 11:30
Does the size correspond to the strength? No, this is a miss-conception. The size of the cigar does not have a direct influence on the strength of the cigar. The power in a cigar, comes from the blend of tobacco used. Three different leaves are used for creating the blend (filler) in a Cuban hand rolled, long filler cigar. The Volado leaf gives the light, more aromatic aspects to the blend, the Seco is the medium aspect leaf and the Ligero is the leaf that gives the power to the cigars. Using different combinations of these leaves gives the different blends one finds in the different families and vitoles. In fact, the bigger the cigar, the slower the build up to the finale. This is why it is recommended for novice smokers to start on a bigger ring gauge, longer cigar, as the smoke will be less direct and warms up in a more gentle way (ex - Gloria Cubana Tainos, Hoyo Double Corona). This said, naturally if you have a big cigar with a heavy bias of Ligero leaf in the blend it will have a very strong third phase (ex - Partagas Lusitanias, Bolivar Coronas Gigantes).