I have been a large ring gauge smoker for some years.
Hanging around here, and after a recent thread that basically dogged big ring sizes, caused me to revisit the subject.
So, I bought some smaller ring gauges and have more waiting several weeks resting from shipping before smoking.
I think I understand at least somewhat why some folks like the smaller ring gauges.
Several of the comments in a previous thread were
"they dilute the flavor profile so much, makes everything seem mild"
"Most of those big honkers are just big airballs!"
After trying a few robustos, making a few somewhat direct comparisons, I believe I understand at least part of what is being said by those who like smaller smokes.
There does seem to be more flavor, although less smoke.
I have a large mouth, often do things in a large way, and yes if you really must know, I've got a big ****** too.
Big ring gauges feel quite comfortable to me, easy in the hand, easy in the mouth and I am quite comfortable with my sexual identity (which is hetero) so various comparisons to phallic symbols and pole smoking are irrelevant to me.
Small cigars seem dinky to me.
However, I am intrigued enough by the flavor profile of smaller ring sizes to start trying more of them.
The only real problem I see with smaller gauges, is not as much smoke as I would like. So, if I double puff, the cigar seems funky too soon .
I have learned a lot from you guys, and am somewhat surprised at the negativity express at larger ring gauges. IMO, one of the better smokes around is a La Gloria Cubana Series R, in 7 x 58, really nice flavor.
However, now that is has been brought to my attention, I am enjoying the flavor of some smaller ring gauges. While really nice, there often is just not enough smoke to suit me.
I'm thinking that the smaller cigar, has a more intense and hotter burn which often causes a different flavor profile.
With this thread, I hope some discussion will ensue as to various reasons why the sizes seem to taste so different.
Ken