How does ring gauge and length affect the taste of the cigar?

Monday, November 29 1999

Although the ring gauge will significantly affect a cigar's flavor and fullness, length doesn't often have much to do with it. A longer cigar does tend to smoke a little "cooler." But if you're a " hot" smoker and puff too much (a habit often carried over by cigarette smokers or the inexperienced), the cigar will smoke hotter at any length and it may even taste bitter, too. If you draw slowly on the cigar and allow it to rest about a minute between puffs, most any length will smoke cool and taste much better, particularly with a well-made cigar. So, slow down and cool it!