Monday, November 29 1999
Q. What is the difference between the
Excalibur #1, #2, #3 etc., besides the actual size. If the
blend is the same, why do the ratings vary so much. Just curious.
Thanks,
Tim M.
A. The same tobacco blend is used in each cigar line, regardless of the brand. Size plays a critical role in the flavor of a cigar, because you have more or less tobacco in the cigar. But this is only one part of the reason ratings vary.
The other, and perhaps even more important part is, subjectivity. You, me, and a half a dozen other people could smoke the same cigar and come up with completely different opinions. Or, we could smoke different size cigars and have similar opinions. That's why I usually try to avoid mentioning "flavors" in the cigar descriptions I write unless I've personally experienced them myself - and more than once. Even then, it doesn't mean that someone else will taste those same flavors.
My advice is to try various sizes within a particular brand or brand extension until you find the one that tastes best to you. For one brand a
Robusto may be the best. For another, a
Lonsdale, a
Torpedo, or a
Churchill. For example, I prefer the
Avo Maduro No. 2, because, for me, that size has been the most flavorful and consistent. I like the
Flor de Oliva Sumatra Robusto, and the
Davidoff Millennium Petit
Corona for the same reasons. Three completely different blends, three different sizes.
Some experts say that if you really want to experience the blend as the Master Blender intended, try a Corona (usually 5½" x 42) or a
Toro (usually 6" x 50). Coronas are often used for testing in the factory, but the main reason for trying these two sizes is that they are proportional with regard to length vs. width, and therefore best suited to express the desired flavor, texture and aroma of the smoke. So keep experimenting. Your
humidor should be filled with all sorts of sizes and shapes. That's what enjoying premium cigars is all about. - G.K.
