This morning I smoked the Big Sky Cigars Cryptid. This 5 x 60 San Andres wrapped cigar has a cheesy-as-hell band on it depicting some creature said to lurk beneath the waters of Flathead Lake in Montana. The odds were against me liking this cigar between the size, the band, and being a San Andres wrapped cigar. Well, I actually liked it. It was medium-full in body and flavor, and mild-medium in strength. It had a lot of cocoa and nuttiness with some earthy, bready notes. Another good cigar from Big Sky.
As for today’s question: What is your thought on big ring gauge cigars? I’m talking like 56-60 because anything over 60 is a monstrosity.
For me, I have never been a big ring gauge smoker, capping out at around a 54. However, I have come around to 56, 58, and 60s IF they are a shorter length. When you get over about 5”, unless it’s a belicoso or torpedo, the cigars become just a bit much for me. This Cryptid was very manageable and comfortable at just 5”.
I think that there is a place in the market for the mid to upper 50s, stopping at 60. I have smoked a lot of great cigars in those ranges - I especially enjoy when a 56, 58, or 60 is box pressed, making it more comfortable to smoke. I find the larger ring gauge can really create a more complex, nuanced experience. I think the blender can use more tobacco to accomplish his goal.
A short one today,
-Trevor