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Cigar Tip: Keep It Short

5 May 2014

These days, many of you probably have one eye on the rising thermometer and the other on those Churchills and 60-ring gauge behemoths that have been resting in your humidor through the frigid winter months. What, after all, is more pleasant than a long, sunny afternoon relaxing with a fine, good-sized smoke?

Smaller CigarsBut that doesn’t mean you should forget all about smaller cigars. The need for a quicker smoke can crop up any time. Be prepared. So here are three suggestions for cigars that offer smoking satisfaction in small packages. They’re a testament to the fact that smaller smokes don’t have to be lesser creations. Each of these lines is consistent, excellently constructed, widely available, and reasonably priced.

Partagas 1845 Corona Extra. A 4.5-inch beauty that showcases an oily, reddish Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that’s highlighted by a 46-ring gauge. The Dominican and Nicaraguan filler is aged in rum barrels. It’s power-packed and not quite as smooth as its larger brethren.

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story: Everyone’s favorite diminutive perfecto. Whether you’re smoking the sweet and spicy Cameroon wrapper version or the more difficult-to-find maduro, the 4-inch Short Story is a guaranteed pleaser. If you have a little more time, try the Between the Lines or Best Seller vitolas.

Aging Room F55 Stretto: The 4.5-inch, 46-ring gauge stick’s big brother was Cigar Aficionado’s top non-Cuban of 2013. This one’s nearly as good, though it can become a bit harsh if not smoked very slowly. As you might expect from a vitola with a musical name, this is one harmonious blend, setting off the aged Indonesian Sumatra wrapper and Dominican filler.

So, select your favorites and keep a supply on hand. Don’t get caught up short. And let us know what some of your preferred short smokes are in the comments.

George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

5 Responses to “Cigar Tip: Keep It Short”

  1. Anders Monday, May 5, 2014 at 8:29 am #

    Papas Fritas from Drew Estate
    Punch Champion
    Monte Petit Edmundo

  2. Justin P Monday, May 5, 2014 at 1:42 pm #

    Tatuaje Petit Cazadores
    Illusione Epernay Le Elegance
    Por Larrañaga Panetela (Cuban, machine-made)
    My Father Le Bijou 1922 Petit Robusto

  3. George E. Monday, May 5, 2014 at 3:17 pm #

    Some excellent suggestions here. I haven't smoked all of these, but I'm a big Champion fan and thoroughly enjoy the little Le Bijou and Papas Fritas. Patrick S. gave that Illusione a very high rating a few years back.

  4. Rob Hogan Monday, May 5, 2014 at 3:22 pm #

    Three more great smokes to add to the list.

    Illusion Rothschildes is a great sub-one hour cigar that delivers consistent wood and spice nuances underscored by a subtle sweetness.

    The A Flores Gran Reserva line includes a 3.5 inch half corona that delivers a medium to full body smoke packed with toasted cedar and spice. Perfect for that time it takes to warm up the grill.

    Nestor Miranda Special Selection Coffee Break is a masterful blending of Honduran and Dominican leaves that was blended by Pepin Garcia.

  5. Patrick S Monday, May 5, 2014 at 4:30 pm #

    An excellent list George. A couple years ago, I put together my favorites: http://www.stogieguys.com/2011/08/08042011-tips-f

    I don't smoke those all as often as I did then, but certainly the 7-20-4 Dogwalker and Tatuaje Petit Cazadores Reserva would still be on my "short list".