Reasons for odd shapes like "FLYING PIG", "FIRECRACKER" and "PEREFECTO" etc...

[RunsUpriver]

I've been playing around with shapes and lengths lately and a friend asked me the reason and history behind the different shapes and sizes of cigars in the world. I didnt have too many good answers for him.

I thought it would make a good topic and I might learn something-

What is the reason for the different odd shapes and lengths like Firecracker, Flying Pig and Perfectos? I'm sure some stem from rolling without a mold, but what about those shorties and stubbies?

Do they draw differently, cooler or heavier?

Just interested in some background....

Thanks!

 

[vivalanation734]

I think a lot of it is the creativity of the maker as well as finding the right ratio of wrapper/binder/filler, etc... Obviously some sizes are more for fun than functionality.

 

[StocktonJohn]

I have noticed very distinct flavor and character differences throughout a line of shapes in the same blend. It's definately a ratio thing but also longer smokes smoke cooler, so that seems to make a difference too.

 

[gibbleguts]

Some times it is about time frame as well. Many people do not like thin cigars so a short but fat cigar can help with time frame while giving the experience of a larger cigar. This is true for fire cracker, nubs and flying pigs. Perfecto"s give a varying mix of wrapper to filler so can help build some complexity. And there is also the art form of creating the unique master pieces that these cigars really are. Some times it is just about the creativity of the rollers/manufacturers.


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[tmoney2007]

I'm pretty sure they still use molds for the tapered cigars. They are just tapered.

Most of them are just done to be different. I do think perfectos are easier light outdoors.

 

[orangedog]

differentiation among competitors?

 

[Thecatch83]

Perfecto's have been around for hundreds of years, and were one of the original Cuban vitola's that were reserved for the master rollers. Different shapes and sizes offer different smoking experiences and flavors.....plus I'm sure it helps with sales as well! What fun would it be smoking the same size/shape cigar day after day?

 

[ciggy]

I've been smoking cigars long enough to know this...Smoke what you like!
I find three things about special sized cigars:
1) They make great coversation pieces
2) There HTF
3) There a garenteed income from the vendor as a gimick
I'm not sure I can honestly say they have not been worth a go but 2 out of 4 times it's a waste of money and time to get.
Unless your diehard on having it in your Humi stick with what you can get and afford. There just not worth it in my opinion.
should you try a couple regardless of my opinion I would recommend these:
OR Skull & Bones
Flying Pig #9 or T52
DPG Fire Cracker
AF Work Of Art Maduro

 

[Cigar Cowboy]

Shape does have a lot to do with favor and draw. Interesting shapes also attract attention to the cigar. People want something different. A limited edition cigar with a unique shape might become an instant collector’s item.

 

[jbizzle]

Seems to me the recent explosion in obscure sizes, and names, is gimicky and a way to up the profits hoping kool aid chasers will go after these. A 3 1/2" by 60 cigar uses way less tobacco than a 6 x 50. Slap a cool name on it, sell it for $13 bucks and watch the profit margins soar! Even Cuba is getting on board with this "great" idea. :thumbsdown:

 

[terrantheman]

I am pretty sure that the #1 reason for the funky shapes is more of this $$$

 

[dpricenator]

Kind of like adding new positions in bed. I knew that porn would be useful someday.

 

[RunsUpriver]

The different odd shapes are kind of interesting when you research them. Apparently they do offer some "change of pace" in the way they smoke.

Very interesting, I'm finding lots of the gimmicky-ness, but there is also a lot of neat offerings as well.

 

[pabloj671]

I am pretty sure that the #1 reason for the funky shapes is more of this $$$

I'm sure THIS^^^ is a majority of it... however, I believe that it speaks more to the skill of the roller and their experience... there are fewer higher level rollers to make these "Hard To Find" pieces of art than there are level 2 and 4 rollers for my robustos and coronas (which i prefer more of anyway)... just the technique of rolling can affect taste... how was the weather in that region that year, all these things will affect the smoking experience as well... and it's not just HTF's that are always in these funky shapes or marked up in $$$... Partagas 150, 160's, most RE's from any Cuban marca... DC Senior Blends... alot of Robo's there... Who cares man, if you dig it then smoke it if you can't afford it... DON'T frikin buy boxes of it... pretty easy... and besides, there are a lot of pretty shapes with double bands out there that suck ass!!! like the EGG... but shit, i have 3 of those... LOL... enuff of my bitching tho... buy what you can afford, smoke what you buy, trade often, and GIVE even more often... We're all we got. :ccool:

 

[ssaka]

Here is my 2 cents:

1) Handmade cigars in themselves are an art and figurado shapes are an extra expression of their art form.

2) Some shapes do impact the flavor - particularly those that funnel dramatically.

3) The shapes in themselves are eye catching which does lend to their allure.

4) Yes everyone does make money on them, but they typically cost more to make so often profit wise at the manufacturer end they are a break even proposition compared to a parejo.

5) IMO, there is rarely a reason to buy a standard torpedo over a standard toro - you are just paying more for what is essentially the same, but some guys like the mouth feel of a torp/beli.

Variety is the spice of life and figurados add to that variety.

BR,

Steve Saka
President, Drew Estate

ps: And yes, almost all (99.999999%) of all figurados are constructed with a figurado shaped mold - paper bunched ones are far more difficult to construct and typically look rather rough...

 

[CasualStogie]

I'm sure some veteran will chime in here to correct/confirm this, but I believe that the different shapes are for a number of reasons
1) Different shapes can dramatically impact the way a stick smokes- i.e. a perfecto ensures a good even light since there is a smaller area at the foot, it warms up in strength while opening up in gauge to keep the smoke cool, and finally closes back again to "change" the smoking experience once more in the second half. All of this change in ring gauge can add "complexity" to the taste as well as change the nicotine kick that the smoker experiences by causing a hotter or cooler burn (granted he/she puffs at a consistent rate). Furthermore, something like a pyramid can pack a punch with a nice draw. It's almost like an air compressor- having one large end in which the air enters and a smaller end for it to exit via a vacuum- almost. As for the stubbies like nubs and other short sticks I suppose its part marketing, part manipulation of the smoking characteristics (nub claims that it will boost you through the warming phase and get you right into the "sweet spot" of the cigar as soon as you light up), and part time limits to save those lunch break smokers from losing half of their cigar.
2) For the artistry. For the more difficult-to-roll vitolas, only the most seasoned torcedors are chosen. That generally means that there are less than ten, and sometimes less than five (depending on the cigar and factory) people who are able to roll it. Pretty special, high-end stuff (Ahh, every time I draw that conclusion I remember why I love cigars so much- still handmade, hell yeah!).

In short- the shapes are partly for (supposed) better smoking, better looks, and better advertising.

 

[kuzi16]

when i visited the Oliva factory there was a point were our tour guide stopped and asked the group why they make all kinds of crazy shapes. in front of us was a V figurado that was box pressed, a hand full of perfectos, and a few other of their standard line box pressed. people kept throwing out answers. after several minutes of wrong guesses, the group fell silent.

our tour guide then just says "because we can"

 

[ciggy]

Thanks for the input Steve. :thumbsup:

 

[Dave]

5) IMO, there is rarely a reason to buy a standard torpedo over a standard toro - you are just paying more for what is essentially the same, but some guys like the mouth feel of a torp/beli.

As always, Steve, I very much value your insight and your generosity in sharing it.

As to your no. 5: Commonly heard argument is that toros/figurados are rolled by more experienced (read 'better') torceadors - thus, generally better construction. Does this position hold water?

 

[StogieNinja]

My follow up question is that wouldn't a standard torpedo cut with a smaller opening funnel the smoke down, creating a different smoking experience from your standart toro?