Not so subtle differences...?

[Craig Mac]

just to clarify, i think EVP was stating that the type of cut could affect flavor presentation, and that Cmac's point was that construction and blend across vitolas should be expected to be about equal. sound about right?

Yes, I see that now from his response. Didn't get that in the initial reading of his first post.

 

[Jfire]

If anyone can tell the "subtle differences" in a punch cut on a liga privada vs a double guillotine you are ONE HELL OF A CIGAR SMOKER. These cigars are power house cigars and are not "subtle" cigars in any way shape or form. The only difference I'd suspect is tarring around the head of the punch cut after the 2nd third......
Just my advice.
I've smoked 1926, 64s LFDs and Ligas both with a decent sized punch and a double guillotine. The only difference I've ever seen in both is the punch cut can have a very high rate of tarring due to so much Ligero being used in filler or a very oily wrapper in the brands described above.

 

[The EVP]

I should also clarify something. By "creamier", I meant softer or not as intense. Think black coffee vs coffee w/ cream in it. The strength of the coffee stays the same, but since the coffee is diluted with milk, it softens the flavors of black coffee.

A smaller opening, whether by cut or by RG size, is going to initially concentrate the smoke onto a smaller portion of your palate than a larger opening. More concentration = more intensity.

I'm probably not explaining it right.

 

[Lipher]

I should also clarify something. By "creamier", I meant softer or not as intense. Think black coffee vs coffee w/ cream in it. The strength of the coffee stays the same, but since the coffee is diluted with milk, it softens the flavors of black coffee.

A smaller opening, whether by cut or by RG size, is going to initially concentrate the smoke onto a smaller portion of your palate than a larger opening. More concentration = more intensity.

I'm probably not explaining it right.

I'm not sure about that since the amount of smoke remains the same. At first i thought yeah more surface area more flavor, but im starting to second guess myself.

I look at it this way. IF i make a 12oz glass of chocolate milk and split the beverage between 1 4oz glass and 1 8oz glass, it should taste the same. Assuming i use a straw to drink the 4oz one and use my mouth on the 8oz, it should still be the same.

Getting back to the punch vs straight cut, because the burning/tarring factor is affected here the end result CAN be different.

Another thought was if each ring size and length tasted the same why have so many different vitolas, besides mouth feel or time? Why prefer a lance over a robusto if they take the same amount of time to smoke?


I look forward to other replies as im finding this conversation fascinating.