are we seeing a move in vitola/ring gauge trends?

[El Presidente]

I pretty much keep my head down and focus on what I/we are doing in terms of the cigar world. There isn't enough hours in the day to take the time to see what others are doing. 

There is an apparent trend however that I am excited about and that is the release of thinner gauge cigars. Today's cigar news sees a new Lancero, Corona and Panatela (all different manufacturers) released to the market. 

It appears every week there is another sub 44 gauge cigar being released in the NC world.  I am not saying that they are good and guess for every < 44 there are ten Toro's released ......... but personally, I am just a little bit excited that the corner has possibly turned. 

Two questions

1. For those more in the know, is the trend real or imagined? 

2. What are your favourite sub 44 gauge cigars in the NC world today? 

 

[Low]

1) More and more brands are releasing cigars that are 44 and lower, but I don't think it's indicative of general trends. My take is that there was a large influx of new smokers that happened during covid that are now entering the "connoisseur" phase, where they shun anything over 46rg, and bigger brands are trying to appease them the moment. They search for smaller rg, and turn their nose up at the casual who smokes jawbreakers. They will eventually grow out of this and evolve into a "smoke what you like" type. And this is all happening while the average smoker is still reaching for 50+, since they're only a couple dollars more but last up to an extra hour. 

2) The Arturo Fuente Casa Cuba Lancero is the best thing that Fuente makes imo. Too bad it's only available at their store in Las Vegas.

Other great lanceros in no order - Tatuaje El Triunfador Broadleaf, Muestra de Saka #NLMTHA, Southern Draw Rose of Sharon, Leaf by Oscar Maduro, Oliva Serie V 

Honestly, the best sub 44 cigar non lancero I've smoked in years was the 2023 Nudie PC. There is no other NW PC that even comes close. 

 

[MrBirdman]

More and more lanceros are being made in the NC world, and I attribute this (at least in part) to the efforts of manufacturers, retailers, and reviewers to educate people about their delights. Other skinnies like panatelas are still fairly rare. 

I don’t really buy the “connoisseur” phase argument above - I’d wager most NC smokers have never smoked a lancero. 

[NSXCIGAR]

4 hours ago, MrBirdman said:

I don’t really buy the “connoisseur” phase argument above - I’d wager most NC smokers have never smoked a lancero. 

There was a thread about this (or a comment) not that long ago. Why are long skinnies considered "connoisseur's" vitolas. I'd guess because smoking them requires slow and gentle drawing being careful not to overheat the cigar, perhaps lending itself to "savoring" the cigar more. 

Not saying I agree but I would guess that's possibly the origin of the sentiment. 

[PigFish]

Cuba... outflanked by the expats, yet again! Tell me you did not see this coming!!!

[SCgarman]

Sorry to hijack, but bring on them Spada Gordas Rob! Looking forward to a really good 6X46 "corona extra+". 

[El Presidente]

2 hours ago, SCgarman said:

Sorry to hijack, but bring on them Spada Gordas Rob! Looking forward to a really good 6X46 "corona extra+". 

 

....a week away