Short Cigar Selection

– for when time is limited.

That Robusto or Corona may look inviting but if you only have 20/30 minutes available, you will have to rush and abuse all the nuances of these wonderful cigars. They will smoke bitter, harsh and hot if smoked too fast. For such a short time a smaller cigar may be a better choice.
I’m not talking about a charming little Purito or Cigarillo for a quick smoke at interval, or while you’re waiting for your other half to be ready to move.
Rather about the occasion when you are ready to relax with a good full-bodied cigar, but have only about 20-40 minutes available.
The Half Corona was the original vitola designed for these occasions - 102mm x Ring 40. Think Montecristo 5 and Cohiba Siglo I.
There were sizes available that were just a little longer, or just a little thicker but they were all essentially the same – good pleasant, fairly rich cigars.
But for those smokers who normally like a Robusto, they were just not satisfying enough. Here are some variations of shorter, thicker cigars for when time is limited.

Which do you prefer?
Gillian Wesley

Guantanamera Minutos 100mm x Ring 42 (Cuban)
Relatively thick for its length, the short filler gives an easy, mostly consistent, draw. Guantanamera was introduced to the international market in 2002. The cigars are made with tobacco from Vuelta Arriba, the second most important tobacco-growing region in Cuba. All sizes are "mecanizado" – totally machine made at a modern factory recently created in Havana. The wrappers are smooth with no lumps, bruises or thick veins.

Santa Damiana Short Robusto  102mm x Ring 50  (Dominican)
The name originally belonged to a Cuban cigar; the Dominican version was launched in 1992. These mild to medium, well-balanced cigars are probably as smooth cigars as you will find, with a beautifully silky-smooth Connecticut shade wrapper and a creamy taste. The burn is even, the ash is firm and the draw comfortable, as one would expect. And the size is perfect for a “short smoke” 25-30 minutes.

H.Upmann Half Corona 90mm x Ring 44 (Cuban)
A small attractive Havana, smaller and thicker than a classic half corona. It has a good even draw; and surprisingly complex flavours for such a small cigar. This cigar offers a compact experience with the breadth of a more traditional cigar, lasting just about 30 minutes. It is an excellent choice for a midday break or a pre-dinner smoke, for all levels of smokers. Released at Habanos Festival 2011, it is one of the smallest on the market - making it popular among smokers who are short of time. Cigar Aficionado rating 91

You could also try an Oliva “Nub” (102mm x Ring 60) for the thickest of these cigars.

A Note on Smoking Cigars
For all cigar smoking the rule is: sip the cigar, like a wine-tasting, roll the smoke around in your mouth to savour the flavour, then gently let it out. If you draw too fast the smoke becomes hot and bitter. A cigar that has gone out can simply be re-lit. Cigars do not contain additives to keep them burning so if/when your cigar goes out, gently tap off the loose ash, blow through to expel stale smoke, re-light and continue to enjoy it.