Are torpedoes more "desirable?"

[BlackIrish]

Originally Posted by Darrell

Yes, I feel it does. I've had Coronas or smaller that were stellar and then had it's big brother (i.e. Robusto, Churchill, etc.) and the flavors were nowhere near as robust and full as they were in the smaller smoke. Binder/Filler/Wrapper ratio plays a big part in flavor IMO and the smaller sticks are without question a better ratio than the big ones.

Originally Posted by borndead1

I have found that you can tell quite a bit about the construction quality of a line of cigars by smoking a few belis/torps. Usually it is the size I try first.

I agree that within a line there often is a pretty wide range of variance among the different vitolas, for the reasons Darrell points out. I also tend to agree that the belis/torps are a good indicator of construction quality within a line. I like them because they're a way to enjoy a larger ring gauge vitola without having to do the largemouth bass thing.

[Tenor CS]

Originally Posted by BlackIrish

I like them because they're a way to enjoy a larger ring gauge vitola without having to do the largemouth bass thing.

That may be what draws me to them as well. I know that for huge rg sticks, like nubs, I much prefer the pointy ones. Smoking a 60+ rg stick for an hour or more is a real jawbuster.