Are all perlas/minutos "rough"?

[sjmistry]

Hello all:

I am looking into adding some boxes to my smoke now stash, for the coming colder months here in the NE US. I really like the Perlas sized offerings. In my opinion they are a perfect size as well as a respectable smoking time (20 - 30 minutes). Pricing wise I wouldn't be too upset if I had to put it out earlier than normal.

I started thinking about prior smoking experiences and realized that I have found most that I have smoked to be rough/harsh. Not sure if this had to do with the examples, storage conditions, smoking environment, etc. 

My question, has anyone had similar experiences/ feedback? Any advice?

Also open to suggestions if any current/recent production stands out. I have had RG, RASCC, SC Principe. 

Thanks. 

-Shake

[Akela3rd]

Hello all:
I am looking into adding some boxes to my smoke now stash, for the coming colder months here in the NE US. I really like the Perlas sized offerings. In my opinion they are a perfect size as well as a respectable smoking time (20 - 30 minutes). Pricing wise I wouldn't be too upset if I had to put it out earlier than normal.
I started thinking about prior smoking experiences and realized that I have found most that I have smoked to be rough/harsh. Not sure if this had to do with the examples, storage conditions, smoking environment, etc. 
My question, has anyone had similar experiences/ feedback? Any advice?
Also open to suggestions if any current/recent production stands out. I have had RG, RASCC, SC Principe. 
Thanks. 
-Shake

RASCC and El Principe are the slightly larger Minuto size (along with Partagas Shorts) but that aside Perlas shouldn't by and large be harsh. I'm a big fan of the RG Perlas and Monte 4s, both of which can be beautifully smooth chocolaty smokes. Try and find boxes with a few years on them, a couple of years at least, and if properly stored they'll be fine. I'd say the Monte 4 edges it for flavour and smoothness earlier, but the RGP after four years nudges ahead in my book. El Principe are one of the nicest small cigars out there young, Party Shorts a little longer. Trinidad Reyes are also very smooth given time. I'd say look at other factors rather than the cigars themselves. Lower humidity generally helps either in storage or when smoking them, as with all cigars.

Sent from my ActionMan walkie-talkie

[JohnS]

Perlas (and minutos) tend to be more intense in flavour than longer cigars of similar ring gauge. It's a common misnomer that shorter cigars are not as strong as longer (or bigger) cigars amongst enthusiasts new to this hobby. Of course @sjmistry, I'm not referring to you personally, just making a generalised summation.

I think what you are asking is something like this, "I love smaller cigars because they are quicker to smoke, but are there any that stand out as milder than normal?

The answer is yes, but some patience may be required. For example, I do like Rafael Gonzalez Perlas but the box I've almost finished is coded PMS Abr 15, so it's just over 3 years old. I've found these to be milder and not as "rough", however, I'm also going through a TOS Mar 16 San Cristobal de La Habana El Principe box and these are definitely more stronger, but, that's the way I like them.

I've had refined smaller cigars, but these have been invariably Cohiba offerings (Siglo I, Secretos, Exquisitos) aged at least 10 years. This may not be the solution you are seeking.

A recent poll of favoured perlas and minutos on our forum saw the Partagas Shorts and Trinidad Reyes as the most popular, and I believe from memory that the El Principe was third.

[Derboesekoenig]

30 minutes ago, Akela3rd said:

 

 

RASCC and El Principe are the slightly larger Minuto size (along with Partagas Shorts) but that aside Perlas shouldn't by and large be harsh. I'm a big fan of the RG Perlas and Monte 4s, both of which can be beautifully smooth chocolaty smokes. Try and find boxes with a few years on them, a couple of years at least, and if properly stored they'll be fine. I'd say the Monte 4 edges it for flavour and smoothness earlier, but the RGP after four years nudges ahead in my book. El Principe are one of the nicest small cigars out there young, Party Shorts a little longer. Trinidad Reyes are also very smooth given time. I'd say look at other factors rather than the cigars themselves. Lower humidity generally helps either in storage or when smoking them, as with all cigars.

Sent from my ActionMan walkie-talkie
 

 

While I've never gotten chocolate from the RG Perlas (I'm halfway through smoking through a May '15 box), they are one of my favorites. Very unique, floral, smooth smoke. I also loved the few Principes I've smoked, but these two were very different for me. I've been loving all the Trinidad i've tried, and I've been alternating smoking between the RG and the Trini Reyes every day. I would pair the Reyes with my morning coffee, and the RG for whenever. I tried it with tea the other day, and it paired very well actually.

If you want something even quicker (I can smoke through a Perla/Reyes anywhere from 35 mins-50 mins), try the ERDM Demi-Tasse, for <30 mins. "Roughness" might also depend on age and storing conditions, but I don't recall having a "rough" one

Good luck!

[sjmistry]

8 minutes ago, JohnS said:

A recent poll of favoured perlas and minutos on our forum saw the Partagas Shorts and Trinidad Reyes as the most popular, and I believe from memory that the El Principe was third.

Thanks for the info John, I saw that post when searching through the site.

I have always enjoyed the Reyes but they are a bit more pricey than some of the others. I cannot say that I had a Shorts that hooked me perhaps because I am not enamored with Partagas in general. I have noticed that you have constant compliments for Principe and crush them. I thought the ones I have were not as good the one you have/smoke through, but it makes sense based on your statement regarding strength.

I will agree with you in regards to the misconception that shorter/smaller cigars are not strong. I had a NC, an Opus XXX, that gave me the spins.

 

-Shake

[Stump89]

I always will reach for RG Perlas, but you can't go wrong with the RASCC or principe.  

I agree that the Trini Reyes or demi tasse would make great choices as well.

[Silverstix]

The small format cigars do need to be smoked a little slower, if you motor through them they are more susceptible to heating up and getting harsh due to their size.  So keep that in mind too

[foursite12]

In a word--yes, they are generally more up front, bright and vibrant.  They are purpose built that way to fit specific needs and smoking windows.  I have often referred to Parti Shorts as a "wham bam thank you ma'am cigar" and it works so well in the morning as a slap-in-the-face welcome to the day--which is also a time slot well suited to a high-intensity, short-duration, cigar.  For this reason, many prefer this profile when they are young and fresh, still retaining that snap before age sands down the elbows and knees.

[Ericbrobes]

I've found that with a little time on them and taking my time smoking them that usually they are quite the treat.