Questions You Thought Too Stupid To Ask

[Herf N Turf]

We had this at the old place and it was a very popular, educational thread. Mostly for the Newb, even the veteran can learn that something he's been doing for years isn't optimal.

Have fun with this one.

I'll start.

Q: What is "toasting" and what good is it?

A: Toasting is the practice of gently applying heat to the foot of the cigar, prior to actually, "lighting". By holding the flame slightly away and beneath the foot, a "char" is achieved, which serves to both pre-warm the tobacco as well as provide a layer of "protection" against scorching the tobacco during lighting. Scorching is our greatest adversary during lighting and should be avoided at all cost. Once the foot tobacco is scorched, it permeates and ruins the entire cigar.

[FireRunner]

I get this one from new cigar smokers all the time.

Question: Does the size of the cigar make a difference?

Answer: Yes.

A cigar is a blend of three main parts, all of which come together to give you the flavor of a cigar. The three parts are the wrapper, binder and filler. The smaller the cigar the less of each three parts used. The larger the cigar the more of each three parts used. Therefore, the flavor of a 46 ring gauge cigar will differ from a 56 gauge cigar. There are many factors, below are two major ones.

The Filler: The larger the cigar gauge the more filler is required. This changes the flavor of a cigar because there is more tobacco filler burning. Typically, smaller gauge cigars have stronger flavor and larger gauge have less.

The Draw: Larger gauge cigars allow more air to flow through while drawing. This changes many things (too many to get into) but the main factor is how quickly the cigar burns. A faster draw leads to more air. More air leads to faster burning. Faster burning leads to a different taste and possibly a harsh flavor from the cigar.

Again, there are many - many - factors that come into play regarding flavor and size. But, to me the above two are key. I'm sure others can elaborate.

[Herf N Turf]

Oh, crap! One thing I forgot to mention is, you DO NOT have to have the answer to a question to post it in here! This is about learning, not so much a show of knowledge. If you have the answer to a popular, "stupid question", like Henry, great. If not, just ask it and someone will surely come along with the answer.

[Browns7213]

Do low carb diets affect one's nicotine tolerance?

[piperdown]

Ahem
http://www.cigarbum.com/forum/showthread.php?459-Questions-You-Thought-Were-Too-Dumb-to-Ask

[Browns7213]

Ahem
http://www.cigarbum.com/forum/showthread.php?459-Questions-You-Thought-Were-Too-Dumb-to-Ask

He's obviously gotten into the Glenlivet we sent him!

[PSD4]

Does this robusto make me look fat?

[TCBSmokes]

I was going to ask the difference between a "dumb" question and a "stupid" question but I wasn't sure whether it belonged on this thread or the "Questions You Thought Were Too Dumb To Ask" thread. I'm so confused. :confused:

[Browns7213]

Does this robusto make me look fat?

Yes!

[TCBSmokes]

Oh, crap! One thing I forgot to mention is, you DO NOT have to have the answer to a question to post it in here! This is about learning, not so much a show of knowledge. If you have the answer to a popular, "stupid question", like Henry, great. If not, just ask it and someone will surely come along with the answer.


OOOooohhh! So that's how questions work. Thanks. :)

[droy1958]

Am I too stupid to realize this thread is dumb, and do smaller ring gauge cigars rest/age faster????....

[TCBSmokes]

Am I too stupid to realize this thread is dumb, and do smaller ring gauge cigars rest/age faster????....

No. No. This is the stupid thread. Please refer your question to the other thread. :D

[LAN CERO]

Do low carb diets affect one's nicotine tolerance?

I'll be able to answer that in a few weeks. :D

[Bruck]

Do low carb diets affect one's nicotine tolerance?

Not in my experience.

[Cameradude]

I'd say 95% of the time, after my first ash drops, my cigar burn line goes awry. Doesn't matter if I let the ash drop naturally, or if i tap the ash in my tray. One side of the cigar goes ape shit and burns down one side and not the other. But before the ash falls, it's razor sharp. The rest of the cigar I seem to be having to do maintenance on the burn line to keep things nice and even. Am I doing something wrong? Is this normal and I am just paranoid about an even cigar burn line?

[Cardinal]

I'd say 95% of the time, after my first ash drops, my cigar burn line goes awry. Doesn't matter if I let the ash drop naturally, or if i tap the ash in my tray. One side of the cigar goes ape shit and burns down one side and not the other. But before the ash falls, it's razor sharp. The rest of the cigar I seem to be having to do maintenance on the burn line to keep things nice and even. Am I doing something wrong? Is this normal and I am just paranoid about an even cigar burn line?

I like a straight burn too. First, I try to let the ash fall naturally, or with a tiny tap when I can tell it's about to go. I also habitually give a little purge (blow out rather than sucking smoke in) after the ash falls, which heats up the cherry and tends to keep the edges of the wrapper lit. YMMV.

[MataFina]

What I have recently started playing with is to adjust my puff (is that a 4 letter word now?). as soon as the ash fall, whether it's on the ashtray or my lap, I'll take a long and slow "draw" to make sure the amber lights up the binder and wrapper edges, seems to be working so far.

I'd say 95% of the time, after my first ash drops, my cigar burn line goes awry. Doesn't matter if I let the ash drop naturally, or if i tap the ash in my tray. One side of the cigar goes ape shit and burns down one side and not the other. But before the ash falls, it's razor sharp. The rest of the cigar I seem to be having to do maintenance on the burn line to keep things nice and even. Am I doing something wrong? Is this normal and I am just paranoid about an even cigar burn line?

[Cameradude]

That might be the ticket. I tend to ash naturally during a draw, or immediately after. Then it is usually another minute give or take before I take another. I will try this on my next smoke. Thanks bums!

[Browns7213]

Not in my experience.

How low did you take your carb intake? I was at <25 for about 6-weeks and cigars that I normally had no issue with started to bite me.

[garublador]

What I have recently started playing with is to adjust my puff (is that a 4 letter word now?). as soon as the ash fall, whether it's on the ashtray or my lap, I'll take a long and slow "draw" to make sure the amber lights up the binder and wrapper edges, seems to be working so far.I've had similar problems and that's a really good idea. I've been consciously trying to adjust my puff technique to help my cigars burn better and that's a nice trick to add to my arsenal.

Another observation I had is that the cigar that has burned the best for me also seemed to be packed pretty tight (CAO MX2). That may be worth noting when you smoke a cigar to try to guess how it will burn and what sort of attention it will need.

[MataFina]

I have been using that technique to make sure the cigar burns even with out running or tunneling as I smoke as well...as I am drawing, I'll watch the burn line to see if I have the amber lighting the whole way around, if when I am done with my draw I don't see the a nice red ring all the way around the burn line, I will carefully keep on sipping until I get an even burn...It has been working for me.

Hope the description makes sense.

[OldSkoolTarHeel]

Another technique you can use is two-fold. First, slowly rotate the stick as you smoke it. I try to give mine a quarter turn after every puff. This is because of point two, if a side isn't burning well, put that side down. I always thought that you should put the non-burning side up to help the heat get there, but that's actually the opposite. The heat and flame from the bottom actually uses all the oxygen and the top is left suffocating.

So, slowly rotate, and if it's not burning well, put the less lit side toward the ground.

PS. the non burning part down only works if it's just a slower burn and not completely out yet.

[LAN CERO]

Another technique you can use is two-fold. First, slowly rotate the stick as you smoke it. I try to give mine a quarter turn after every puff. This is because of point two, if a side isn't burning well, put that side down. I always thought that you should put the non-burning side up to help the heat get there, but that's actually the opposite. The heat and flame from the bottom actually uses all the oxygen and the top is left suffocating.

So, slowly rotate, and if it's not burning well, put the less lit side toward the ground.

PS. the non burning part down only works if it's just a slower burn and not completely out yet.

This. ;)

[Bruck]

How low did you take your carb intake? I was at <25 for about 6-weeks and cigars that I normally had no issue with started to bite me.

By 25 I assume you mean grams of carbo? I never got that low, maybe 50. Didn't seem to have an effect on tolerance of Uncle Nick anyway.

[DarkKnight]

I haven't been smoking cigars that long, but what I've found is the rh used to play havoc on my burn. I started off maintaining my humidor at 70rh and had constant relights, and uneven burn lines. Once I dropped it down to ~65rh, the relights are rare, and my burn lines across different brands have been MUCH better. Of course, YMMV.



I'd say 95% of the time, after my first ash drops, my cigar burn line goes awry. Doesn't matter if I let the ash drop naturally, or if i tap the ash in my tray. One side of the cigar goes ape shit and burns down one side and not the other. But before the ash falls, it's razor sharp. The rest of the cigar I seem to be having to do maintenance on the burn line to keep things nice and even. Am I doing something wrong? Is this normal and I am just paranoid about an even cigar burn line?

[Cameradude]

I keep everything at 65% so I doubt that is it. Like I said, it burns perfect until I ash and on some cigars that can be half of it. I have yet to try any of the other recommended techniques due to the weather.

[Herf N Turf]

Not many noobs here yet, so I thought I'd give this a bump.

Q: What's purging and what good is it?

A: Blowing gently back through a lit cigar in order to expel acrid flavors created by stale smoke trapped in the cigar. Also helps clear excess tar if combined with a closely held flame.

[Sticky B]

How do you slow down? Im a turbo smoker and I smoke mainly with tall and stubby pokers, I like my toungue and want to keep it. So what do you do to slow down?

Try putting the cigar down. Sometimes not holding in your hand 100% of the time makes it a lot easier not to keep puffin and puffin on it

[Branzig]

Try putting the cigar down. Sometimes not holding in your hand 100% of the time makes it a lot easier not to keep puffin and puffin on it

How'd this happen?

You just answered a question form the pipe thread in the cigar thread....weird.

Also, what kind of cigar are you smoking that is a "tall, stubby poker" Sean? :p

[Sticky B]

How'd this happen?

You just answered a question form the pipe thread in the cigar thread....weird.

Also, what kind of cigar are you smoking that is a "tall, stubby poker" Sean? :p

Seriously, I thought the question was phrased oddly. Like, I really couldn't make sense of it, but I tried my best anyway, lol

As to what happened and how I answered one question elsewhere... I transcend time and space? Iunno. Accidents

[Puff]

Try putting the cigar down. Sometimes not holding in your hand 100% of the time makes it a lot easier not to keep puffin and puffin on it

Great point and often I have to remind myself of that! Usually the more time I spend smoking a cigar, the more I enjoy it. When I just keep puffing away, it burns hot which isn't so good and I find myself not thinking too much about the cigar but what else is happening around me.

Be with one with your cigar. :)

[bgood]

I'm travelling to Florida from Ontario, Canada, in a couple of weeks. I want to bring down some sticks from my humi. Most are from Nicaragaura and the DR but I have several Habanos from the forbidden island. Does the law in the US now allow me to bring some of these with me on my trip to Florida?

[Horseshoe]

I'm travelling to Florida from Ontario, Canada, in a couple of weeks. I want to bring down some sticks from my humi. Most are from Nicaragaura and the DR but I have several Habanos from the forbidden island. Does the law in the US now allow me to bring some of these with me on my trip to Florida?

Take the bands off. They will never know what the country of origin was.

[Kookla]

I'd say 95% of the time, after my first ash drops, my cigar burn line goes awry. Doesn't matter if I let the ash drop naturally, or if i tap the ash in my tray. One side of the cigar goes ape shit and burns down one side and not the other. But before the ash falls, it's razor sharp. The rest of the cigar I seem to be having to do maintenance on the burn line to keep things nice and even. Am I doing something wrong? Is this normal and I am just paranoid about an even cigar burn line?

I find rotating cigar a bit after every puff helps a lot to keep the burn line sharp. I also do fancy an even burn line :)

Thank you for bringing this post over @HerfNTurf!!!

[wabashcr]

Does the law in the US now allow me to bring some of these with me on my trip to Florida?

No. Only when traveling from Cuba. As Horseshoe said, take off the bands and you'll be fine.

[Hardheaded]

Here is one that should get asked.

Do different wrappers burn better than others? Some wrappers seem to be made of asbestos and just refuse to burn. Everything is stored at 65% and given plenty of time to acclimate. The last time I had that problem was with a PA Broadleaf wrapped cigar that had almost 3 months sitting at 65%.

[Browns7213]

Broadleaf is one of the thickest wrappers out there and I have had a lot of burn issues with it from many manufacturers. And if even if the burn is perfect it tends to take a lot longer to get from end to end on broadleaf wrappers. YMMV.

[bgood]

Thanks for the helpful replies.

[Hardheaded]

Broadleaf is one of the thickest wrappers out there and I have had a lot of burn issues with it from many manufacturers. And if even if the burn is perfect it tends to take a lot longer to get from end to end on broadleaf wrappers. YMMV.

Thats what I thought I remembered about it after I lit it, but was not quite sure.

Any tips for solving that sort of problem?

[piperdown]

Thats what I thought I remembered about it after I lit it, but was not quite sure.

Any tips for solving that sort of problem?

Either dry box it for a day or drop the rH closer to 60% for a while.

[Herf N Turf]

He should have been banned six posts ago. Wave g'bye.

I never liked him when he was a band. I can only imagine this is Sebastian Bach trying to get any sort of publicity he can. Sickening.

[gordo1473]

Well done

[Kookla]

I just red in another post someone freezes all their cigars before putting then in the humidor. Why? How long do you have to wait to smoke one if you do go that route?

Thanks 

[Chadderkdawg]

I just red in another post someone freezes all their cigars before putting then in the humidor. Why? How long do you have to wait to smoke one if you do go that route?

Thanks 

I've read at least 48 hours. Reasoning behind it is to kill any potential cigar beetle problems.

[Kookla]

I've read at least 48 hours. Reasoning behind it is to kill any potential cigar beetle problems.

Makes sense :) So how long would they have to rest in the humi after the freeze?

[Chadderkdawg]

Makes sense :) So how long would they have to rest in the humi after the freeze?

Your guess is as good as mine... 48 hours isn't going to change in RH of the stick too much, but I would say the usual 4-6 week rest would be fine in my eyes. This is total speculation though, I have no basis for these comments :)

[Rocket Scientologist]

I just red in another post someone freezes all their cigars before putting then in the humidor. Why? How long do you have to wait to smoke one if you do go that route? Thanks

The amount of time in the freezer depends on the temperature in your freezer. At 23*F it's 48 hours, but at 32*F it's 240 hours. Your typical freezer is probably somewhere in between. I used to freeze the cigars I ordered online, but didn't like the idea of freezing them from 2-10 days. It just didn't seem right. Also, I went fridge - freezer - fridge - cooler - humidor in order to slowly change the temperature of the cigars. Too much of a hassle, I want to smoke.

After freezing, you'd want to give the cigars at least 2 weeks in the humidor to acclimate, plus your personal resting time.

[Kookla]

The amount of time in the freezer depends on the temperature in your freezer. At 23*F it's 48 hours, but at 32*F it's 240 hours. Your typical freezer is probably somewhere in between. I used to freeze the cigars I ordered online, but didn't like the idea of freezing them from 2-10 days. It just didn't seem right. Also, I went fridge - freezer - fridge - cooler - humidor in order to slowly change the temperature of the cigars. Too much of a hassle, I want to smoke.

After freezing, you'd want to give the cigars at least 2 weeks in the humidor to acclimate, plus your personal resting time.

Thanks! I never really thought about freezing and I kinda does seem bit of a hassle. So if it's not necessary, I may pass:)

[Old Smokey]

Thanks! I never really thought about freezing and I kinda does seem bit of a hassle. So if it's not necessary, I may pass:)

If the temps stay below 70f ( or is it 72f?) beetle eggs won't hatch. That one reason people try to keep their cigars in a cool place if possible.

[JollyRogers]

Is there a general rule of thumb on how humidity affects the flavor of a cigar if at all? I realize a drier cigar is easier to smoke/keep lit, but how much of a role does humidity play in the actual flavors? And what should I be looking for flavor wise while smoking to tell if my cigars need a bit more or less humidity?

[theHammer56]

If freezing a batch of cigars truly does kill all the beetles / eggs - and not affect the quality of the cigar - why don't the cigar makers make this a part of THEIR process prior to shipping them out?

[Browns7213]

If freezing a batch of cigars truly does kill all the beetles / eggs - and not affect the quality of the cigar - why don't the cigar makers make this a part of THEIR process prior to shipping them out?

Many do. The problem is that there is no way to tell if every single egg was destroyed. So if it goes out the door and gets stuck in transit on its way to Powder Springs, GA in July when its 106 with 99% humidity, eggs can hatch.

[Bernardini]

Is there a general rule of thumb on how humidity affects the flavor of a cigar if at all? I realize a drier cigar is easier to smoke/keep lit, but how much of a role does humidity play in the actual flavors? And what should I be looking for flavor wise while smoking to tell if my cigars need a bit more or less humidity?

It comes down to personal preference. For me, an over humidified cigar tastes bitter, and this bitterness kills all other flavors. A lot of guys on here go 65 or lower, while some like 70. I kept playing with humidity until I found a level for best burn and overall experience. However, my preferred RH doesn't mean it would be your RH. Best advice, play with the RH. Over time, you will find what you like.

[Skillett]

Is the cap actually put on last and over the last roll or is it tucked in?

[Skillett]

Why are some cigars rolled to the left and some rolled to the right?

[OnePyroTec]

Because there are two sides of the wrapper leaf.

[Rocket Scientologist]

Would vacuum sealing cigars for shipping be a good idea or bad one? I'm thinking they'd be protected, but unable to breathe.

[Browns7213]

Is the cap actually put on last and over the last roll or is it tucked in?

Usually last. The roller will turn the cigar over and place the cap end on a leaf and will cut around the cigar with the chaveta and pull the leaf up over the cigar. He will then shape the cap down on the cigar around the wrapper.

[CoachDread]

Would vacuum sealing cigars for shipping be a good idea or bad one? I'm thinking they'd be protected, but unable to breathe.

I'm wondering the same thing. Would it just stop the aging? Or would it lead to sick cigars because the gasses can't escape?

[UncleFesterESQ]

Would vacuum sealing cigars for shipping be a good idea or bad one? I'm thinking they'd be protected, but unable to breathe.

I'd be more worried about the damage to the cigars due to the compression.

[Bull]

Would vacuum sealing cigars for shipping be a good idea or bad one? I'm thinking they'd be protected, but unable to breathe.
While I don't spend extra for vacuum sealimg, many of my vendors do, and I appreciate it.
No downside and never received a damaged cigar.
VS is very popular with the CC market

[ssaka]

I am going to admit I am quickly banging through the topics, but I am wee bit confused... vacuum sealing is definite -not- good... it actually causes cigars with lighter materials to spilt and those with heavy materials to scrunch up like a dried out turd... don't believe me, anyone with a foodsaver can try it for themselves.. heck here is some pics of some vacuum sealed LP FFPs prototypes for reference... are we confusing heat shrinking with vacuum sealing?

STS

28362835

[Bull]

I thought we were talking a out Vacuum sealing BOXes, not singles....never knew anyone to seal singles

[ssaka]

It would do the same thing... cigar boxes aren't hermetically sealed... maybe if it was done at very low bar, but that requires very specialized equipment.. I don't know, it just struck me as odd... so I posted what I did as I am curious...

BR,

STS

[Bull]

The sealed boxes I get aren't sealed like you would a steak, I would call it more of a loose seal....

[allusred]

Great point and often I have to remind myself of that! Usually the more time I spend smoking a cigar, the more I enjoy it. When I just keep puffing away, it burns hot which isn't so good and I find myself not thinking too much about the cigar but what else is happening around me.

Be with one with your cigar. :)

IMHO a lot depends on how fast one smokes. I'm a slow...very slow smoker, retrohale often, no problem with cigars getting too hot.

[allusred]

I find rotating cigar a bit after every puff helps a lot to keep the burn line sharp. I also do fancy an even burn line :)

Thank you for bringing this post over @HerfNTurf!!!

Some will self correct, the razor sharp/even burn line always nice, smoked my first Quesada Reserva Privada 4.75x52 size, when the burn line wavered it self corrected quickly,looked like a little pin point dot of fire circled around the cigar.A nice touch likely indicative of good construction, tho it could just as well been a little LSD like effect triggered in the smoker,did look nice.Might not have noticed if I'd not been concentrating on trying to pick up flavours .

[Zeede]

I've read in reviews how such and such cigar burned cool, even right behind the burn line.

Is this a desireable effect that one should aim for, or is it just some cigars that will burn cool?

Almost all of my cigars are quite warm in the half inch or so behind the burn line.

I have also noticed that I take fairly long puffs, but I do make sure to wait a minute between puffs at least. Maybe I should take shorter, less deep puffs more frequently to avoid those peak temperature spikes?

[garublador]

I have also noticed that I take fairly long puffs, but I do make sure to wait a minute between puffs at least. Maybe I should take shorter, less deep puffs more frequently to avoid those peak temperature spikes?It will depend on the cigar and exactly how "long" and "short" you're talking about, but I've found that shallower, slightly more frequent puffs has helped my cigars burn more consistently.

I'm learning that the optimal frequency and deepness of the puff seems to depends a lot on the RG and draw of the cigar. Some cigars that I've had (Illusione Rothschild in particular, some less expensive maduros as well) seem to require more attention in this regard. However I had a Padron 2000 Maduro that was just super easy to smoke.

[Tombstone]

I am going to admit I am quickly banging through the topics, but I am wee bit confused... vacuum sealing is definite -not- good... it actually causes cigars with lighter materials to spilt and those with heavy materials to scrunch up like a dried out turd... don't believe me, anyone with a foodsaver can try it for themselves.. heck here is some pics of some vacuum sealed LP FFPs prototypes for reference... are we confusing heat shrinking with vacuum sealing?

STS

28362835

Dang looks like a nasty pickle.

[Rocket Scientologist]

I am going to admit I am quickly banging through the topics, but I am wee bit confused... vacuum sealing is definite -not- good... it actually causes cigars with lighter materials to spilt and those with heavy materials to scrunch up like a dried out turd... don't believe me, anyone with a foodsaver can try it for themselves.. heck here is some pics of some vacuum sealed LP FFPs prototypes for reference... are we confusing heat shrinking with vacuum sealing?

STS

I was asking about vacuum sealing singles, but I won't be doing that any time soon. Thanks Steve.

[Bull]

To be clear, vacuum sealing is primarily for shipping and freezing. .for long term aging I wrap boxes in wax paper. ...but that is another subject

[rodwha]

Were your sticks neglected and the humidification device depleted at what point is there no point in trying to fix them, at what point do you give up and start over?

How do you keep tabs on when it's time to refill a humidifier or replace a Boveda pack?

[Tombstone]

Were your sticks neglected and the humidification device depleted at what point is there no point in trying to fix them, at what point do you give up and start over?

How do you keep tabs on when it's time to refill a humidifier or replace a Boveda pack?

I just give it a visual or touch inspection depending on the type of humidification. If the humidor I am in is in need of attention I will check all the rest as well then.

[DLtoker]

Vacuum Sealer is my best friend... But, I don't pull a vacuum! Long term storage and aging is easy as heck. I just crack the bags open every few months for a few minutes to cycle in fresh air and inspect. It's been working well for me so far.

2867

[CoachDread]

I've searched and read what I can find about burn lines (yes, I'm a little obsessive about it, a little problem can become a big one if you don't fix it) and the prevailing wisdom is to put the slower burning side down. This works for me a significant portion of the time and I really don't have too many burn issues since lowering my rh to 65%. But...in the last month I have had 2 cigars where putting the slow side down didn't work, but when I put the slow side up it corrected. Are there just different cigars that will respond differently to which side is up? Could it have to do with how tightly packed they are? I would have thought it might be the scotch or tequila, but both times it happened when I was drinking coffee with my cigar. And....discuss.

[defetis]

Why is Crowned Heads rushing their production and putting out stuff thats not ready? I've seen similar issues lately with Caldwell and a few other brands

[jhedrick83]

I've searched and read what I can find about burn lines (yes, I'm a little obsessive about it, a little problem can become a big one if you don't fix it) and the prevailing wisdom is to put the slower burning side down. This works for me a significant portion of the time and I really don't have too many burn issues since lowering my rh to 65%. But...in the last month I have had 2 cigars where putting the slow side down didn't work, but when I put the slow side up it corrected. Are there just different cigars that will respond differently to which side is up? Could it have to do with how tightly packed they are? I would have thought it might be the scotch or tequila, but both times it happened when I was drinking coffee with my cigar. And....discuss.

Has it been windy those two times? My porch can get quite windy, when that happens the top tends to burn a bit faster as the bottom is better shielded from the wind by the ashtray.

[CoachDread]

Has it been windy those two times? My porch can get quite windy, when that happens the top tends to burn a bit faster as the bottom is better shielded from the wind by the ashtray.

An excellent question. Not that I noticed but it is always a little breezy. I do enjoy my cigars while watching the afternoon/evening thunderstorms roll in...I'll have to pay more attention to that. It may be that the airflow in that little corner (I keep my ashtray down on a small table tucked into a corner to avoid excess wind or any kind of rain) allows the breeze to change significantly depending on the direction of the breeze. Great thought, thanks Jesse!

[jhedrick83]

An excellent question. Not that I noticed but it is always a little breezy. I do enjoy my cigars while watching the afternoon/evening thunderstorms roll in...I'll have to pay more attention to that. It may be that the airflow in that little corner (I keep my ashtray down on a small table tucked into a corner to avoid excess wind or any kind of rain) allows the breeze to change significantly depending on the direction of the breeze. Great thought, thanks Jesse!

There may be more to it than that, but that may be a big factor.

[Zeede]

Another possibility is that when you have the slow side down the ligero is heating up, but hasn't burned the wrapper yet. Then, when you give up and turn it to the top, the wrapper finally catches on fire.

Another possibility is that one side of the cigar was laying against a more moist surface like a wall of the humidor, or a wetter new arrival cigar.

Or the cigar was just packed too tight on that side, or veins in the wrapper...

Aren't handmade goods fun? :)

[Billb1960]

Why is Crowned Heads rushing their production and putting out stuff thats not ready? I've seen similar issues lately with Caldwell and a few other brands

http://m.memegen.com/5s1f07.jpg

[FireTom]

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I thought this was the best place for my question. How should I keep track of the age of my cigars? They are currently all in cellophane so could I just write a date on the bottom flap of the cellophane with a super fine sharpie or could the ink have some sort of adverse effect on the cigars? Do I need to find some kind of blank bands to date them with?

[gordo1473]

If they have cello just sharpie on the cello. If no band you can buy blank bands.

[Demuths1770]

for celloed cigars i use small square stickers to put the date on and on uncelloed cigars i cut an index card into small rectangles and put the date on it and gently slide it under part of the cigar band

[AK47]

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I thought this was the best place for my question. How should I keep track of the age of my cigars? They are currently all in cellophane so could I just write a date on the bottom flap of the cellophane with a super fine sharpie or could the ink have some sort of adverse effect on the cigars? Do I need to find some kind of blank bands to date them with?

I have a cigar notebook and I keep a log of cigars I've currently got and date I got them, and cross them off as I smoke them. Low tech ;)

[bluenoser]

I have a cigar notebook and I keep a log of cigars I've currently got and date I got them, and cross them off as I smoke them. Low tech ;)

I started this way but found I tend to buy singles or fivers and replenish before existing stock is gone leading to me forgetting which was new and which was old. Since I've been using the sharpie on the cello, or looking back through cigarbum posts to see when my sticks arrived

[Lostmason]

If you don't want to order cigar bands,those cheap lables from walmart work on the cello.

[JollyRogers]

Random question, should the Comancho Barrel Aged be stored separately like infused/flavored sticks?

[allusred]

Random question, should the Comancho Barrel Aged be stored separately like infused/flavored sticks?

Why not keep them in the Barrel as shipped?

[JollyRogers]

Why not keep them in the Barrel as shipped?

Just bought a single...

[allusred]

Just bought a single...

Barrels do vary in size.
Some Cigars come in Coffins.
Coffins vary in size as well.
Coffins can be purty.
As can Barrels.
Cofins.
Coffin Nails. As = Cigarets.
Small cigars bout same size as Cigarets.
Tis said that it ain't the coff thet carries you off.
Tis the Coffin they carries you off in.

[Rocket Scientologist]

Random question, should the Comancho Barrel Aged be stored separately like infused/flavored sticks?

I don't. The aging technique is similar to the Anejo and I wouldn't call those infused or flavored. I also keep mine in the cello, so whatever transfer of flavor there might be is slow.

[restomod]

I just got an OG OSOK from Brian in a bomb. Never had a pyramid style cigar before or one this close to a pyramid if it is technically not one. The foot is open a little already but are you supposed to nip more off or is it meant to be lit as is?

https://cdn2.jrcigars.com/images/item/main/1445618134816-0.jpeg/220/220

[allusred]

I just got an OG OSOK from Brian in a bomb. Never had a pyramid style cigar before or one this close to a pyramid if it is technically not one. The foot is open a little already but are you supposed to nip more off or is it meant to be lit as is?

https://cdn2.jrcigars.com/images/item/main/1445618134816-0.jpeg/220/220

light as is...thats what I do...and enjoy that fine cigar.

[Hardheaded]

I just got an OG OSOK from Brian in a bomb. Never had a pyramid style cigar before or one this close to a pyramid if it is technically not one. The foot is open a little already but are you supposed to nip more off or is it meant to be lit as is?

https://cdn2.jrcigars.com/images/item/main/1445618134816-0.jpeg/220/220

Just light and enjoy. That is more of a Salomon vitola than pyramid, FYI.

[restomod]

Thanks guys, did not know that vitola thanks Dustin.

[Hardheaded]

Thanks guys, did not know that vitola thanks Dustin.

Yeah, It's an oddball one. The general shape can be called a figurado, or sometimes presidente as well, depending on size, maker, and other things that don't really matter.

[Demuths1770]

Barrels do vary in size.
Some Cigars come in Coffins.
Coffins vary in size as well.
Coffins can be purty.
As can Barrels.
Cofins.
Coffin Nails. As = Cigarets.
Small cigars bout same size as Cigarets.
Tis said that it ain't the coff thet carries you off.
Tis the Coffin they carries you off in.

what ever cigar you smoked during the typing of this I NEVER WANNA SMOKE lol

[Old Smokey]

what ever cigar you smoked during the typing of this I NEVER WANNA SMOKE lol

Maybe he took a trip and never even left the farm?:loco:

[JollyRogers]

what ever cigar you smoked during the typing of this I NEVER WANNA SMOKE lol


Maybe he took a trip and never even left the farm?:loco:

We had similar trains of thought lol

[allusred]

We had similar trains of thought lol

Have heard folks claim their thoughts wandering.
But sending them off on trains?
One way or round trip tickets?

[restomod]

Stupid question, a lot of my smokes seem to be really hard to keep lit lately. I find myself puffing way to often just to make sure it stays lit and when I dont it goes out. At first I thought it was just one cigar but it seems to happen a lot.

So a few things, one) do a lot more bums experience this on a more regular basis than I think? I dont have a ton of people that smoke so I am kind of on my own so I dont have a gauge.

Two) to me it seems to be a humidity problem so I have been slowly backing down from 68 to 66 sometimes 65 in both humidors thinking this will help. Doesn't seem to make a difference? I would think getting below 65 these things should be going off in my hand so I havent ventured below 65. Am I actually making things worse and there is a reason I should be up around 68-69?

[AlanS]

I use boveda's exclusively, all are 65% and never have any issues.

[B daddy]

Stay above 55-ish and you're fine.

Also, are you sure the hygrometers are calibrated?

Sounds like a humidity thing to me but 66-ish generally doesn't give me burn problems.

[bluenoser]

Also how long are you letting them sit at the new rh? I've been told the general rule of thumb is a cigar takes a week per 1% to change so if you're just changing RH and trying them the next day the cigars haven't acclimated to the new rh yet. Just a thought

[restomod]

I believe they are reading accurate, at least as of three months ago when I had an empty wineador to test them witha boveda.

Hard to say exact times of when the changes occurred but I have been steadily coming down from 68-69 when I first started the wineador down to 65 now. So over a three month period but also to make things complicated a few sticks were rott from the b&m but not all.

I haven't exactly had ideal conditions outside when I smoke earlier with the wind. I would think that could go both ways either blowing it out or fanning it and making it burn faster?

[bluenoser]

From my experience I've seen more often that wind causes tunneling more so than loss of flame. How's the draw on them?

[restomod]

From my experience I've seen more often that wind causes tunneling more so than loss of flame. How's the draw on them?

Yes now that you say that I do get tunnelling but I didn't realize that was a thing or think about. What happens then?

[JollyRogers]

I keep my cigars at around 65% RH and the thing I have to focus on most is when I puff, nice slow draws but making sure that I see the wrapper staying lit. I smoke slow so my cigars have a tendency to stay lit at the core but not all the way to the outside edge/wrapper. This ends up letting my cigars tunnel and eventually go out. Next time you smoke take a look and see if you notice the edge of the wrapper burning...

[bluenoser]

It happens to me alot if I smoke outside on a windy winter day. The wrapper burns slower than the rest of the cigar causing a "tunneling" effect inside the cigar. Also wind will often cause it to smoke hot so I doubt that's your problem. Someone should be able to chime in with more ideas

[restomod]

Ok I am thinking this is a bit of both of what you guys are saying. I think the wind is playing a factor and when it is windy I am taking short little quick harsh puffs thinking that will help keep it lit. I think they are tunnelling bad the more and more I think about it.