Straw Like Draw

[OldSkoolTarHeel]

When I have a draw problem with a cigar, it's usually too tough a draw, and I have to pass a draw tool or work the cigar to get it to loosen up a bit. Well, tonight I lit up a Viaje Double-Edged Sword and it's like I'm sucking on a straw.

Two questions, is this common, and two, can it be fixed or corrected mid-smoke?

[Zeede]

Is it burning too fast? Maybe you can take shorter draws?

The only Padron I ever had was almost like this, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the cigar nor the burn time.

[DLtoker]

Similar experience with many Padrons... Interested to see other's comments.

[OldSkoolTarHeel]

It doesn't seem to be burning too fast, though a bit uneven. There were some cracks in the wrapper near the foot, but the burn line is past them now, and the draw is still quite loose.

Not affecting flavor, just slightly annoying.

[Old Smokey]

It does take away from the enjoyment when the draw is too loose. I have never heard of a remedy.

[AlohaTobacco]

The only thing you can do is take slower draws so it doesn't burn too hot.

[Zeede]

Similar experience with many Padrons... Interested to see other's comments.

Padrons supposedly always have an easy draw. I suppose an easy draw is better than one you have to work too hard to get any air through.

[Upstatemax]

I just slow my draw on a stick like that.

Try a higher RH for that stick?

[rodwha]

Interesting idea. Does anyone hold certain cigars separately at different RH's for a proper experience?

[Zeede]

Interesting idea. Does anyone hold certain cigars separately at different RH's for a proper experience?

No, because near as I can tell, most factories use a draw testing machine, so except for some outliers, the draw should be middle of the road.

[Upstatemax]

Interesting idea. Does anyone hold certain cigars separately at different RH's for a proper experience?

I've noticed a substantial difference in cigars at 70%RH to 65% RH. In burn characteristics and taste.

[rodwha]

What was significant to you?

[Upstatemax]

What was significant to you?

I've found some cigars need constant re-lights, uneven burns, tight draws and muddled flavors at 70% RH. My Man O' Wars seem to be a perfect example of this for me.

If I dry box them at 65-66% RH, I notice most of those issues resolve themselves. I've had a few Crowned Heads that I like better dry boxed as well.

On the other hand, I've noticed that I like my Padrons and La Aroma De Cuba's closer to 69% RH. They burn better for me and taste sweeter IMO.

[oleballcoachtn]

Pinch the cigar between two fingers right under your lips and it will make the loose draw slightly better. Have some feel though bc if you pinch a dry cigar too hard, well you know what happens.

[stonecutter2]

I've noticed a substantial difference in cigars at 70%RH to 65% RH. In burn characteristics and taste.

Agreed.

65%, for me, means a nice burn and a "cleaner" or "pure" taste. I greatly prefer 65% for my sticks.

70% tastes to me rather harsh and astringent, "sour" or bitter, and the burn can go out if you're not as attentive to puffing on the stick.

[rodwha]

This has helped me decide between Boveda packs of 65 or 69% RH. Thanks fellas!

[garublador]

Similar experience with many Padrons... Interested to see other's comments.I've only had one, a 2000 Maduro, but the draw was pretty loose. It didn't seem to have a negative effect on how it smoked or tasted, though. I just took shallower puffs. The burn and flavor were both excellent. I actually kind of liked it.

[Zeede]

I plan on trying to shoot for 65% RH in my new humidor. I almost ordered a whole cube of Boveda packs when I realized that with wooden humidors (vs my plastic OXO container) since the whole box naturally breathes a little, just because you put in a 65% Boveda doesn't mean that it stabilizes at 65%. It can stabilize lower than that (depending of course on the ambient humidity, in addition to other factors).

[stonecutter2]

I actually love a looser draw so long as the stick is well rolled. The loose Padron draw is one of the things I enjoy about them. Puffing takes less effort :)