Tight Draw

gripnrip

This has probably been discussed before (did a "pet peeves" search, came up with bupkiss..), but I HATE a too tight draw! Received my Oliva Serie O torpedos yesterday that were ordered on the ccom daily deal. Of course, I HAD to have one right away. I like to use a punch, but of course I had to cut the torp....took off about 1/4 inch or so. The draw was WAY too tight. To make a long story short, I had to keep wacking the cigar with the cutter (about 1/8 inch at a time) until the draw imporved. Took off enough where you couldn't tell it was a torp. The cigar had nice flavors, but, man, it was like work! Got to the final 1/3 and just gave it up. I thought I remembered experiencing this before, so I went to my notebook, and sure enough, notes on this stick show "draw a little tight", but enjoyable. I am hoping it was just this particular cigar and they are not all so difficult. I know that torps can be a bit finicky....love the cigar, just HATE the draw. Any advice on this? Will rest improve draw?

Fourtotheflush

sightunseen

Storing cigars in an overhumidified environment can also cause a tight draw, since the humidity will make the fillers expand. 65% RH is where it's at.

gripnrip

Thanks guys....all good suggestions. I'll let 'em rest and try again.

aron325

i ran into that with and opus i smoked the other day. cut barely anything off the first time. then cut a little bit more off and it drew so smooth. also +1 to the rolling of the cigar in the fingers. that helps a lot just make sure you dont do it too rough.

ThinBluLine06

Ive ran into that problem a few times as well...Although it is difficult, I let my new smokes sit at least 3 weeks in the humi before i smoke em....

Goldy

cabinetmaker

When I get one that's too tight I'll look at the cut end and find the fattest leaf and pull it out. 95% of the time that fixes it.

cabinetmaker

I also keep mine 65-67% RH.

stephen_hannibal

Fourtotheflush

cabinetmaker:

When I get one that's too tight I'll look at the cut end and find the fattest leaf and pull it out. 95% of the time that fixes it.

wow, ive never heard of this before. .... Does that change the flavor profile of your cigar?

kuzi16

j0z3r

sightunseen

Another thing to try is the d1ck cut. I think it was named after a sales manager at Altadis. The d1ck cut involves cutting torpedos at a 45 degree angle, thereby increasing the surface area of the cut. I've never done it myself. Anyone else done this? Not sure how much help it would be if the cigar was too tightly packed or plugged.

Fourtotheflush

sightunseen

surfingzeeko

lol on that