Why won't they draw?

PalmFace

I can't tell you how many times I've had an amazing cigar, bought a mazo and was completely disappointed because of poor draw. To me, it's all about the draw - I simply cannot enjoy a cigar that I have to work too hard on, no matter how good it tastes. On the other hand, if a cigar draws well, I can usually enjoy it no matter how it tastes. I don't care how good a cigar is supposed to be, or how much it cost - if it doesn't draw I toss it immediately. Case in point - the Cain Daytona 654 Torpedo (#4 on the top 25 of 2011). So this all got me wondering about the draw. Why do some cigars (from the SAME box even) draw well, while others don't? I assume it's construction? Also, how much does aging play into this? My 300-cigar humidor holds about 100 cigars comfortably, and I try to keep them rotated, but I'm generally going to smoke a stick within 45 days of storing it. Is this not enough aging time? Thanks

Direwolf

Sometimes you get a crappy draw. I will hang with them most times as they usually open up later.

Toombes

Welcome to the joys of hand-rolled cigars, my friend... As previously stated, if you have the patience to wait they will usually open up. As the stick burns the heat will loosen up the bunching in the filler or will burn through the tight spot and you will have a much better draw. On the other hand, I have encountered sticks that just plain flat refused to open up...

rburke1129

Bummer to hear that the Cain Daytona Torpedo is your example...It is one of my favorites. Smoked one last night actually and the draw was great.

j0z3r

What's your humidity at? That can play a big role sometimes as the higher moisture content in the tobacco causes it to swell up. I only mention that because humidity is one thing you can control, you have no control over a roller who was having an off day. For what it's worth, I've generally had trouble with torpedos from Oliva being tight.

KingoftheCove

PalmFace

rburke1129:

Bummer to hear that the Cain Daytona Torpedo is your example...It is one of my favorites. Smoked one last night actually and the draw was great.

Bought ten of them and not one had a decent draw. Pre-light told the tale.

PalmFace

j0z3r:

What's your humidity at? That can play a big role sometimes as the higher moisture content in the tobacco causes it to swell up. I only mention that because humidity is one thing you can control, you have no control over a roller who was having an off day. For what it's worth, I've generally had trouble with torpedos from Oliva being tight.

I'm definitely going to upgrade to digital. The unit that came with my humidor is $hite, and doesn't even have a calibration screw. Also had the same issue with a box of Oliva Serie V Belicoso - not one had a decent pre-light draw, and failed to satisfy.

PalmFace

madurofan

madurofan

Gaetano7890

If I had to guess you humidity is to high in your humidor. Everyone gets a tight draw once in a while but a whole bundle, especially by Oliva. I learn something new everyday about cigars and the one things that has helped in when is a cigar ready to smoke is the role test. If you roll a cigar between your finger you want a little crunch. If there is no cruch it is to moist and if it's really crunchy it to dry. Another thing that I would try if you get a tight draw is try to role it out. Once you cigar heats up it will get softer and if you roll it between you finger with firm pressure it can loosen up the draw I had to do last night with a cigar that was a little tight.

madurofan

I also have a couple of every AVO LE dating back to the 80th(2006). I had older ones but have been smoking them lately and the 80th is now the oldest I have.

kuzi16

j0z3r

PalmFace:

j0z3r:

What's your humidity at? That can play a big role sometimes as the higher moisture content in the tobacco causes it to swell up. I only mention that because humidity is one thing you can control, you have no control over a roller who was having an off day. For what it's worth, I've generally had trouble with torpedos from Oliva being tight.

I'm definitely going to upgrade to digital. The unit that came with my humidor is $hite, and doesn't even have a calibration screw. Also had the same issue with a box of Oliva Serie V Belicoso - not one had a decent pre-light draw, and failed to satisfy.

Oliva torpedos/belicosos, like I mentioned, are notorious for tight draws. When I cut any Oliva torp these days, it ends up looking more like a robusto...an aggressive cut is the only way I can get a draw.

PalmFace

PalmFace

Steve2010

j0z3r

Streater

Someone mentioned a poker. Would a straight wire coat hanger work? I've had a few hard draws and wondered about this.

Steve2010

Streater:

Someone mentioned a poker. Would a straight wire coat hanger work? I've had a few hard draws and wondered about this.

An icepick or coat hanger works. The only cigars I've had to poke are a few Cuban coronas, notably the HdM Coronation.

madurofan

PalmFace

madurofan

PalmFace:

All that aging stuff is just too much effort for me, when there are perfectly good cigars available to smoke right now.

I like your attitude.

kuzi16

madurofan:

PalmFace:

All that aging stuff is just too much effort for me, when there are perfectly good cigars available to smoke right now.

I like your attitude.

geeez guys... you dont have to do a damn thing to age cigars... you just have to let them sit there.

madurofan

kuzi16:

madurofan:

PalmFace:

All that aging stuff is just too much effort for me, when there are perfectly good cigars available to smoke right now.

I like your attitude.

geeez guys... you dont have to do a damn thing to age cigars... you just have to let them sit there.

That letting them sit there is harder than you make it out to be .... And before one of you smartasses comes along and say send all your smokes to me, NO. I've been around long enough to know someone is going say that, lol.

j0z3r

Amos Umwhat

allsmokedup

I had an Oliva Cain Daytona #4 Corona on Saturday that was partially plugged. It was a royal pain drawing through it and may have contributed to the bitterness close to the end. Other than that, the Olivas I've had have been problem free.

madurofan

j0z3r