Uneven Burn

[DonWeb]

I've done the requisite searchs with no luck (possibly the wrong search terms), but I'm looking to learn about what makes a cigar burn unevenly...and the best way to straighten them out.

hearsay:
- uneven aging ... roll them periodically in the humi (like a babe in a crib)?
- uneven wrap... no solution?
- smoking in windy environs ... ?

Please point me toward new knowledge.

dumon

[jgros001]

Could be any of the above and other reasons as well. More information would help - what cigar, what temp/humidity is the cigar being kept, was it windy, high humidity where you were smoking, how long have the smokes been in the humi? Depending on how big the humidor is - rolling the smokes inside shouldn't have to much effect...if there is airflow.

The thing that works for me if an uneven burn occurs is to keep that part that is burning slow on the bottom (and have a lighter with plenty of fuel).

http://www.cigarnexus.com/counsel/burn/index.html

[mels95yj]

Also, do you turn your cigar while you're smoking it? The bottom of the cigar burns hotter than the rest, so you can turn the slower burning side to the bottom. Once I've got the cigar burning evenly, I slowly turn it with each draw. Not saying this is the problem, just adding another possibility.

Mel

[Moglman]

Originally Posted by dumonweb

I've done the requisite searchs with no luck (possibly the wrong search terms), but I'm looking to learn about what makes a cigar burn unevenly...and the best way to straighten them out.

hearsay:
- uneven aging ... roll them periodically in the humi (like a babe in a crib)?
- uneven wrap... no solution?
- smoking in windy environs ... ?

Please point me toward new knowledge.

dumon

All of the factors mentioned can cause an uneven burn. This primary issue, though, is when an uneven burn indicates a quality issue with the cigar. If the cigar starts to canoe, has a cone shaped cherry when the ash is knocked off, and many other telltales, these are indications that the cigar was poorly rolled, improperly stored, rolled with substandard tobacco, or any combination of the above. You shouldn't worry about a little uneven burn, but you should watch closely if it happens often with any new brand you are trying. Try to determine the cause, and if it appears to be quality related, you can make an informed decision to stay away. Many figurados may burn a bit off center (not too far), and I never want a parejo to be too far off. Many boxed pressed smoke seem to burn unevenly for me.

My

[mels95yj]

Originally Posted by Moglman

...If the cigar starts to canoe, has a cone shaped cherry when the ash is knocked off, and many other telltales, these are indications that the cigar was poorly rolled, improperly stored, rolled with substandard tobacco, or any combination of the above. My

Are you saying that when you knock the ash off, and the remaining ash looks like a sharpened pencil, that's bad? I've had that happen a couple of times. Just curious.

Mel

[Moglman]

Originally Posted by mels95yj

Are you saying that when you knock the ash off, and the remaining ash looks like a sharpened pencil, that's bad? I've had that happen a couple of times. Just curious.

Mel

It can be one of many indicators of an improper burn. Of course, I sometimes hotbox my cigars (smoke too quickly), which can cause the coned cherry. Sometimes a cone cherry and a plugged cigar go hand-in-hand if the cigar is rolled too tight. If I was smoking at a leisurly pace and not hotboxing, but saw the cone, I would make a note to watch out for other burn issues.

[Nathan]

Sometimes smoking too fast will make it burn unevenly

[DonWeb]

Originally Posted by jgros001

More information would help - what cigar, what temp/humidity is the cigar being kept, was it windy, high humidity where you were smoking, how long have the smokes been in the humi?

http://www.cigarnexus.com/counsel/burn/index.html

Great website, thanks. The pictures help. Apparently, I'm seeing the "common" variety. It's mostly box pressed Cao's... but it's also fairly windy on the links. (nor do I rotate the stick periodically)

I'm blown away by the community, and the knowledge provided.

Thanks

[dadof3illinois]

Originally Posted by Moglman

All of the factors mentioned can cause an uneven burn. This primary issue, though, is when an uneven burn indicates a quality issue with the cigar. If the cigar starts to canoe, has a cone shaped cherry when the ash is knocked off, and many other telltales, these are indications that the cigar was poorly rolled, improperly stored, rolled with substandard tobacco, or any combination of the above. You shouldn't worry about a little uneven burn, but you should watch closely if it happens often with any new brand you are trying. Try to determine the cause, and if it appears to be quality related, you can make an informed decision to stay away. Many figurados may burn a bit off center (not too far), and I never want a parejo to be too far off. Many boxed pressed smoke seem to burn unevenly for me.

My

I think the quality issue is the biggest problem of all but I also think that most poor burns start with improper lighting, which starts the cigar off in the wrong direction right off the bat.

Just my experience.

[Danimal]

I'd say primarily it's also important to light your cigar properly at first. I've noticed that with great cigars without burn problems if I don't light it well, the sucker will burn unevenly almost throughout the whole smoke. Hope this helps.