Cigars keep going out -- Ash problems??

[tippytwo]

Hey All,

I am very new to cigar smoking. I can't seem to keep my cigar going. My problem seems to come about when I flick the ash the first time. Tonight, for example, I was smoking a Don Diego and it was going great. The cigar was burning evenly and I was getting a real good draw. Then, when about an inch of ash was on the cigar, I tapped it off. A few minutes after that the cigar started burning unevenly and I noticed my cigar was not drawing as well but didn't think much of it. A few minutes later, the cigar just went out.

What am I doing wrong?? How long will the cigar keep going without taking a puff? I was taking puffs about every minute. Am I not letting the ash burn long enough?? I'm confused. Cigars going out seems to be problem I keep having.

-T2

[clampdown]

I find that the side that is not burning, if you turn it down towards the ground, it will catch up. If that doesnt work, take out the torch and go to town. Good luck and keep with it. You might want to try just smoking it, and wait a bit with the ash.

[tippytwo]

Originally Posted by clampdown

I find that the side that is not burning, if you turn it down towards the ground, it will catch up. If that doesnt work, take out the torch and go to town. Good luck and keep with it. You might want to try just smoking it, and wait a bit with the ash.

Are there any side effects of leaving the ash on the cigar for as long as possible(other than it falling off onto something)?? Maybe it will actually help?

-T2

[King James]

it could be the weather, sometimes if it is windy or humid outside it will go out...otherwise you may not be drawing on it hard enough. I guess a way to fix it would be to keep a lighter handy and touch it up when it starts to go out....butane torch lighters work the best.

[clampdown]

Originally Posted by tippytwo

Are there any side effects of leaving the ash on the cigar for as long as possible(other than it falling off onto something)?? Maybe it will actually help?

-T2

Not that I have found. Sometimes you may anger those who you are visiting if the ash falls onto their brand new carpet or deck. But, in that case, give them a beer and they will soon forgive and forget. I tend to leave the ash on for about 2 inches or so to see how solid the stick is in terms of construction. Sometimes if it is burning incorrectly and the ash is left on I find I have done more harm them good if the cigar has a half or so of wrapper still left on one side as the other side has fallen to the ground. Also, try rotating the cigar during your smoke.

Good luck.

[vic_c]

I like to let the ash drop by itself and never like to "flick it" this of course is not always the best thing to do depending on where you are smoking. I have noticed flicking can produce uneven burn...but the cigar shouldn't go out. I would check your humidity ..or try to store them a little on the dry side!

[ShawnP]

Let the ash go until it falls

On the going out issue, what is the R/H in your humidor? If the cigars are kept at a to high R/H the cigar will be to wet and go out on you.

I have only had one cigar go out on me & I have and smoke a lot of different brands & types.


Keep us posted.

Shawn

[justinphilly]

Originally Posted by ShawnP

Let the ash go until it falls

On the going out issue, what is the R/H in your humidor? If the cigars are kept at a to high R/H the cigar will be to wet and go out on you.

I have only had one cigar go out on me & I have and smoke a lot of different brands & types.


Keep us posted.

Shawn

[clovis]

Originally Posted by tippytwo

The cigar was burning evenly and I was getting a real good draw. Then, when about an inch of ash was on the cigar, I tapped it off. A few minutes after that the cigar started burning unevenly and I noticed my cigar was not drawing as well but didn't think much of it. A few minutes later, the cigar just went out.

What am I doing wrong??
-T2

Whenever you decide that you are going to ash give it one or two real good puffs to where you have a nice glow all around the circumference of the wrapper...THEN tap it to drop the ash.
If you do this you will have a full "cherry" on your stick once the ash drops (read that fast...sounds funny). NOW your cigar is burning evenly and will likely continue to do so...In addition, the ash drops easier.

[NCatron]

It must have something to do with smoking style. I also have major problems with every single cigar I smoke going out. I store them at 65% with viper's beads and get good lights and never ash. I think I just smoke them too slow and draw very lightly. (This gives me the best flavor without any harshness). As a result, I have to relight a few times each cigar. It's really no big deal, as long as the cigar tastes good. And if it doesn't, just purge before you relight.

[xxwaldoxx]

Instead of tapping your cigar, try gently rolling the ash against the ashtray to remove the ash. There is a school of thought that says there is nothing wrong with a monster ash, and another that says too long of an ash will cause a lack of air flow and cause the cigar to go out / have burn problems.

Personally, i believe both schools of though when it comes to different cigars. For example, i wont let the ash on something like a corona get too long, but on a toro ill let it go until it drops off. Its all just personal preference i suppose.

I would suggest just taking your time, i wouldnt worry too much about some re lights as long as the cigar tastes good.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by ShawnP

On the going out issue, what is the R/H in your humidor? If the cigars are kept at a to high R/H the cigar will be to wet and go out on you.

Sounds too wet to me as well.


NCRM

[tippytwo]

The cigar burns very well from the beginning, so I'm not sure it's due to RH problems??? I seem to only have problems when I ash out.

I keep my cigars around 65% rh.

-T2

[NCRadioMan]

Is it happening with all your cigars or just the Don Diego? Could have been bad construction.

NCRM

[CigarGal]

[SIZE="3"]Problems??? Yes definately! Mine is way too big and nothing seems to....[/SIZE]er,did you say ash?