Question about smoking torpedos

[montecristo#2]

I have a few questions about torpedos and thought someone with more experience smoking these could help me out.

I was under the impression that the torpedo shape is rolled to give the smoker a more concentrated smoke and flavor.

So I smoked a Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Torpedo Maduro (box-pressed torpedo) this afternoon and it got me wondering about a couple of things.

To start, I cut the head and took a pre-light draw and the flow was not enough, so I cut it a little more (still maintained the torpedo shape) and the flow seemed better.

When I started to smoke, the flavor was a little too intense (over-powering) for me and the draw was not as much as I like. So instead of putting the cigar out, I decided to cut it even more to the point that it was no longer a torpedo. This opened up the cigar significantly and the flavor was much better. This cigar proceeded to have tons of smoke and a really nice flavor. Of course, I realize I was no longer smoking this cigar the way it was intended.

I guess one of my questions is depending on where you cut a torpedo are you going to get a different flavor profile, even if you maintain the torpedo shape?

From what I have read, for most cigar brands, it is not only the shape that is different but the blend as well. Has anyone found a torpedo that has a blend that they prefer to smoke as a regular shaped cigar (i.e. prefer to cut off the torpedo shape completely)?

This got me wondering about a couple of monte#2's I have smoked. The first one was also my first torpedo and I didn't know anything about smoking this type of cigar, so I cut the torpedo head almost completely off (I thought it was just for looks). The cigar was awesome. The last one I smoked on vacation, I decided to maintain the torpedo shape since this is how the cigar was meant to be smoked, and didn't like it nearly as much. Is this common?

As for the olde world reserve maduro, the flavor profile was very nice after I made it look like a robusto. On a side note, this cigar had the best construction of any cigar I have smoked. It is the only cigar I have ever smoked that only ashed once (well over 2.5 inches). At the end, there was more ash than cigar left - I only wish I had a camera with me.

thanks in advance.

[donp]

From what I understand, the torpedo shape allows for more transitions in the smoke, probably due to the way it is rolled. As for the cut, I usually cut only about an eight of an inch off the cap, that seems to do the job for me. But if you find torpedos smoke better with more of a cut, then I don't see any reason why you shouldn't do what works best for you. For me, I prefer the Toro shape myself.

[stashu]

I have also wondered how much everyone cuts their torpedos.

It usually takes me a couple of cuts to find the right draw. But sometimes I find that I have to cut almost the whole cap off and I hate that because you are usually paying more for that torpedo than a "normal" shape cigar of the same brand(another pet peeve of mine).
When that happens I feel like WTF I could have just bought the robusto and saved a couple of bucks.

I still find the torpedo shape is my favorite and I'm tempted to use a draw tool just to not have to cut off so much.

The torpedos that I usually go to are the RP Edge Missles and Monte #2's and come to think of it, I rarely have that problem with the Edges, they seem to be rolled pretty loose.

Anyway, I would also like to hear input on this subject from other "torpedo lovers".

[Joekendall04]

I usually go with a pretty minimal cut, but always take a little more off if I'm having draw problems. I think what it boils down to is that you should cut it until you're happy with it, just remember once you cut you can't uncut.

[j6ppc]

Originally Posted by Joekendall04

I usually go with a pretty minimal cut, but always take a little more off if I'm having draw problems. I think what it boils down to is that you should cut it until you're happy with it, just remember once you cut you can't uncut.

Exactly. I too usually just take 1/8 or so and adjust w/ an additional cut(s) if required. Toppedos are a favorite shape of mine. I like the Big Cigar but small in mouth aspect.

[mtg972]

Personally, I've never understood the appeal of torpedoes. By the time I've clipped enought to get the amount of draw I like, I'm smoking a toro. Seems like a waste to me. Just another gimmick to get a few more dollars out of you, as far as I'm concerned. Others willl probably disagree. Just my . cheers

[Ivory Tower]

If a torpedo is done correctly, shouldn't it draw correctly and taste right without cutting the whole head off? Further, I would assume that the tapered opening allows for concentrated flavor, so not only construction comes into play but blending and rolling as well to get a pleasant flavor from the concentrated draw. Among other issues, these would seem to make torpedoes a hit or miss proposition. However, I really like them when they're done right.

Is that enough gobbledygook for you?

[uwhoo]

Well here is my two cents from a newbe. First, the real reason to get torpedo's is so they look cook in your humidor. Second because of the taper you can cut how much you want off to control the draw. Third, I think they are harder to roll so the better rollers make them so therefore you usually get a better roll (my theory, I have no proof of this).

I like them and will keep buying them. Torpedoes away...

[Smoken'Gun]

About a year ago, I was smoking with some gentlemen at a local shop, who showed me this technique. I'm not sure if there is a technical term for it, but it was introduced to me as the "Dick Cut"? LOL! When I show it I usually call it the Diagonal Cut, depending on the company present.

Easier to demonstrate than describe. Basically, you make your cut at an approx. 45 degree angle, starting at the the edge of the cap up by the label, down towards the head. This opening produces a great draw, with the added benefit of directing the inhaled smoke away from your tongue. Just don't cut at to severe an angle. After a few cuts, I was able to find what I liked...Been using it on torps, or any conical shapes, ever since. G/L...And Enjoy!

[Joekendall04]

Originally Posted by Smoken'Gun

About a year ago, I was smoking with some gentlemen at a local shop, who showed me this technique. I'm not sure if there is a technical term for it, but it was introduced to me as the "Dick Cut"? LOL! When I show it I usually call it the Diagonal Cut, depending on the company present.

Easier to demonstrate than describe. Basically, you make your cut at an approx. 45 degree angle, starting at the the edge of the cap up by the label, down towards the head. This opening produces a great draw, with the added benefit of directing the inhaled smoke away from your tongue. Just don't cut at to severe an angle. After a few cuts, I was able to find what I liked...Been using it on torps, or any conical shapes, ever since. G/L...And Enjoy!

never heard of that technique before, but I'm intrigued...I think I'll have to give it a shot.

[uwhoo]

Originally Posted by Smoken'Gun

About a year ago, I was smoking with some gentlemen at a local shop, who showed me this technique. I'm not sure if there is a technical term for it, but it was introduced to me as the "Dick Cut"? LOL! When I show it I usually call it the Diagonal Cut, depending on the company present.

Easier to demonstrate than describe. Basically, you make your cut at an approx. 45 degree angle, starting at the the edge of the cap up by the label, down towards the head. This opening produces a great draw, with the added benefit of directing the inhaled smoke away from your tongue. Just don't cut at to severe an angle. After a few cuts, I was able to find what I liked...Been using it on torps, or any conical shapes, ever since. G/L...And Enjoy!

Were I come from they call this a Bries.

Shana Tova

[beezer]

I think if you punch a toro it will smoke like a torpedo. I've been wrong before though

[donp]

Originally Posted by Smoken'Gun

About a year ago, I was smoking with some gentlemen at a local shop, who showed me this technique. I'm not sure if there is a technical term for it, but it was introduced to me as the "Dick Cut"? LOL! When I show it I usually call it the Diagonal Cut, depending on the company present.

Easier to demonstrate than describe. Basically, you make your cut at an approx. 45 degree angle, starting at the the edge of the cap up by the label, down towards the head. This opening produces a great draw, with the added benefit of directing the inhaled smoke away from your tongue. Just don't cut at to severe an angle. After a few cuts, I was able to find what I liked...Been using it on torps, or any conical shapes, ever since. G/L...And Enjoy!

Hmmm, so you make the cut at an angle, similar to the angled cut you make on a tube of glue etc.?

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by Smoken'Gun

About a year ago, I was smoking with some gentlemen at a local shop, who showed me this technique. I'm not sure if there is a technical term for it, but it was introduced to me as the "Dick Cut"? LOL! When I show it I usually call it the Diagonal Cut, depending on the company present.

Easier to demonstrate than describe. Basically, you make your cut at an approx. 45 degree angle, starting at the the edge of the cap up by the label, down towards the head. This opening produces a great draw, with the added benefit of directing the inhaled smoke away from your tongue. Just don't cut at to severe an angle. After a few cuts, I was able to find what I liked...Been using it on torps, or any conical shapes, ever since. G/L...And Enjoy!

Also known as the "Dickman Cut" - named in honor of its biggest proponent, Joe Dickman.

[Smoken'Gun]

Originally Posted by donp

Hmmm, so you make the cut at an angle, similar to the angled cut you make on a tube of glue etc.?

donp, Yes! That's it exactly...Excellent description.

Originally Posted by pnoon

Also known as the "Dickman Cut" - named in honor of its biggest proponent, Joe Dickman.

Hey pnoon...No kidding? I thought those FOG'S were just bustin' my chops... Thanks!