Not enjoying cigars?

[frogman18]

Originally Posted by neoflex

Can't add too much more than what has already been posted but if your ash is getting cone shaped it sounds like you are smoking too fast. causing the wrapper to burn faster than the filler can burn. If this is the case this could be the source of your problem.

Ok not to thread jack with this question but heres the thing im a fairly slow smoker (a typical PC can last me well over an hour), and unless a cigar is have a burn issue i always get the cone shaped burn when i tap off the ash and if i understand correctly you are saying this is bad? Even though the cigar is burning straight on the outside? The way i understand it this i supposed to happen, ive never had a cigar burn straight across with out a cone. Maybe i read your quote wrong or i misunderstand somehow, would you mind explaining?

Back to the original question, i believe you are holding the smoke in your mouth to long, 8 seconds seems like a long time and its bound to cause some irritation as the smoke swirls around in your mouth and your throat.

[Bubba -NJ]

Originally Posted by Mr C

Also, how hard do you pull on the cigar?
I tend to pull hard and long and that could attribute to it's bitterness...
I don't puff fast, but sip long and hard then hold it... It usually starts to cone...

Please help...
Thanks

Pulling hard and long makes me think you're getting the cigar to hot and scorching the tobacco , kinda like if you hold the flame too close to the foot of the cigar when lighting it up .

[dooge]

Even though I'm still a newb to the whole cigar smoking thing, I too believe that it's all a personal preference like everyone else is saying. Sit back, relax, smoke the way that is most comfortable to you!

[ambientboy]

I tend to dry-box my stick so that when I smoke then, they are right around 55-60%. This seems to allow for a better more flavorful burn while taking long, slow draw that won't heat up the tobacco to much.

Each cigar smokes differently, so you'll have to find the "sweet spot" where the burn and the flavor are ideal without drawing too hard or too fast, but not drawing too infrequently causing it to go out. It's really less complicated than it sounds. experiment with your next stick and see.

As for 8sec. That feels a bit long to me, but to each their own. I won't hold smoke in any longer than 4.

[BengalMan]

I agree with what some of the others have said. I think 8 seconds holding the smoke in may be too long. It also sounds like you may be drawing too fast and or too hard. Try drawing not as hard and not as often and exhaling a little faster than 8 seconds. Just my two cents.

[Mr C]

Thanks alot for all the help guys...

I did a few adjustments on my smoking style and took alot into consediration that has been said on these pages...

I truly enjoyed it and finally found my sweet spot on my style... including being able to taste and smell finer aromas that i've never been able to before.
thank you all

For those that want to know:

Firstly I was pulling to hard and too long, usually filling my entire mouth with thick smoke from otherwise not very smokey sticks. . .

This was making it extremelly hot and bitter and was burning the back of my throat since it was a full draw right to back of mouth.

Then holding it in for around 8 seconds (never timed it, but around there) was making it even worse...

(take into account i'm not a cigarette smoker and you'll see why it was simply too much for my pallette)

Thank you all again for everything...
If any of you are ever in South Africa for a visit, drop me a line and i'll take you too some great cigar lounges (cubans are legal here, so pretty cheap).

[texasbadbob]

What are you smoking? That may have a lot to do with it. I just draw for 3 to 4 secounds or however long it takes to get a mouthful of smoke.

[doc8466]

While it looks like you're all set now, you might want to try this too-
Once you've pulled the amount of smoke you want, open your mough and let it waft out on its own and blow it out before it becomes harsh/bitter after figuring out roughly when it happens (if it is still happening at all).

You might be a candidate for larger ring sizes too. While I don't have the same issues you did, I find that larger smokes almost always seem better to me. I attribute this to (no laughing) having a big mouth. I like taking in a mouthfull of smoke, and in order to do that, I pull for quite a while. Larger rings are cooler and less bitter/harsh for me.

[Mr C]

Originally Posted by doc8466

While it looks like you're all set now, you might want to try this too-
Once you've pulled the amount of smoke you want, open your mough and let it waft out on its own and blow it out before it becomes harsh/bitter after figuring out roughly when it happens (if it is still happening at all).

You might be a candidate for larger ring sizes too. While I don't have the same issues you did, I find that larger smokes almost always seem better to me. I attribute this to (no laughing) having a big mouth. I like taking in a mouthfull of smoke, and in order to do that, I pull for quite a while. Larger rings are cooler and less bitter/harsh for me.

I've definetly looked at this... and have ordered a few cigars in the larger ring sizes.

Most of my smokes are petite coronas or slim coronas etc... that could definetly be a major factor... thanks...

Types of cigars most smoked: Siglo 1 and partagas shorts

[stfoley]

One hting I have found that enhances the cigar experience is almost free: water.

I just fill up a glass full of water, and sip from it as I smoke. The water helps clear the palate slightly without numbing the mouth like drinking some liquor would (although I do love having a nice Whiskey with my smoke). This makes a world of difference.

The other thing is to get a consistant burn. My personal experience is that smaller ring gague cigars tend to burn better. This could be just in my head, or a matter of what cigars I've had (I admit, I only touch a churchill sized stogie once or twice a year if that).

Also consider changing the brand, perhaps you just don't like that cigar. And no matter what anyone tells you, if it's crap in their eyes, but you like it....then keep on liking it. Taste is subjective, just try new things out and see where you go. The inverse is also true....if everyone praises it, but you dislike it, then the search for the "go-to smoke" goes on.

My grandfather, for example would only touch Dutch Masters (yep, machine rolled) because he liked their flavor more than other products. That was simply where his tastes were.

[frogman18]

Originally Posted by Mr C

I've definetly looked at this... and have ordered a few cigars in the larger ring sizes.

Most of my smokes are petite coronas or slim coronas etc... that could definetly be a major factor... thanks...

Types of cigars most smoked: Siglo 1 and partagas shorts

Now knowing this i think bigger smokes may be the thing for you to try. I smoked a few Siglo 1's and cigars is that size range and they are not going to be able to produce as much smoke as a larger cigar without getting hot and bitter from overdrawing. They will still give you a mouthful of smoke just not the amount i believe you want and expect. Hope this helps.