newbie: Is it normal to not enjoy the last 1-2'' of a cigar?

[rickcr]

I know the last portion of a cigar will be higher in nicotine content, but does that explain why I don't typically enjoy the last inch to two inches of a cigar (it varies how far down I'll enjoy it.) I'm smoking different cigars in the $4 - $8.50 range.

The last portion of the cigar doesn't seem to have much flavor to me since often, for lack of a better term, a bitter or stinging taste, seems to predominate. Is this just because my palette is immature? or is normal for veteran smokers to not enjoy the last portion of a cigar very much?

[Lacorag]

I Never smoke my cigars down to the nub. I think it gets very bitter also. I leave about the same 1 - 2 ".

[Chuckie]

I think it depends on the stick. Some of mine will be good the first 2/3 but then get to bitter (even after purging and slowing down) or just want to go out. I figure if they want to go out, I want them to because it is to hard to keep them going. And even if I were to keep them going, it would not be an enjoyable taste ro they get to hot.

Others, are good to the very last draw when I am burning my fingers to get "just one last puff".

[Cigary]

Oh geez no,,,the last 1/2 is where you really get into the cigar and hopefully get the complex flavors if that is the kind you like. If you start tossing them after only 1/2 way thru you might want to consider trying other cigars.

[rickcr]

Originally Posted by Cigary

Oh geez no,,,the last 1/2 is where you really get into the cigar and hopefully get the complex flavors if that is the kind you like. If you start tossing them after only 1/2 way thru you might want to consider trying other cigars.

To be clear I'm not talking about the last "half" - just the last 1 inch to 2 inches.

Although I did find a Turano signature edition I was smoking the other day that I actually enjoyed way down to probably less than an inch.

[squeeze left]

Originally Posted by rickcr

I know the last portion of a cigar will be higher in nicotine content, but does that explain why I don't typically enjoy the last inch to two inches of a cigar (it varies how far down I'll enjoy it.) I'm smoking different cigars in the $4 - $8.50 range.

The last portion of the cigar doesn't seem to have much flavor to me since often, for lack of a better term, a bitter or stinging taste, seems to predominate. Is this just because my palette is immature? or is normal for veteran smokers to not enjoy the last portion of a cigar very much?

Yes. You'll know when you're done with it and put it down. I never force it.

[rsamos]

Originally Posted by squeeze left

Yes. You'll know when you're done with it and put it down. I never force it.

Exactly.

Some times I need tweezers, others I almost feel guilty for "wasting" that much of a stick. Reality is that it's more of a waste to smoke it when you're not enjoying it.

[Vinnie]

When I have a good one going, the burn is perfect, the flavore is perfect, it's hard to put it down at an inch. I give thanks for having such a great cigar, but feel sad that my moment is over.
Vin

[kansashat]

Probably 80-90% of the cigars I smoke have an approx. 2" butt. Once in a while I nub one, but when you smoke as much as I do, you just throw it in the ash tray when you're tired of it.

[gboyet93]

Originally Posted by kansashat

Probably 80-90% of the cigars I smoke have an approx. 2" butt. Once in a while I nub one, but when you smoke as much as I do, you just throw it in the ash tray when you're tired of it.

I am with you. I smoke the cigar until it becomes harsh or unpleasant. I like to smoke 3 or more cigars a day, so I am not going to force myself to nub one every time.

[bobarian]

Smoke slower and purge often.

[TOB9595]

You'll decide and know when you're going to smoke it down to lip burning stages.
I find that the cut will influence the buildup/harshness or ACK!!!! taste at the end. A punch or vee concentrates the smoke through a smaller opening thus a bigger buildup in some sticks.
I am not saying that if you use a vee or punch you will have a bitter ending.
I have had many sticks with vee and punch to the lip burner.

Keep trying new taste experiences.
They ALL have something different going on.
Tom

[mike32312]

I smoke mine until the enjoyments gone. I think my fingerprints have been burned off a couple of my fingers.

[s15driftking]

the last couple of inches are the best.. nice and hot!!!

[Big A]

Originally Posted by rickcr

I know the last portion of a cigar will be higher in nicotine content, but does that explain why I don't typically enjoy the last inch to two inches of a cigar (it varies how far down I'll enjoy it.) I'm smoking different cigars in the $4 - $8.50 range.

The last portion of the cigar doesn't seem to have much flavor to me since often, for lack of a better term, a bitter or stinging taste, seems to predominate. Is this just because my palette is immature? or is normal for veteran smokers to not enjoy the last portion of a cigar very much?

As people have said it depends on the stick and i feel being a new smoker. When i started smoking i would leave about 3 in always. Now depending on if i like the cigar or not i will smoke it as long as i can stand to hold it. My problem now is other effects of nicotine.