Benefits of a Properly Constructed Cigar

[Colt45]

I thinks it's pretty safe to say that most of us would agree that a cigar with great construction - great draw, burn, smoke volume, makes for a

more enjoyable smoking experience. While smoking just such a cigar today (my last RyJ Churchill A/T from around 2005), it also hit me that

great construction also allows for plenty of time between draws. No "working" to keep the cigar going, no re-lighting, touch ups, etc.

I'm of the opinion - but have no real science to back it up - that taking time between draws allows the flavor to remain "truer" for each draw. I also

feel that great construction allows for adjusting draw technique as is needed - deep, shallow, or in between. For example, a shallower draw for thin

cigars to keep from over heating, or in the case of the RyJ churchill I smoked, deeper early on, and more shallow nearer the end, which kept the

smoke cool. Much more difficult to do with a hard drawing cigar, in my opinion.

[Lotus400]

Very well stated Colt.

When you have great raw materials ruined by poor construction it really detracts from what should be a nice smoking experience.

[Jesuscookies]

I'm of the opinion - but have no real science to back it up - that taking time between draws allows the flavor to remain "truer" for each draw. I also

feel that great construction allows for adjusting draw technique as is needed - deep, shallow, or in between. For example, a shallower draw for thin

cigars to keep from over heating, or in the case of the RyJ churchill I smoked, deeper early on, and more shallow nearer the end, which kept the

smoke cool. Much more difficult to do with a hard drawing cigar, in my opinion.

I don't know that you need any real science for that one? When you are constantly having to suck on the cigar to keep it lit, the smoke gets to hot. When it gets hot the taste is diminished.

[mazolaman]

it also happens with an underfilled cigar,too hot.

You're dead right I think,you don't have to do anything to maintain a well made cigar,just smoke it blissfully.When you have to work at it,it distracts your mind from enjoying the flavours.

[El Presidente]

on the Czar deck it never ceases to amaze me the draw preferences of different people as they pop in for a cigar on the rocking chairs.

One (Lusky) prefers a draw so tight that to me it is plugged. Steve prefers wind tunnels. What is perfect to me (slight pull required on the smoke) is too easy for Lusky and too tight for Steve. of the remaining 20 or so regulars who pop in on a Thursday-Friday, preference varies between the extremes.

I know that draw affects the way a cigar can deliver flavour. Still, different people have different preferences and my opinion is only that.

[jacksfull]

I agree with Colt45 that a properly made cigar definitely accentuates the experience.

I know CC's have had their problems with this, but it seems better lately. I wonder, though, if the makers purposefully aim for different draw characteristics in some cases.

For example, I bought a box of Partagas Aristocrats and found that most of them were a little tight and didn't draw particularly well, but not so much that they couldn't be enjoyed. The first half-a-box were smoked at leisure, slowly, treating these humble fellows the same as higher-end cigars. They've been OK, but just OK.

I wrote-off their shortcomings to the budget pricing and, maybe, just being a less-than-ideal batch.

However, I took one for a ride the other day to help make the time pass. There was no place in the car to let the cigar rest between puffs, so I smoked it rather more quickly than usual... and I had little else to do than ponder it's character.

It was still a little tough to draw at first, but opened up and was really quite a nice traffic companion as I got into it (fairly aggressively, I might add). Not a complex cigar at all, but one that provided a pleasant background to the rush of goings-on around me.

It occurred to me that having it "on-the-go" was probably closer to it's intended role than being smoked more slowly (and gently) while kicked back in an easy-chair.

I came to the conclusion that this was really just an old-fashioned "blue collar" cigar... a remnant from the days of clear-Havanas and two-fers that somehow managed to survive decades of production cuts. I imagine it belonging to an era when the working man could still reach for a Cuban to puff away on while plying his trade... and I've often read it's still that way in Spain, supposedly a big market for less expensive Havanas.

It seems to make sense that this sort of cigar, expected to be subjected to constant puffing, never leaving the hand and never the resting more than a few seconds, would be designed to have a little harder draw to keep from overheating or to make it last a bit longer under that treatment.

OTOH, I might be over-thinking the situation. It may simply be that factories don't pay as much attention to QC when it comes to less expensive models.

[FlyingGlass]

Nice post. I enjoyed a PSD4 on the deck yesterday evening that brought similar thoughts to mind. There are cigars that need constant attention and some that simply require our participation. I want to be there enjoying the moment not be struggling to make things work. Last night's cigar was one of those that allowed for simple enjoyment. Pres. described that slight pull which I too personally prefer but am o.k. with variance as long as I'm not drinking ice cream through a straw. Bottom line, be it draw, burn, etc. none of us are there to labor for the smoke. We all have enough of that. Let the smoke do the work.

It also seems that with experience, I'm better able to adjust to those small variances and cooperate with the cigar to be that better smoke I'm looking for.

[mazolaman]

As Jacksfull says,brands like Partagas and r+j (amongst others) do make everyday smokes,which I have also found to be a little tighter,but not too tight.

I think It is different by design.I rather like the slow burner.

Some I have had recently seem almost underfilled,ie Hoyo petit robusto,juan no 1....burning too quick and hot.

[Mel]

I think a cigar taste better when it's on fire. These tight cigars do not burn well and so flavor is always off. Oxidation is the name of the game and I hate a snug cigar.

I am like the bloke that Rob was talking about that prefers the more open cigar and have been told by a few mates that I am very critical on the matter. So be it.

Another benefit if a well made cigar is that your lighter fluid lasts a lot longer.