Posts Tagged ‘cigar smoking’
Why Are Some Cigars Difficult To Draw?
If you have smoked cigars for any length of time, then you have probably tried the various hand rolled cigars available. Some cigar smokers smoke these exclusively, finding that they offer something extra. However, many of those smokers have also experienced the downside of the hand rolled cigar ” sometimes, they can be difficult to draw. It will sometimes feel as though there is something that is inside the cigar and causing a block to the flow of smoke and air. In fact, this is exactly what is happening. You don’t need to fret though. You will be able to take care of your cigar and get it going again in no time.
The cigars that are hand rolled are sometimes rolled too tightly. This doesn’t happen often, but there is a good chance that at some point you are going to find a cigar that is difficult to draw. Don’t worry and don’t discard the cigar. You can fix the problem, and it won’t take very much effort or much time.
The reason that the cigars can be difficult to draw is actually due to the same reason they are so popular among cigar smokers ” they are hand rolled. Sometimes, the cigars are simply rolled too tightly. This can cause the tobacco to gather in places through out the cigar and it can act as something of a block to the flow of smoke and air. This is going to make the cigar hard to keep lit, and you will find that you have to work too hard to get the smoke through the cigar.
If you continue to have problems with the draw on the cigar, you are going to want to keep feeling for more areas of blockage. Repeat the process until you have a smooth draw from the cigar. You might find that the cigar goes out while you are doing this. Simply relight the cigar and keep going.
The good news is that you don’t often have to worry about finding a cigar with a bad draw, and the better news is that when you do find one of these cigars you know how to take care of the problem. Rather than let blockage ruin your enjoyment of a hand rolled cigar, you can now sit back and relax with that nice hand rolled cigar.
Dave Sabot is the owner of an online butane lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including a cigar lighter with cutter, Dave also authors a highly rated blog featuring cigar reviews.
Storing a Cigar Lighter
Refillable lighters are a great investment and can provide many years, even generations, of service. They need to be safeguarded when not in use, however. Not only must the lighter itself be kept safe but those who may share the home with the smoker, namely children, need to be kept safe from the potential dangers posed by these devices.
The cigar lighters that are designed to be used in outdoor situations are generally pretty undemanding. Those which are designed for purely aesthetic concerns require a bit more care. Given proper attention to safe storage, even the most ornate lighters can be kept looking like new for many years.
Cigar lighters designed specifically to be used in outdoor situations are generally very tough. They have less-complex finishes and accents and many are made with the same sort of resilient chrome finish as are most fluid-filled refillable lighters. These lighters, when taken into the great outdoors, need only the most basic care. Make certain that they’re not exposed to moisture. While they’ll still light when wet, in most cases, exposure to the elements can cause them to corrode. Make certain they’re kept away from dirt and debris, as well, so that there isn’t a risk of fouling the ignition or jet mechanisms.
The more rugged lighters need less attention than do the elegant models but, to preserve the finish, they should at least be stored away from other items which may scratch or chip away at the finish. Keeping them in a box or a drawer filled with junk is certainly not advisable. One should make certain that their lighter is at least kept in a soft cloth, if it is a butane model. This is not advisable, however, for liquid-fueled lighters as the fuel may seep out and saturate the cloth, creating a fire hazard.
Cigar cutter lighters, pipe lighters and other lighters with delicate attachments affixed to their surfaces require special considerations. First and foremost, make certain that the cutter on any so-equipped lighter is always stored in the closed position. These devices can be quite sharp and reaching into a box with an open cutter can result in a nasty surprise! Keeping the cutter closed also preserves the edge of the blade. Tamping and cleaning accessories attached to any lighter should also be kept in a closed position to avoid damage. These implements can be quite fragile and can be bent or broken if handled incorrectly. Make certain that there is no dirt or debris in any storage area. Over time, it can work its way into the mechanical elements of the lighter and result in damage.
Cigar Wrapper Types
The wrapper is an integral part of your cigar. Before you begin applying your lighter to just any old cigar, you need to know the difference the type of wrapper makes. Numerous different types of wrapper exist and they all play a role in how much you enjoy your cigar. Do you know the difference between a Claro and a Colorado wrapper? What is a Maduro wrapper? How does the type of wrapper used affect the enjoyment of the cigar? Here, you will find a bit of help in understanding the role played by the wrapper.
Oscuro: Oscuro wrappers are produced from the tobacco leaves that grow at the top of the plant. You may find that these dark, almost black, wrappers have a stronger taste and may even be somewhat harsh. Genrally, this wrapper type is preferred by more experienced cigar smokers.
Double Claro: Light green in color, the Double Claro wrapper has a somewhat sweet taste and makes for an enjoyable smoke. However, these wrappers have fallen out of use somewhat and are thus hard to find.
Colorado: Grown in shade to produce a thinner leaf, the Colorado wrapper can be brown, with a bit of red thrown in. Usually, these wrappers are somewhat strong when you use butane torch lighters or other flame producers to light them.
Claro: This type of wrapper is generally considered more mild than many types of other wrappers. The Claro wrapper has a tan color and, like the Colorado, is grown in the shade.
Maduro: The Maduro wrapper undergoes a longer curing process and thus contributs to a very smooth smoking experience. This type of wrapper has a range of brown and black hues and is widely preferred by all levels of cigar smokers, novices and afficionados alike.
Of course, there are several other types of wrapper out there. You’ll find Colorado Maduro wrappers, Colorado Claros and several other common types. However, the wrappers mentioned above are the most frequently encountered. Finding the right wrapper type can have tremendous benefits for your smoking enjoyment, just as choosing the right option from the many different types of butane torch lighters can influence how you enjoy your smoke.
Selecting the right wrapper for you can be a fun exploration and can assist you with experiencing a multitude of cigar brands from across the globe.
