why re-lighting tastes better?

[chewbacco]

This may be a newbie question...and it may be too technical.

I noticed that when I'm tasting a strong bitter flavor, the outer wrapper leaf of the cigar isn't burning as much as the inside filler...sometimes it's not burning at all.

And as soon as I re-light the cigar...flavor, flavor, flavor.

I hear a lot of the cigar's flavor is in the outer leaf...is this true?

Also, am I just imagining things...or is it common for the inner filler of the cigar to burn faster than the outer leaf?

Any ideas?

 

[Inthacup]

I haven't read the article in a loooong time, but I think I recall Carlos Fuente saying that something like 70% of a cigar's flavor comes from the wrapper. That being said, have you ever taken a draw after a cigar had completely gone out? That's pretty strong and bitter as well. You could simply be getting that nasty flavor from the unlit part of the cigar, regardless of whether it is the wrapper or not.

or is it common for the inner filler of the cigar to burn faster than the outer leaf?

This is common when the filler is dryer than the outer leaf. Suppose you were trying to revive a dry cigar. It's going to regain humidity from the outside in, so it could be that you need to let your cigars rest more before you smoke them.

It could also be that you're smoking too slow. When a cigar starts to go out(from lack of attention), the inner leaf stays lit the longest, mostly because it is insulated by the ash.


Cup

 

[DocRKS]

I think another possibility why you get the better flavor after the relight is that in re-applying the torch - you may be purging the cigar (which is a GOOD thing.) Next time you relight your cigar - with the flame applied to the stick - blow out through the cigar --you will see a nice 'light show' at the other end as all of the tars and gasses that were collected in the cigar as it went out are now purged (that's what gives you the light show..) Now when you relight - you are getting all of the benefits of an almost new stick - and much better flavor to the cigar then it was delivering just as it was about to go out.

 

[IronBar]

I'd say that if this is a continual problem, you're storing your cigar at too high humidity.

 

[theorangeman]

Hmmmm... blow out through the cigar when you relight - I'll have to try that one (never have before). Even if it doesn't give me a better flavor, the light show will be worth it.

 

[DocRKS]

Hmmmm... blow out through the cigar when you relight - I'll have to try that one (never have before). Even if it doesn't give me a better flavor, the light show will be worth it.

[snapback]224261[/snapback]​

1. Blow through the cigar as you are applying the flame - light show effect and the flame turns into a welder's torch !!!!

2. AFTER the light show - re-light the stick...

3. ENJOY your beautifully smooth and purged cigar !!!

 

[Shibumi]

When I have a cigar that goes out, if I just re-light it, it tastes nasty. I read that if you blow through it and THEN light it, it won't taste nasty. I've tried this many times since and it does help me.

I think that the wrapper is bitter. When I light up a padron fumas (has extra wrapper at the foot) the first 2 puffs are bitter. I always imagine that the bitterness to sweetness your speaking of is just the blend of tobacco leaves that are burning at that moment. Maybe i'm wrong and someone can clear it up for me too?

 

[Lumberg]

If the inside burns faster than the outside it's called tunnelling and it means the outside of the cigar is more moist than the inside and it hans't rested long enough.

Same goes for coning, which is the opposite.

I hesitate to blow through my cigars because breath carries moisture, so if the cigar is borderline too moist, it will burn even worse after you do that.

Anyways, for me the single best puff on every cigar I have smoked is the ver first bit of smoke just as the cigar is lighting. Just personal preference, I guess.

Enjoy!

 

[theorangeman]

Interesting, Lumberg. Although it depends on the cigar, usually the best part of the cigar for me is once I get about 15% into it. Last night was a great example. I pulled out one of my big boys - a Puros Indios Aged (something like 6.5 x 60) to smoke while watch a fight on HBO. The first few inhales were a little strong and not that enjoyable. However, about 10-15% into the cigar, it mellowed out and I REALLY enjoyed the rest of the smoke.

 

[ree ree robusto]

When my cigar goes out, I take an end of a paper clip and brush off all the burnt ash. Then, I blow threw it and re-light.

Ree

 

[sack]

did notice that the first half inch is stronger and more bitter, after which the cigar becomes mellow and sweeter. ymmv!

 

[Lumberg]

interesting

In much the same way that a dirty air filter filters better than a new/clean one, maybe the remaining cigar filters the tars, etc better once it's starting to get gummed up with the byproducts, rather than at the very beginning

Also note that as it progresses, you are then smoking more and more of the built up stuff that was originally filtered.