Tip: Uneven burn

This section is meant to be fun and useful information regarding your cigars. Some of it has been just my personal experience and the rest from my own review of the literature on the subject.

Today's Tip: How to correct that uneven burn.

This is one of those little hassles that is almost always due to poor construction. It isn't only unsightly, but can give your cigar the foul taste of one that is both burning too hot and one that has been re-lit at the same time. There are two possible solutions to this problem, both of which, I have to admit, I'm a little embarrassed to have to perform in public.

The first is the least unsightly but is the most violating to that now disfigured beauty you hold in your hand. Take your lighter, say a prayer and ignite! Torching the over-packed portion should correct the problem assuming you are fighting just one tight spot. The disadvantage here is that for the next few puffs you will be sucking smoke from tobacco that has released all of its tar and oils due to the extreme heat. This is equivalent to smoking a really dry cigar. Once you get it evened out, let it settle for a while and it shouldn't ruin your smoke.

The second option is...well, disgusting to see, but if your burn is uneven because of a soft spot (as opposed to a tight spot) then this is the best option. You'll know the difference because when it goes uneven you'll notice that one side will burn extremely fast - contrast that with one side seeming to go out while the other continues to burn normally (see option one to correct this problem). In this instance take your index finger, soak it with saliva and coat the fast burning edge. Saliva works best because of its consistency so it tends to stay where you put it and not run all over covering your whole cigar and defeating the purpose. It may take a couple of coats to slow that bad boy down but it'll be worth the scowls you get from across the table. Just make sure not to stick your finger into your glass of cognac and then touch it to the lit end of your stogie. 40% alcohol and fire only mix with a few desserts...and I think a drink from Russia! Applied correctly the other side will catch up and you'll be able to relax and enjoy the rest of your cigar without souring the flavor.

That's about it. Let me know if you have any applicable tips that I can add to my repertoire.

Montecristo Tubo

Montecristo is one of most recognized names in cigars. It was originally introduced in the mid 1930's by the H. Upmann factory. There is rarely a bad experience when your cigar bares a Montecristo band.

This Habano was given to me following a BBQ and I couldn't resist. It is a corona that measures up at 6 x 42 and has a really nice golden brown wrapper. It burned a bit wobbly but continually corrected itself. It started off with a medium bodied, creamy smoke. Cedar and leather moved in toward the end of the first third and then the cigar became very spicy and that spice actually began to overwhelm the nuanced flavors that had begun to develop. Most people will probably doc this cigar for that but fortunately I really like spicy cigars. It finished with warm pepper and wood. The aromatics were quite pleasant and rich and would make sitting in a cloud of your own smoke quite enjoyable!

Habanos have a reputation for inconsistency which has been the major complaint facing Habanos S.A. I really enjoyed this cigar and would give it 89 points. The construction was lacking but it was an overall enjoyable medium-full bodied smoke.
Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
Rating: 89

Grafton Anniversario

Tonight we attended a cigar evening at one of Dublin's only 5* hotels. It was a fund raising event for Haiti and was a great evening on top of being for a good cause. There were several raffle items which were over seen by the Cuban Ambassador. The evening included tapas, which was excellent, and a variety of Cabernet Sauvignons as well as a very nice single malt Scotch Whiskey, Wild Geese. The main cigar for the evening was the Grafton Figurado Anniversario. It is a house brand for Dublin's Decent Cigar which is located on Grafton St. They were a bit tight lipped on the cigar's maker but I managed to find out that the filler is all Dominican leaf that was shipped to Cuba, dried and aged for 7 years, and then shipped back to the Dominican to be rolled in a Nicaraguan binder and wrapper.

The cigar is a figurado so sizing is a little tricky but it is about a 7" x 54. It had a nice light brown wrapper with excellent construction, firm draw and an even burn throughout. The ash was light gray and firm. It had a rich woody aroma that was mostly cedar. The flavor was cedary as well with a hint of sweet berries. It ended with a mild spice in the final 3rd. It was a superb medium bodied cigar and a very pleasant smoke. I'd rate this as a firm 91. I have one more to smoke and I'll be saving it in my humidor for a special occasion. Due to the size and firm packing of this bad boy I'd recommend it for your next all night poker game.



Wrapper: Nic
Binder: Nic
Filler: DR

Rating: 91

Greetings

I enjoy some of the finer things in life. I understand that varies from person to person, but for me, I love a nice cigar, great bottle of wine and a good meal. This blog will focus on my own cigar reviews and will include what I've found to be good partners with those cigars including drink suggestions and recipes. For those who share my enthusiasm, welcome.