Draw differences and meanings

[TravPSU]

I understand the differences between a light draw and a tight draw. However, I do not know what that means in terms of quality. For instance, last night I smoked an Oliva Serie G and it was like sucking air through a straw. It was a bit offputting. Does that mean it was dried out? Was it just packed loosely? Does that affect flavor?

(I tried searching and found nothing explaining this.)

[mrtr33]

Does that mean it was dried out?

Not necessarily.

Was it just packed loosely?

More than likely.

Does that affect flavor?

I don't know.

I enjoy a cigar I get a medium draw from. It's definitely a sweet spot that I look for. If it draws too loose, then I end up smoking it too fast (I'm looking at you, Camacho!) - if it is too tight, I end up with a headache at the end of the cigar from trying to draw too hard. I can say from experience that tight draws take away from my pleasure of the cigar. I am more concerned about working on getting my desired smoke volume than cigar taste. On the other hand, if it's got too loose a draw, then I run the risk of it burning hot once I get down to the end of the cigar.

I'm sure other people have far better insight, however.

[DeeDubya]

I understand the differences between a light draw and a tight draw. However, I do not know what that means in terms of quality. For instance, last night I smoked an Oliva Serie G and it was like sucking air through a straw. It was a bit offputting. Does that mean it was dried out? Was it just packed loosely? Does that affect flavor?

(I tried searching and found nothing explaining this.)

I usually find the Oliva G's loosely rolled. Generally (considering their low price) they are pretty consistant; however, anything handmade is going to have some variables. Thet's what I find interesting "the cigars in a box are not all exactly the same".

What's even worse is getting an expensive cigar that won't draw. You can puff until your cheeks are sore, only to finally give up and toss it. Those are the one's I like to disect. I like to cut them open lengthwise and look to see WTF is blocking the flow. Nine out of ten it's leaf that got bunched up and folded across to cause the blockage.

[FunkyCold5]

Most likely the cigar was rolled loosely. You want a little resistance when you puff, but not too much where you turn red.

As you smoke more brands and more cigars, you will know who are consistent with their quality control.

Oliva is pretty good on QC, but you will get one or two flukes. Don't scratch them off, cuz they are actually one of my fav brands. I haven't smokes much Gs, but I do love their Master Blends and Serie V.

Andrew

[Roham]

The easy way to fix this problem you had is to use a different cut. I use certain cuts for certain smokes. Like almost always, ISOM's are rolled tight so I make sure to always use a guillotine as to open it up almost all the way. Even then I start by only cutting a very thin piece, then more if needed.... Try smoking one of them again, but just use a punch cut/bullet cutter. They have different sizes of bullet cutters too, so look for a smaller one. I use my bullet cut on almost all my non-isom's...

[Carlos]

I agree with mrtr33 (which is good since I'm getting his sampler today). I like medium to lighter draw, but I also tend to oversmoke it and get it hot. And I like the Olivas a lot.

[Roham]

I understand the differences between a light draw and a tight draw. However, I do not know what that means in terms of quality. For instance, last night I smoked an Oliva Serie G and it was like sucking air through a straw. It was a bit offputting. Does that mean it was dried out? Was it just packed loosely? Does that affect flavor?

(I tried searching and found nothing explaining this.)

What kind of cut did you use?

[TravPSU]

What kind of cut did you use?

Guillotine cut. But I very well could have cut it open too much. I might still have the end, it should be on top in the trash can. If I can find it i'll edit and give more detail.

EDIT: I measured it. The cigar was around a 48 ring (measured roughly 3/4") and my cut was 9/16". Dunno if that helps at all.

Hmm, website says it was a 5x52 Belicoso.

[Roham]

You can't use a bullet style cutter on a belicoso. Just try cutting a tiny bit off, then see how it draws, but more if needed. Should make it taste much better too

[TravPSU]

You can't use a bullet style cutter on a belicoso. Just try cutting a tiny bit off, then see how it draws, but more if needed. Should make it taste much better too

Unfortunately, I only bought one of those. I'm in my "buying singles" phase so I can experience many different cigars. I guess I won't write them off just yet. Definitely will try a smaller cut next time.

Thanks, everyone.