Stogie Tips: Fix That Uneven Burn

As we wrote way back in August 2006, every stogie enthusiast will run into an uneven burn from time to time. This phenomenon can be much more than annoying; it can adversely and significantly affect the performance of an otherwise delightful cigar.

The following tips should help everyone from tobacco neophytes to seasoned stogie veterans fix an uneven burn—also called a canoe—especially if the problem stems not from the actual makeup of the cigar but from some outside interference.

Without question, the best strategy is to avoid an uneven burn in the first place. A proper light is a good way to start every cigar. From there, if you notice the mascara (the black line between the ash and the tobacco) begin to meander, rotate the cigar so the slow burning part is at the bottom. Fire, after all, needs oxygen to burn, and the bottom of the cigar will burn faster than the top because it has more access to oxygen. This is also why you should rotate your cigar as you smoke.

Second, if placing the long end on the bottom doesn’t work, we recommend touching up the fast burning part of the wrapper by applying moisture to the wrapper to slow down the burn. Usually saliva will get the job done, but remember you just want to add a little moisture to the wrapper; you don’t want a wet stogie.

If the aforementioned two techniques don’t work, feel free to grab your lighter or matches and gently burn off the section that’s burning too fast. Don’t rush to quickly take a puff afterwards, however, as the ash is likely unstable. Wait until the burnt wrapper turns black and burns off completely.

While it’s always best to smoke each cigar as its blender intended—slowly from beginning to end in one sitting—we understand that not everyone has the time or the inclination. In order to re-establish an even burn after the foot has extinguished, tap the remaining ash and blow through the cigar before toasting the foot again. This practice will help diminish the sour, bitter flavor that’s often associated with re-lit cigars, and it should clear the way for a second shot at an even burn.

Finally, if you’ve uncovered your own unique methodology to fix an uneven burn, please share it with StogieGuys.com readers by leaving a comment below.

-Patrick A & Patrick S

photo credit: Club Stogie