Expert: James Yee - 10/6/2007

Question
i bought a case of esplendido III from a reliable source in Cuba, and though im not an expert, i do believe them to be real.  One thing that concerns me though is that they do not burn down evenly. is that normal? past cohibas that i have smoked have usually burned down very flat.

in addition, who long can i expect an unopened case to remain in good condition with being in a humidor?

many thanks.

Answer
Hi Will,

Don’t worry, an irregular burn is not a definite sign that your cigars are fake.  A lot genuine Cuban cigars can indeed burn crookedly as the crooked burn is the result of one or a combination of many things.  The filler tobacco may be bunched in a certain way that it provides gaps and air pockets that causes one side of the cigar to burn faster.  Lighting the foot of the cigar improperly or not thoroughly enough, smoking the cigar outdoors against a light breeze or even smoking too fast can also contribute to a bad burn.  The good news is that if caught early, most premium cigars can even the crooked burn out by themselves.  Just smoke the cigar slowly and naturally and the burn should automatically even out after an inch or two.  If the cigar's crooked burn still doesn’t even itself out, you can then use a “torch” lighter and lightly assist the burn by toasting the uneven edge.  Toast the crooked end and allow the cigar to sit so that the crooked end will burn to ash.  Tap the ash off now and then relight the foot thoroughly and it should burn more evenly now.  

As a last ditch method, frustrated smokers will even just take a cigar cutter and cut off the crooked foot and try again.

Hopes this answers your question.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I’ll be happy to help.

Regards,
James