Wetting Cigar Video?

[mk05]

I dampen a paper towel and gently squeeze the cigar so the wrapper absorbs the moisture. I've found no real noticeable differences - as Brandon mentioned, I have only done this with flaky wrapped cigars, but do not have extensive vintage experience to opine further.

FWIW, perhaps use bottled water instead of tap.

[Ken Gargett]

We might as well do a "Wetting a Cigar Video" to see if we can reach any conclusions.

Couple of questions on the technical aspects for those who know more about this than I.

1. Let's assume a Mareva/Half Corona.
2. Do we smoke one (unwet) completely and then smoke the other (wet). (both from same box)
3. Do we smoke both at the same time side by side.
4. Do we smoke a larger cigar...start unwet...wet the next say 10 mm....go unwet for 10mm...etc.

What would be the best format to try and minimise the natural variance that exists between cigars?

or we could just smoke something nice???

[CaptainQuintero]

or we could just smoke something nice???

So you would be against smoking two Cuaba Diadamas one after the other in the name of science?

[Ginseng]

We might as well do a "Wetting a Cigar Video" to see if we can reach any conclusions.

Couple of questions on the technical aspects for those who know more about this than I.

1. Let's assume a Mareva/Half Corona.
2. Do we smoke one (unwet) completely and then smoke the other (wet). (both from same box)
3. Do we smoke both at the same time side by side.
4. Do we smoke a larger cigar...start unwet...wet the next say 10 mm....go unwet for 10mm...etc.

What would be the best format to try and minimise the natural variance that exists between cigars?

I apologize for not chiming in sooner on this topic. This is a procedure which I've practiced and espoused to achieve certain ends for certain cigar conditions. It is not meant to be a general practice as it is not something that provides a uniform benefit across ALL cigar types or conditions. Meaning, it makes some perform better and others perform worse. That said, here we go. Ride along if you're interested in asking and answering some provocative questions about our hobby. Just keep in mind that what Rob is proposing isn't just a frivolous, rum soaked fantasy...plenty of time for that another day. It's an honest attempt at settling a topic that is polarizing, that has its adherents as well as belittlers. I, for one, am willing to pitch in and give it a game try.

First things first. We need to decide the objective of this research and the question we're seeking to answer. This will clarify our wonderings and also lead to defining a methodology that makes sense and that stands a chance of answering our questions.

I propose that we start small and clear by proposing a (null) hypothesis. Here are a few possibilities that have come up in prior discussions.

1. wetting a cigar reduces wrapper splitting when smoking dry cigars

2. wetting a cigar enhances the flavor delivery of a dry cigar

3. wetting a cigar improves the burn performance of a cigar

Second, we operationalize these hypotheses. This means simply defining how we can tell differences in the features we're talking about. Respectively:

1. wrapper splitting, as measured by length and number of splits

2. flavor delivery, as measured by scale ratings of intensity and complexity

3. burn performance, as measured by number or severity of runs, or some evenness measure on the burn front, or coal/cone formation

Once we decide these things, then and only then can we talk about methodology. But just looking ahead, I would suggest that we not be too concerned about controlling for cigar-to-cigar consistency or uniformity. Given the state of HSA and knowledge of how individual cigars come together in a box, this is completely out of our control. So, given that within-box variation can be immense, our focus might be on equalizing the smoking experience. By this, I mean making sure any given set of cigars we smoke are experienced in a balanced fashion. From this perspective, it's not strictly necessary to smoke side-by-side. Another reason I would advise not doing a SxS smoke is that the overall impression of a cigar comes from the opportunity to focus and be attentive to the development of a cigar along its entire life.

So, what do you think? Shall we give it a go?

Wilkey

[LGC]

Given the possibility of inconsistencies within the same box, I propose that each person smokes 4 total cigars... 2 "wet" and 2 "dry" cigars. This might seem a little extreme, but it might be beneficial in the judging.

[asmith]

All I am seeing here is that I will be smoking a very wet cigar

[Ginseng]

Given the possibility of inconsistencies within the same box, I propose that each person smokes 4 total cigars... 2 "wet" and 2 "dry" cigars. This might seem a little extreme, but it might be beneficial in the judging.

You took the words right out of my mind. I was thinking that each person would smoke two pairs. One dry-wet and one wet-dry. give a bit of time between the two and the same break, perhaps some plain crackers, white bread, and water.

Wilkey

[Habanos2000]

As I see it the only hypothesis that would be of interest to me would be #3, the improval of the burn. To that end I can't say that I've had so many, or such extreme burn issues that I would even consider wetting my cigars.

To those with overly dry cigars, I wish you the best of luck in this experiment but I still can't see any true benefit resulting from this.

[CaptainQuintero]

I'm interested to see if the burn performance of a young cigar is improved, and if there is the rich/juicy flavour gain similar to a freshly rolled cigar that people have previously mentioned.

[Mr. Japan]

Done this smoking and find that if the wrapper is dry, if you smoke outside in the sunshine, if you smoke near a fireplace .... it is better as the wrapper keeps good with no possible cracks due to over temperature.

No difference in taste/aromas ...unless you wet the cigar under a barrel of wine LOL

[PapaDisco]

Do any of you wet aficionados dip the cigar instead of using running tap water? Like, hold by the foot and dip into a tall glass of distilled water?

[garbandz]

I take a few drops of water on my fingers and gently dampen the cigar,and then roll it against a paper towel .

This helps to prevent wrapper splitting in cool or very hot weather,and wakes up the wrapper.I notice a fresh note in the flavor when I do this.

Have done this for many years,second nature now........

[Troels]

It might be driven by expectations, but i've felt wetting the cigar gives me a better taste, beside a better burn. Still I hardly ever do it, wich doesnt make much sense

[ndhaon91]

1. Each of you smoke your best regular production cigar

2. Wet the entire cigar for a brief period under running water. Don't half arse the job, all or nothing.

3. Smoke the cigar that you love to enjoy.

4. All follow the same technique. And yes Ken must participate.

This is the way to do it. You guys all have your favorite current box of daily smokes that you know inside and out. There's no reason to even spend the time smoking one dry. You could probably already describe every nuance from start to finish.

So you each pick your favorite current smoke that you know like the back of your hand and then smoke it wet.

[laficion]

Children will be children,Even If you are all right, I prefer them dry for the moment !!!!!!!

[BonVivant]

Children will be children,Even If you are all right, I prefer them dry for the moment !!!!!!!

Plus one here, except when i need to wet it for different reasons