Should I be concerned?

[squizz]

Hey guys and gals. I got a box of Sig IVs in today. I took a look at the cigars and I think I may have gotten a bad box. I suspect these will all have very tight or even plugged draw.

Box code is ORA MAY 15

Here is a picture. What do you think?

[NSXCIGAR]

If you're basing that conclusion on the appearance of a tightly packed foot you shouldn't. CCs can appear to be very tightly packed and the draw will be fine. Particularly with a 46+ RG cigar, draw problems are pretty rare nowadays--even more so with Cohiba. The draw checking machines have really relegated draw problems to the occasional stick in <42 RG cigars.

Now, if the cigar is tightly packed throughout and feels rock-hard from head to foot you may have a problem. But you didn't describe that in your post. Based on your pic of the feet it's impossible to determine how the draw will be.

[Elvis]

If there's a plug it will most likely be under the band. Nothing to do with the band itself it's just that that's where the widest part of the leaf seems to end up when it's rolled. I can't tell much just from looking at the foot.

[Habana Mike]

I think you should clip and light one. Best way to tell!

[squizz]

If you're basing that conclusion on the appearance of a tightly packed foot you shouldn't. CCs can appear to be very tightly packed and the draw will be fine. Particularly with a 46+ RG cigar, draw problems are pretty rare nowadays--even more so with Cohiba. The draw checking machines have really relegated draw problems to the occasional stick in <42 RG cigars.

Now, if the cigar is tightly packed throughout and feels rock-hard from head to foot you may have a problem. But you didn't describe that in your post. Based on your pic of the feet it's impossible to determine how the draw will be.

Thank you, I will grab a few of the cigars and pressure test them the whole length.

[squizz]

I think you should clip and light one. Best way to tell!

I agree, however, I am in a position to get a replacement box if needed. Smoking one would take that away.

Normally, I am not this critical. But this is my biggest dollar amount cigar box purchase. I just want to be satisfied.

[Smallclub]

If there's a plug it will most likely be under the band.

We're not talking about plugs, but possibly overfilled cigars. And again, the weight of the cigar tells more than the appearance of the foot.

Anyway, unless the cigars are hard as rock, I can't see how the OP could complain to the vendor before he had clipped one to test the draw…

[Havanaaddict]

The weight of the cigar tells more than the appearance of the foot.

Anyway, unless the cigars are hard as rock…

Yep the weight is a great way to tell!!!

If you want to go by just the look of the feet I would say (5) of them would be tight!!!

[Fugu]

We're not talking about plugs, but possibly overfilled cigars. And again, the weight of the cigar tells more than the appearance of the foot.

^ This

Get in touch with your vendor and kindly ask whether you may test-smoke one (of the more packed appearing). A good vendor will agree and replace in case of problems (unless shipping is a problem here....)

Alternatively, he might offer to replace directly, if you discuss it with him in a respectful manner.

[squizz]

Thank you for the advice folks. There was mention of weight. I do have the ability to do this. But what would I look for? Consistent weight? Or a specific weight?

[Carpenter69]

Just buy a 1/16 " drill bit.

Works great

[squizz]

Okay, so one cigar should weigh the same as a 1/16 drill bit?

[Smallclub]

Just buy a 1/16 " drill bit.

Works great

Yes, if you like very hot smoke and are ok to say bye bye to the complexity of the cigar...

[Smallclub]

Okay, so one cigar should weigh the same as a 1/16 drill bit?

errr… no. You must compare the weight of your Siglo IV with that of other cigars of the same vitola, in this case corona gorda…

The idea behind the 1/16 drill is, guess what, to drill a tunnel into the cigar so that you get "some "smoke from it. This is the last resort when everything else has failed.

[squizz]

Okay, thanks for clarifying that. I got confused.

[Colt45]

There was mention of weight. I do have the ability to do this. But what would I look for? Consistent weight? Or a specific weight?

Here is a list of weights, which may be of help (or not :-), but I consider a guideline. Were I concerned, I'd probably clip one and take a cold draw.

Link

[Elvis]

Here is a list of weights, which may be of help (or not :-), but I consider a guideline. Were I concerned, I'd probably clip one and take a cold draw.

Link

Interesting. So a Siglo IV should weigh 11.41g according to this list. If it weighs more does that mean it's overfilled or can excessive humidity also increase the weight of the cigar?

[Elvis]

We're not talking about plugs, but possibly overfilled cigars. And again, the weight of the cigar tells more than the appearance of the foot.

Anyway, unless the cigars are hard as rock, I can't see how the OP could complain to the vendor before he had clipped one to test the draw…

Good point. I don't think you need to clip to test draw. You can "draw" in and out from the foot prior to cutting. These are very small "draws" but enough feel the "pulse" of the cigar in your fingers and palm. Overfilled/plugged cigars won't pulse much at all, they'll feel somewhat dead.

I don't think I'm explaining this very well. If you give it a try though, it might become clearer.

[MIKA27]

They look good to me, pass them this way

[El Presidente]

The bunching looks pretty good bar 2 which look questionable.

Gauging a tight/plugged cigar is relatively easy. Look for knots, weight in the hand (that comes with experience), foot etc.

It is not however an exact science. I have had cigars from the walk in that I picked knowing/thinking that they would have to be cut down or played with because they would be too tight or plugged. I am right most of the time but then comes the one that draws like a dream even though it had no right to do so. Flip side also applies. You have a cigar that looks and feels perfect but the roller has pinched/twisted the roll causing a blockage. You can't see that.

[CaptainQuintero]

Because of hour they are rolled you can sometimes gain an idea of the draw by sucking on the foot; place your lips on half of the exposed foot (The other half of the foot will be where the air will be drawn through) and gently suck, you should get a draw that is similar to the one you'll get when the other end is cut.

[Kurt]

I've never had an issue returning a plugged cigar to the place I purchased it (only after doing my best to get it to smoke) and getting an equivalent replacement. As was mentioned earlier get on the phone to your vendor and find out where he stands concerning plugged sticks. Maybe he will want the unadulterated box back or maybe he will accept individual sticks but it would behoove you to find out where he stands before putting the fire to the trunk.

Kurt

[LGC]

None looked overfilled, as far as the foot of the cigars. Overfilling and localized plugs are detected by weight and squeezing the cigar. If you are looking for consistency in your cigars (or low probability of construction issues), I would avoid CCs. I find wind tunnels and under filling to be more common these days; but tight draws still happen.

[squizz]

Well I pulled out some of the cigars, mainly the ones I felt looked over filled. First one weighed in at .51oz which is 14.45 grams. I used some pressure up and down the cigar, very hard throughout. I tried this a few more smokes, that all were at the .48 to .53 range. I pressure tested a couple more, hard as well. I think these will be going back.

I did hear back from the vendor and they did suggest I try one with no strings attached. I'd rather just send them back and maybe get a different factory.

Thank you all for the advice!

[Fugu]

Just clip a few of the tightest looking ones and draw on them.

I don't understand why you would need to smoke them to tell if they're plugged??

Clipped or smoked, doesn't matter from the returning/replacement-point of view. Isn't of any use to the vendor thereafter anyway (and I would also never 'suck' on the feet of uncut sticks unless they were my own, not those supposed to be returned.... ).

So, once you cut it - there is no gain in not at least as well trying smoking it, unless you intend keeping and storing it for an additional period of time.

However, in any case, best to discuss it with your trusted vendor.

Paul