jeromeroselli Posted February 14, 2009 Posted February 14, 2009 Do you think weather conditions can dictate or completely control the quality (flavor) of a smoke? Last night I went to one of my favorite smokes and took a walk outside. That was a bad idea as it was about 40 degrees, and WINDY. The cigar, which is usually perfect for me, started out rough and never came around. It was earthy where it is usually chocolaty, rough where smooth and when I was finished, my hand smelled like ammonia. I was disturbed and had no idea that how good a cigar is can be contingent on the weather. Thoughts or ideas? Could it have just been a bad box from the shop?
anacostiakat Posted February 14, 2009 Posted February 14, 2009 Do you think weather conditions can dictate or completely control the quality (flavor) of a smoke?Last night I went to one of my favorite smokes and took a walk outside. That was a bad idea as it was about 40 degrees, and WINDY. The cigar, which is usually perfect for me, started out rough and never came around. It was earthy where it is usually chocolaty, rough where smooth and when I was finished, my hand smelled like ammonia. I was disturbed and had no idea that how good a cigar is can be contingent on the weather. Thoughts or ideas? Could it have just been a bad box from the shop? Sounds like a young cigar. But I never smoke outside when it is windy. Also when it is colder out it can wreck havoc with a properly humidified cigar.
Chicago Posted February 14, 2009 Posted February 14, 2009 It was definitely the weather. I have tried and tried smoking cigars in temps as you described and lower and it is pointless. I recently pulled out the eact same cigar when temps climbed about 55 or so and Viola! the improvemen was magnificent.
Colt45 Posted February 14, 2009 Posted February 14, 2009 Given the ammonia smell, it could very well simply been an off cigar. Personally, forty degrees isn't all that bad. On the flip side, in the past I've been of the opinion that drawing very cold air through a burning cigar changes / reduces the flavor. I'm coming around more to the opinion that it changes my perception of flavors. I can happily sit in a sunny spot at 30' F with no wind and enjoy a cigar (as happy as one can be sitting out in the cold). As for the wind, it can surely have an effect on burn, which I suppose can have an effect on flavor. I normally won't smoke on a very windy day.
COJ Posted February 14, 2009 Posted February 14, 2009 I think its rather the wind then the temp...I've had some of my most memorable cigars in cold weather...as long as its not windy...
jeromeroselli Posted February 14, 2009 Author Posted February 14, 2009 I have never had a cigar taste like ammonia at any point, let along my hands smell of it. Quite honestly, it may have been colder, and I have to emphasize the wind factor. It was gusting 12-15mph i would estimate. It's one of my favorite cigars, but I bought this particular one from a different shop. One that most likely doesn't take the utmost care in maintaining their stock, but I can't be too sure. I guess I'll have to not go back there again.... Verdict: Don't smoke when it's windy... Cold is OK. Avoid shady smoke shops.
sounddust Posted February 14, 2009 Posted February 14, 2009 I have found that I can appreciate the complex flavours of a cigar best indoors, not to mention a better burn rate and quality. If forced to smoke outdoors, regardless of the weather; I will only smoke cigars which I am already familiar with. This is to help prevent a false impression of a new cigar.
Chicago Posted February 14, 2009 Posted February 14, 2009 Oh, yeah, forgot about the ammonia part, this is a quality of young tobacco.
Tampa1257 Posted February 15, 2009 Posted February 15, 2009 Was it humid, wet and damp? I have experienced an ammonia essence happen during weather with high humidity. Granted the wind detracted from your smoking experience but I have not had the wind bring about an ammonia flavor in my cigar before.
jeromeroselli Posted February 15, 2009 Author Posted February 15, 2009 Not that I remember. It wasn't raining if that's what you mean. Also, I didn't taste ammonia, just smelled it after the cigar was gone on my hands.
DocRKS Posted February 15, 2009 Posted February 15, 2009 Also, I didn't taste ammonia, just smelled it after the cigar was gone on my hands. Sounds like the symptoms of a cigar in the classic "sick period".....
jeromeroselli Posted February 15, 2009 Author Posted February 15, 2009 PS This was an Maduro Robusto Partagas (NC)
BobLobLaw Posted February 15, 2009 Posted February 15, 2009 Do you think weather conditions can dictate or completely control the quality (flavor) of a smoke? Absolutely. I have learned through similar situations never to "force" a cigar. I always end up disappointed. Wind is the biggest problem, air temp not as much. That is why my humi is stuffed to the gills and I am eagerly waiting for spring.
jeromeroselli Posted February 17, 2009 Author Posted February 17, 2009 Bob- I love that outlook. Made me look forward to it as well.
log1k Posted February 17, 2009 Posted February 17, 2009 I've some of my most memorable smokes in cold weather (20-30 degrees). Wind will ruin even the finest smoke. Wind is the enemy!
ghost Posted February 17, 2009 Posted February 17, 2009 I've smoked some cigars outside in 30 degree-F weather and they've been fine. I don't think it should have much of an effect unless the cigar goes out a few times and needs to be relit.
Van55 Posted February 17, 2009 Posted February 17, 2009 PSThis was an Maduro Robusto Partagas (NC) It wasn't the weather. That cigar sucks!
jeromeroselli Posted February 17, 2009 Author Posted February 17, 2009 That's another explanation. ; )
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