Re: Tight draws
I dont find that draw pokers work very well. after a few draws, the cigar seems to relax back to where it was before being poked. On fatter sticks like a plugged lucy or similar, I actually drill a 1/16" to 1/8" hole down the center. The bit is flexible so caution is required, else risk a beatle hole in your hand. Drilling removes some tobackey.
I find the best technique to just massage the up and down stick between your forefinger and thumb as you smoke it. The heat and humidity from drawing softens the binder and wrapper enough to allow some give. massaging will strech the stogie wider as it softens and usually fix the draw.
Some times you can feel where the knot is. If if is by the cap, you may be able to cut the stick shorter to get past the plug. Keep the label on so the stick does not unroll.
As another here posted, I have had success by humidifying tight stick up to ~75+% for a few weeks, then let them dry to ~60-65%. They will shrink and may improve draw. Downside is that dry cigars do not massage well and may crack.
The last option is to give the plugged cigars away!
Good luck
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