Tar?

Razorhog · 03-01-2010, 07:14 PM

I'm currently smoking a 5 Vegas Relic - it is getting some black tar looking stuff coming out of the head. I cut off a bit more and it opened up the draw a bit which helped, but the "tar" is still coming out. What causes this? I haven't seen this since I smoked a Holt's Tropical Fever maduro. The flavors from this cigar are initially pretty good; but I think the tar is giving it a bad aftertaste. What is going on here?

Sauer Grapes · 03-01-2010, 07:37 PM

It can be caused by a few things. Too tight of a roll, too young, over humidified, smoking a cigar when it's cold and damp outside, etc.

It sucks when it happens, but luckily it rarely happens to good cigars.

bobarian · 03-01-2010, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sauer Grapes

It can be caused by a few things. Too tight of a roll, too young, over humidified, smoking a cigar when it's cold and damp outside, etc.

It sucks when it happens, but luckily it rarely happens to good cigars.

This is not accurate. I have it happen on several premium cigars both CC and NC. Most notably a Casa Fuente Torpedo and a Pam 64 maduro.

NCRadioMan · 03-01-2010, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobarian

This is not accurate. I have it happen on several premium cigars both CC and NC. Most notably a Casa Fuente Torpedo and a Pam 64 maduro.

Happened with me with a Diamond Crown maduro torp.

Adriftpanda · 03-01-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobarian

This is not accurate. I have it happen on several premium cigars both CC and NC. Most notably a Casa Fuente Torpedo and a Pam 64 maduro.

And it just happened to be the CF I gave you!

what a doggy rocket.

This a great question, I was wondering the same thing.

03-01-2010, 08:16 PM

I've had it happen to numerous Opus X. I just cut a little more off the end.

Sauer Grapes · 03-01-2010, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobarian

This is not accurate. I have it happen on several premium cigars both CC and NC. Most notably a Casa Fuente Torpedo and a Pam 64 maduro.

Rarely is not equal to never.

Does it happen often when you smoke those cigars?

03-01-2010, 07:42 PM

How can you tell tar from cigar oils???

Razorhog · 03-01-2010, 07:46 PM

Well I had to put the cigar down and let it die after the first third. I'm going to hope it is still just too wet. I have another that I'll let rest for a while.
I fired up a CI Legends Pepin and tonight's cigar experience is going much better now.

Razorhog · 03-01-2010, 07:55 PM

It's better, but the Legends Pepin is burning very poorly

Flavors are very tasty but I'm having to baby sit this thing constantly.

Kreth · 03-01-2010, 07:58 PM

How long have you had these sticks? CI ships pretty wet. It's usually best to let them rest a few weeks, and/or drybox.
Posted via Mobile Device

Razorhog · 03-01-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kreth

How long have you had these sticks? CI ships pretty wet. It's usually best to let them rest a few weeks, and/or drybox.
Posted via Mobile Device

I should have known better; I got them yesterday

however, the Legends Pepin I've had for at least a couple years - the cello was starting to yellow. And it is burning like total crap.

ucla695 · 03-01-2010, 08:20 PM

I've had this happen with some '98 BPCs and an AF (can't remember if it was an Opus or DC). There's nothing worse than tasting something bitter and finding tar bubbles on the head. Clipping may or may not help to fix the problem.

hotreds · 03-01-2010, 08:33 PM

This is why I smoke with a paper towel nearby- to tap that foot and get rid of those bubbles. Alas, it seems to happen frequently, and really hurts the tatse of the cigar. I'd say almost 50/50 tar-ry and not so. I usually lower my rating by 1/2 point if I have to deal with that bitter taste- unless the cigar is so fine it really doesn't matter. So, yes, to me this is a common problem-- or maybe I should say it is a not uncommon problem.

jkim05 · 03-01-2010, 08:38 PM

I've had it happen to me only once though I've seen it on others' a couple times, unfortunately that once was with an 80s davidoff 3000

troutbreath · 03-02-2010, 12:46 AM

I had this happen a couple of times over the winter. Once with a Camacho, once with an RyJ Havana Reserve Toro. Very different sticks, but both Toros. In both cases, it really ruined the smoking experience -- very bitter.

03-02-2010, 12:56 AM

I've noticed this happens on mostly small RG, figurado/pefecto, and torpedo shaped cigars. I think that with these types the "goo" just builds up with the smaller opening towards the head. I don't think it has to do with a stick not having enough rest at all. It happened to me on a very well aged Opus X A. Just clip 1/8' off and continue on as before.

03-02-2010, 01:43 AM

I have had almost no issues with tar in the ten years I have been smoking...I like to credit that to my slow and cold smoking style...if I can't put a cigar, while lit, on the palm of my hand comfortably, its too hot....anyhow, the one time it has happened, it happened on a VERY fresh Illusione ~f9~. I don't consider it bad, because it had almost a maple syrup flavor...

I hope that tar does not scare you from smoking other cigars in the future...

03-02-2010, 05:09 AM

I asked this question a while back and below is the answer I got from a manufacturer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by http://www.StogieReview.com

“This grotesque syrup is somewhat of an enigma. We assume that it is sap left inside the stem of the leaf which doesn’t evaporate during fermentation. It is extremely rare, but by far one of the most pungent and foul substances of the world. It has been my experience that cutting below the ooze usually ends the matter.”

Remainder of that article can be found here

Razorhog · 03-02-2010, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt

I asked this question a while back and below is the answer I got from a manufacturer.

Remainder of that article can be found here

Thanks! I added a comment. Seems the tar issue is shrouded in mystery....

03-01-2010, 07:14 PM	#1
Razorhog Feeling at Home Join Date: Jul 2009 First Name: Beau Location: NE Arkansas Posts: 600 Trading: (4)	Tar? I'm currently smoking a 5 Vegas Relic - it is getting some black tar looking stuff coming out of the head. I cut off a bit more and it opened up the draw a bit which helped, but the "tar" is still coming out. What causes this? I haven't seen this since I smoked a Holt's Tropical Fever maduro. The flavors from this cigar are initially pretty good; but I think the tar is giving it a bad aftertaste. What is going on here?

03-01-2010, 07:37 PM	#2
Sauer Grapes Snatchin' yo people up Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,235 Trading: (44)	Re: Tar? It can be caused by a few things. Too tight of a roll, too young, over humidified, smoking a cigar when it's cold and damp outside, etc. It sucks when it happens, but luckily it rarely happens to good cigars.

03-01-2010, 08:16 PM	#6
Beer Doctor Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Tar? I've had it happen to numerous Opus X. I just cut a little more off the end.

03-01-2010, 07:42 PM	#8
bookman Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Tar? How can you tell tar from cigar oils???

03-01-2010, 07:46 PM	#9
Razorhog Feeling at Home Join Date: Jul 2009 First Name: Beau Location: NE Arkansas Posts: 600 Trading: (4)	Re: Tar? Well I had to put the cigar down and let it die after the first third. I'm going to hope it is still just too wet. I have another that I'll let rest for a while. I fired up a CI Legends Pepin and tonight's cigar experience is going much better now.

03-01-2010, 07:55 PM	#10
Razorhog Feeling at Home Join Date: Jul 2009 First Name: Beau Location: NE Arkansas Posts: 600 Trading: (4)	Re: Tar? It's better, but the Legends Pepin is burning very poorly Flavors are very tasty but I'm having to baby sit this thing constantly.

03-01-2010, 07:58 PM	#11
Kreth Ronin smoker Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Jeff Location: Oneonta, NY Posts: 3,620 Trading: (14)	Re: Tar? How long have you had these sticks? CI ships pretty wet. It's usually best to let them rest a few weeks, and/or drybox. Posted via Mobile Device

03-01-2010, 08:20 PM	#13
ucla695 Neither here, nor there Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Pool Posts: 3,696 Trading: (5)	Re: Tar? I've had this happen with some '98 BPCs and an AF (can't remember if it was an Opus or DC). There's nothing worse than tasting something bitter and finding tar bubbles on the head. Clipping may or may not help to fix the problem.

03-01-2010, 08:33 PM	#14
hotreds Ephesians 2:8 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5 miles past "Resume Speed" Posts: 11,665 Trading: (63)	Re: Tar? This is why I smoke with a paper towel nearby- to tap that foot and get rid of those bubbles. Alas, it seems to happen frequently, and really hurts the tatse of the cigar. I'd say almost 50/50 tar-ry and not so. I usually lower my rating by 1/2 point if I have to deal with that bitter taste- unless the cigar is so fine it really doesn't matter. So, yes, to me this is a common problem-- or maybe I should say it is a not uncommon problem. __________________ God loves you so much, that he made you read this, just to let you know.

03-01-2010, 08:38 PM	#15
jkim05 Feeling at Home Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jeremy Location: Rockville, MD Posts: 519 Trading: (17)	Re: Tar? I've had it happen to me only once though I've seen it on others' a couple times, unfortunately that once was with an 80s davidoff 3000

03-02-2010, 12:46 AM	#16
troutbreath Feeling at Home Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mike Location: The Dash, NC Posts: 706 Trading: (0)	Re: Tar? I had this happen a couple of times over the winter. Once with a Camacho, once with an RyJ Havana Reserve Toro. Very different sticks, but both Toros. In both cases, it really ruined the smoking experience -- very bitter.

03-02-2010, 12:56 AM	#17
mariogolbee Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Tar? I've noticed this happens on mostly small RG, figurado/pefecto, and torpedo shaped cigars. I think that with these types the "goo" just builds up with the smaller opening towards the head. I don't think it has to do with a stick not having enough rest at all. It happened to me on a very well aged Opus X A. Just clip 1/8' off and continue on as before.

03-02-2010, 01:43 AM	#18
ScottishSmoker Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Tar? I have had almost no issues with tar in the ten years I have been smoking...I like to credit that to my slow and cold smoking style...if I can't put a cigar, while lit, on the palm of my hand comfortably, its too hot....anyhow, the one time it has happened, it happened on a VERY fresh Illusione ~f9~. I don't consider it bad, because it had almost a maple syrup flavor... I hope that tar does not scare you from smoking other cigars in the future...

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