Tips For Smoking Outside In The Winter?

longknocker · 01-09-2010, 06:16 AM

Just Wanted To Know The Inmates Tips On Smoking Outside In The Winter. I Don't Have The Option Of Smoking In My House. ( Yes I'm PW'd after 37 Years Of Marriage.

) I've Tried "Wetting" My Sticks Beforehand And That Helps To Prevent The Sticks from Cracking & Splitting, But With A Temperature & Humidity Drop From My Cigars Stored @ 65RH & 65* Inside To 37% RH & 50* Inside My Garage, They Still Split & Taste Brittle & Dry. Any Ideas?

Thanks, All!

TripleF · 01-09-2010, 06:23 AM

Had the same thing happen last weekend Greg while the temps were in the mid 40's.

Don't smoke good ones

That's my only tip.

kelmac07 · 01-09-2010, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TripleF

Don't smoke good ones

That's my only tip.

I gotta agree with Scott on this one...I have been smoking some "value" sticks out in the frigid cold and saving the others for herfs, Baileys, etc.

havanajohn · 01-09-2010, 06:23 AM

Greg, I have had great sucess with 'spritzing' my CC's with distilled water, and smoking them in colder conditions than you describe. As for NC's, is your hygrometer accurate?

longknocker · 01-09-2010, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by havanajohn

Greg, I have had great sucess with 'spritzing' my CC's with distilled water, and smoking them in colder conditions than you describe. As for NC's, is your hygrometer accurate?

Just Recalibrated Hygrometer, It's Accurate. Thanks For Tips, All! Guess I Need To Wait For Spring To Smoke The Good Ones!

pmwz · 01-09-2010, 06:36 AM

cut a finger of a glove and use it as a cigar warmer.

joeobx · 01-09-2010, 07:41 AM

Quote:

cut a finger of a glove and use it as a cigar warmer.

I've had hit and miss luck with spritzing.....also picked up a Heater Buddy for the garage.

chachee52 · 01-09-2010, 08:26 AM

During the winter I smoke outside a lot walking around the lakes. I guess I've never been too bothered by the splitting.
One idea I had if you are smoking in the garage, what about getting a little house humidifier and sitting near it while you smoke. Turn it on a little before you go out there that way why you are out there there's a little more moisture in the air.
Just a suggestion, I've never tested it but sounds good in my mind :-)

longknocker · 01-09-2010, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chachee52

During the winter I smoke outside a lot walking around the lakes. I guess I've never been too bothered by the splitting.
One idea I had if you are smoking in the garage, what about getting a little house humidifier and sitting near it while you smoke. Turn it on a little before you go out there that way why you are out there there's a little more moisture in the air.
Just a suggestion, I've never tested it but sounds good in my mind :-)

Sounds Like That Might Work, Todd! Thanks!

Powers · 01-09-2010, 10:22 AM

i've experienced the same problems in the harsh Florida winters

good time to smoke the Gurkhas!

longknocker · 01-09-2010, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFPowersmoker320

i've experienced the same problems in the harsh Florida winters

good time to smoke the Gurkhas!

Sorry, Michael, But I Can't Go "That Far"!

Kreth · 01-09-2010, 10:27 AM

50?! How about we rename this thread to "How do I smoke in t-shirt weather?"

Posted via Mobile Device

Mr Edmundo · 01-09-2010, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kreth

50?! How about we rename this thread to "How do I smoke in t-shirt weather?"

Posted via Mobile Device

My thoughts exactly.

01-12-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kreth

50?! How about we rename this thread to "How do I smoke in t-shirt weather?"

Posted via Mobile Device

As a matter of fact it was 55 and sunny here yesterday and I sat out in front of the house at the picnic table in my t-shirt and smoked a great PL Panatella.

Just try that at what it was last week -13 and windy.

357 · 01-12-2010, 02:56 PM

We do outdoor herfs in October in Metro Detroit when the temp is in the low 50s and I don't remember anyone having issues. Maybe your garage has a real low RH or something.

longknocker · 01-12-2010, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 357

We do outdoor herfs in October in Metro Detroit when the temp is in the low 50s and I don't remember anyone having issues. Maybe your garage has a real low RH or something.

Tried Again Yesterday Outside On The Patio @ 50*, 17RH. My House Stays @ 55RH Year Round With My Heat Pump & Special Humidifier & Cigars Are Stored @ 63-65RH, Indoor Temps 72 At The Moment. Nice La Riqueza Wrapper Completely Unraveled. Guess The RH Swings From 65 To 17 Are Too Much!

Tio Gato · 01-12-2010, 04:39 PM

I don't think moving a cigar from 70 or so degrees to 50 should have any effect on how it smokes. Nor from 70 degrees to the teens. A quick drop in RH should not matter either.
My guess is that the whole cigar is not at the same humidity. It sounds like the lower RH of 65 is probably not accurate through out the entire cigar and the wrapper and the binder maybe too dry. As the filler is moister it will expand with heat.

IMHO it's very important that a cigar is stored for a long period of time in optimum conditions before it is smoked in any environment, extreme or not.
I usually age my cigars for three to five years before I smoke them. At least 6 months is enough for most cigars. If the entire cigar is in balance it should smoke well, unless it's a dog rocket to begin with.

I've smoked cigars with zero humidity in the desert at a 100 degrees, 100 percent humidity in the tropics, and zero humidity at 15 below on Mt. Washington. No problems. It's all about the care. Frequent rotation, lots of care for RH, careful temperature control, and lots of love.

As others have mentioned, you may want to stick with a good leathery wrapper from CT on PA. You go out in the cold you put some gloves on heh? Consider a nice maduro wrapper a glove for your cigar.
Wishing you the best of luck.

KenyanSandBoa · 01-15-2010, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kreth

50?! How about we rename this thread to "How do I smoke in t-shirt weather?"

Posted via Mobile Device

I'm in agreement there.

I'm in the same boat here...I had some buddies up to my place recently and we were attempting to smoke on the deck but it was sooo cold (like 16 degrees cold) that it seemed like I was having a hard time staying lit. Can the cold have that affect on a cigar?

The Poet · 01-09-2010, 11:48 AM

In bitter Joisey weather I smoke smaller or cheaper sticks - or both. One other thing I'd suggest: I've found that maduro wrappers are hardier and less fragile than others, and can withstand more abuse.

longknocker · 01-09-2010, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Poet

In bitter Joisey weather I smoke smaller or cheaper sticks - or both. One other thing I'd suggest: I've found that maduro wrappers are hardier and less fragile than others, and can withstand more abuse.

I Smoke Mostly Maduro NC's, And They're Still Cracking. Not Unsmokeable, Just Aggravating. Guess The Best Thing Is To Smoke Cheaper Sticks 'til It Warms Up.

01-09-2010, 06:16 AM	#1
longknocker Postwhore Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 11,151 Trading: (82)	Tips For Smoking Outside In The Winter? Just Wanted To Know The Inmates Tips On Smoking Outside In The Winter. I Don't Have The Option Of Smoking In My House. ( Yes I'm PW'd after 37 Years Of Marriage.) I've Tried "Wetting" My Sticks Beforehand And That Helps To Prevent The Sticks from Cracking & Splitting, But With A Temperature & Humidity Drop From My Cigars Stored @ 65RH & 65* Inside To 37% RH & 50* Inside My Garage, They Still Split & Taste Brittle & Dry. Any Ideas? Thanks, All!

01-09-2010, 06:23 AM	#2
TripleF 11/11/11 EPIC IV Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 5,626 Trading: (176)	Re: Tips For Smoking Outside In The Winter? Had the same thing happen last weekend Greg while the temps were in the mid 40's. Don't smoke good ones That's my only tip. __________________ Cool Cigar Shirts, Stickers & More

01-09-2010, 06:23 AM	#4
havanajohn Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jul 2009 First Name: John Location: Central NJ Posts: 360 Trading: (26)	Re: Tips For Smoking Outside In The Winter? Greg, I have had great sucess with 'spritzing' my CC's with distilled water, and smoking them in colder conditions than you describe. As for NC's, is your hygrometer accurate?

01-09-2010, 06:36 AM	#6
pmwz Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: cologne Posts: 372 Trading: (0)	Re: Tips For Smoking Outside In The Winter? cut a finger of a glove and use it as a cigar warmer.

01-09-2010, 08:26 AM	#8
chachee52 Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Dec 2009 First Name: Todd Location: Tyngsboro, MA Posts: 399 Trading: (2)	Re: Tips For Smoking Outside In The Winter? During the winter I smoke outside a lot walking around the lakes. I guess I've never been too bothered by the splitting. One idea I had if you are smoking in the garage, what about getting a little house humidifier and sitting near it while you smoke. Turn it on a little before you go out there that way why you are out there there's a little more moisture in the air. Just a suggestion, I've never tested it but sounds good in my mind :-) __________________

01-09-2010, 10:22 AM	#10
Powers Swamp Ash member in exile Join Date: Feb 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas Posts: 2,283 Trading: (17)	Re: Tips For Smoking Outside In The Winter? i've experienced the same problems in the harsh Florida winters good time to smoke the Gurkhas! __________________ "There is true glory and true honor: the glory of duty done, the honor of integrity and principle" - Robert E. Lee

01-09-2010, 10:27 AM	#12
Kreth Ronin smoker Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Jeff Location: Oneonta, NY Posts: 3,620 Trading: (14)	Re: Tips For Smoking Outside In The Winter? 50?! How about we rename this thread to "How do I smoke in t-shirt weather?" Posted via Mobile Device

01-12-2010, 02:56 PM	#15
357 Will herf for food Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mike Location: Home is where I park it Posts: 4,075 Trading: (9)	Re: Tips For Smoking Outside In The Winter? We do outdoor herfs in October in Metro Detroit when the temp is in the low 50s and I don't remember anyone having issues. Maybe your garage has a real low RH or something. __________________ “Eating and sleeping are the only activities that should be allowed to interrupt a man's enjoyment of his cigar;” Mark Twain

01-12-2010, 04:39 PM	#17
Tio Gato Uncle Kitty Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jeff Location: Casa Grande, AZ Posts: 2,075 Trading: (11)	Re: Tips For Smoking Outside In The Winter? I don't think moving a cigar from 70 or so degrees to 50 should have any effect on how it smokes. Nor from 70 degrees to the teens. A quick drop in RH should not matter either. My guess is that the whole cigar is not at the same humidity. It sounds like the lower RH of 65 is probably not accurate through out the entire cigar and the wrapper and the binder maybe too dry. As the filler is moister it will expand with heat. IMHO it's very important that a cigar is stored for a long period of time in optimum conditions before it is smoked in any environment, extreme or not. I usually age my cigars for three to five years before I smoke them. At least 6 months is enough for most cigars. If the entire cigar is in balance it should smoke well, unless it's a dog rocket to begin with. I've smoked cigars with zero humidity in the desert at a 100 degrees, 100 percent humidity in the tropics, and zero humidity at 15 below on Mt. Washington. No problems. It's all about the care. Frequent rotation, lots of care for RH, careful temperature control, and lots of love. As others have mentioned, you may want to stick with a good leathery wrapper from CT on PA. You go out in the cold you put some gloves on heh? Consider a nice maduro wrapper a glove for your cigar. Wishing you the best of luck. __________________ "You stink like cigars Uncle Kitty!" Said my Boo age 3. "Kid, take care of your family and the hell with anyone else" My Grandpa Bubba.

01-09-2010, 11:48 AM	#19
The Poet Il megglior fabbro Join Date: Jun 2009 First Name: Thomas Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 8,420 Trading: (2)	Re: Tips For Smoking Outside In The Winter? In bitter Joisey weather I smoke smaller or cheaper sticks - or both. One other thing I'd suggest: I've found that maduro wrappers are hardier and less fragile than others, and can withstand more abuse.