How to Stop a Cigar From Canoeing: A Connoisseur’s Guide

Canoeing, that frustrating phenomenon where one side of your cigar burns faster than the other, leaving you with a lopsided smoke, is a problem that plagues even experienced aficionados. The key to preventing it lies in understanding its root causes and mastering a few essential techniques. To stop a cigar from canoeing, focus on achieving an even light, consistent rotation, and maintaining proper humidity. Combine these elements, and you’ll dramatically reduce the risk of a skewed burn and enjoy a more pleasurable smoking experience.

Understanding the Enemy: What Causes Canoeing?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s dissect the problem. Canoeing isn’t some random act of cigar fate; it’s a result of uneven burning, which stems from several factors:

• Uneven Lighting: This is the most common culprit. If one side of your cigar receives more heat during the initial light, it’s naturally going to burn faster.
• Inconsistent Rotation: Failing to rotate your cigar regularly means one side is consistently exposed to more oxygen, leading to a faster burn.
• Uneven Humidity: Cigars are hygroscopic; they readily absorb and release moisture. If one part of the cigar is drier than another, it will burn quicker. This can be caused by improper storage or even environmental factors.
• Wrapper Imperfections: Sometimes, the wrapper leaf itself might be thinner or have imperfections on one side, leading to uneven burning.
• Draw Issues: A tight draw can force you to puff harder on one side, leading to increased heat and faster burning on that side.
• Wind Exposure: Even a gentle breeze can significantly impact the burn rate on the exposed side of the cigar.

The Three Pillars of Prevention: Light, Rotate, and Hydrate

Now that we know the enemy, let’s arm ourselves with the tactics to defeat it. The following three principles form the foundation of preventing and correcting canoeing:

Achieving an Even Light: The Foundation of a Perfect Burn

• Use a Proper Lighter: Avoid lighters that produce a concentrated, pinpoint flame. Instead, opt for a butane torch lighter with a wider flame or, better yet, a soft flame lighter. Cedar spills are also an excellent traditional option.
• The Toasting Technique: Hold the foot of the cigar just above the flame, rotating it slowly and evenly. The goal is to toast the foot, not ignite it directly. Look for a uniform charring across the entire surface.
• The Puffing Stage: Once the foot is toasted, bring the flame closer and take slow, deliberate puffs while continuing to rotate the cigar. Observe the burn closely and make sure the entire foot is burning evenly.
• Check for Tunneling or Canoeing Early: Examine the burn line after the first few puffs. If you see any signs of uneven burning, address them immediately.

Consistent Rotation: The Unsung Hero of Even Burning

• Establish a Rotation Routine: Make it a habit to rotate your cigar roughly every 30 seconds to a minute. This ensures that all sides receive equal exposure to oxygen and burn at a similar rate.
• Listen to Your Cigar: Pay attention to how the cigar is burning. If you notice one side starting to burn faster, adjust your rotation accordingly.
• Be Mindful of Your Grip: Avoid holding the cigar in a way that blocks airflow to one side. A loose grip allows for more even burning.

Maintaining Proper Humidity: The Silent Guardian

• Invest in a Quality Humidor: A well-maintained humidor is essential for keeping your cigars at the optimal humidity level, typically between 65% and 72%.
• Monitor Humidity Regularly: Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity inside your humidor. Adjust the humidification system as needed to maintain the desired level.
• Consider Ambient Humidity: Be aware of the ambient humidity in your environment. If you live in a dry climate, you may need to humidify your cigars more frequently.
• Give New Cigars Time to Acclimatize: When you purchase new cigars, allow them to acclimate to the humidity in your humidor for at least a few days before smoking them.

Corrective Actions: Salvaging a Canoeing Cigar

Even with the best preventative measures, canoeing can still occur. Here’s how to address it:

• The “Touch-Up”: Use your lighter to carefully re-light the side that’s burning slower. Focus the flame on that area until it catches up with the rest of the burn line.
• Moisten the Fast-Burning Side (Carefully!): If one side is burning excessively fast, gently moisten it with a small amount of saliva (yes, really!). This will slow down the burn rate. Be very careful not to overdo it, as this can damage the wrapper.
• The “Ash Adjustment”: Sometimes, a long ash can contribute to uneven burning. Carefully tap off the ash, ensuring that you don’t break off too much.
• Consider Cutting the Cigar: In extreme cases, you may need to cut the cigar slightly below the canoeing portion to create a more even burn line. This is a last resort, as it will shorten the smoking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the ideal humidity level for storing cigars?

The ideal humidity level for storing cigars is between 65% and 72%. This range ensures that the cigars remain supple and burn evenly without becoming too dry or too moist.

2. What type of lighter is best for lighting cigars?

A butane torch lighter with a wider flame is generally considered the best option for lighting cigars. Soft flame lighters and cedar spills are also excellent choices. Avoid lighters that produce a concentrated, pinpoint flame, as these can easily overheat one area of the cigar.

3. How often should I rotate my cigar?

You should rotate your cigar roughly every 30 seconds to a minute to ensure even burning. Adjust the rotation frequency based on how the cigar is burning.

4. Can wind cause canoeing?

Yes, even a gentle breeze can significantly impact the burn rate on the exposed side of the cigar, leading to canoeing. Smoke indoors or use a cigar rest that shields the cigar from the wind.

5. Is it okay to use a Zippo lighter for cigars?

While technically possible, it’s not recommended to use a Zippo lighter for cigars. Zippo lighters use lighter fluid, which can impart an unpleasant taste to the cigar. Butane lighters are a much better option.

6. How do I know if my cigar is over-humidified?

An over-humidified cigar will feel spongy and may be difficult to draw from. It may also burn unevenly and produce a bitter taste.

7. What is “tunneling” and how is it different from canoeing?

Tunneling refers to a situation where the center of the cigar burns faster than the outer wrapper, creating a “tunnel” down the cigar. Canoeing, on the other hand, is when one side of the cigar burns faster than the other. While different, both are caused by uneven burning.

8. Can the size or shape of a cigar affect its tendency to canoe?

Yes, certain shapes, particularly those with uneven diameters, can be more prone to canoeing. Figurados, for example, may require more attention during lighting and smoking. Larger ring gauges also tend to canoe more easily due to the increased surface area.

9. How long should I let a new cigar acclimate in my humidor?

Allow new cigars to acclimate to the humidity in your humidor for at least a few days, and ideally a week or two, before smoking them. This allows the cigar to reach equilibrium with the humidity level in the humidor.

10. Is it normal for cigars to require occasional touch-ups?

Yes, it’s perfectly normal for cigars to require occasional touch-ups to maintain an even burn. Even with the best techniques, minor variations in the tobacco and environmental factors can cause uneven burning.

11. Can I fix canoeing by cutting the cigar?

In extreme cases, you can cut the cigar slightly below the canoeing portion to create a more even burn line. However, this should be a last resort, as it will shorten the smoking time and potentially alter the flavor profile.

12. Does the brand or type of tobacco affect the likelihood of canoeing?

While not always a direct cause, the construction quality of the cigar and the consistency of the tobacco blend can play a role. Well-made cigars from reputable brands are generally less prone to canoeing. Unevenly distributed or improperly fermented tobacco can contribute to uneven burning.