What Causes a Cigar to Canoe? - Acosta Cigar Company

What Causes a Cigar to Canoe?

Canoeing occurs when a cigar burns unevenly, with only one side of the wrapper leaf burning while the other side remains unburned—resembling the hollowed shape of a canoe. This is a common issue for cigar smokers and can detract from the overall smoking experience.

Common Causes of Canoeing

  1. Improper Lighting
    • Uneven initial light is the most frequent cause. If one side of the foot (the end you light) is not ignited evenly, that side will lag and cause canoing as the cigar burns.
  1. Poor Construction
    • Uneven packing or rolling of the filler tobacco during manufacturing can result in inconsistent airflow, causing one side to burn faster than the other.
    • Vein structure in the wrapper leaf can also affect the burn rate.
  1. Smoking Habits
    • Puffing too fast or too slow can lead to temperature imbalances, causing one side to burn more quickly.
    • Holding the cigar with the same side always facing down can sometimes cause the top side to burn more slowly, especially in breezy conditions.
  1. Humidity Issues
    • Over-humidified cigars tend to burn unevenly because moisture is distributed unevenly, causing one side to burn more slowly.
    • Storing cigars improperly can create inconsistent moisture levels in the cigar.
  1. Environmental Factors
    • Wind or drafts can cause one side to burn faster.
    • Direct sunlight can cause one side of the canoe to heat up more than the other, leading to canoeing.

Prevention Tips

  • Light your cigar evenly—rotate it as you apply flame to ensure the foot is fully lit.
  • Store cigars at proper humidity (usually 65-70% RH).
  • Rotate the cigar occasionally while smoking.
  • Touch up with a lighter if you notice one side lagging behind.
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