Download Episode 44 Here

Stogie of the Week

El Suelo by L’Atelier Terreno Gran Robusto

Origin: Nicaraguan
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaragua, Connecticut
Strength: Medium
Vitola: Gran Robusto
Size: 5.25 x 56
Age: N/A
MSRP: Bundle of 20 – $76.00

What We Have Been Smoking

The complete list of all cigars discussed in this segment can be found on the Episode 44 Stogies Page.

Paul’s List

See Paul’s List, complete with pictures, ratings and mini-reviews on his Stogie Feed.

Tim’s List

See Tim’s List, complete with pictures, ratings and mini-reviews on his Stogie Feed.

Mark’s List

See Mark’s List, complete with pictures, ratings and mini-reviews on his Stogie Feed.

Segment: Cigar Construction Problems (and what to do about them)

  • Plugged / Tight Draw – This has to be one of the
    most frustrating problems. You light it up, and sometimes your head
    hurts because you have to draw so hard on it to get smoke. At its worst, it
    completely ruins the flavors in the cigar. This is the result of packing
    too much tobacco in the cigar when its rolled. You can poke the cigar
    with a draw poker, but I get mixed results. You can try to pull out a
    stem, but I have mixed results with that as well. Sometimes its not too
    bad and you can tough through it, but the best option is to grab another
    cigar.
  • Too Loose Of a Draw – The opposite problem, not
    enough tobacco was rolled into the cigar, producing way too much smoke,
    causing it to burn too hot. This also ruins the flavor. You can back off
    and not puff on it as much. Often I do not throw the cigar away when its
    packed too loose. The cigar will also feel squishy.
  • Voids / Holes – This is one of the other worst
    problems to have. The cigar was rolled incorrectly, leaving a void or
    hole. You can visually see it as black spots in the ash. You can also
    feel it, as sometimes it will squish in just one part. Some voids are
    large, almost the entire length of the cigar. Others are much shorter
    and you can smoke through them. The cigar will become hot, and you will
    suck air instead of smoke. Also when you light it a giant flame will
    come from the end! You can try to poke the hole, smoke through it, or
    pitch it.
  • Cracked or Peeling Wrappers – Sometimes this is due to
    improper storage. You can often smoke them, depending how bad it is. What
    sucks is when the wrapper is so cracked that air and smoke escape from it.
    You can put your finger over it to plug it, but it ruins the smoking
    experience. Best thing is to inspect before you smoke it, then have
    someone glue on more wrapper to fix it.
  • Too Dry – Depending on how dry, slowly re-humidifying
    can work. Sometimes this affects the flavor, sometimes not. Don’t give
    up though, find a large humidor and slowly try to save it by putting it
    in a box or bag, then opening a little, then next day opening a little more, etc…
  • Beetle holes – Cigars stored at high temp and humidity
    can get beetles. Try tapping the cigar and see if stuff falls out.
    Sometimes they smoke fine, doesn’t hurt to smoke it and find out.

Contest: A Five pack of El Suelo Terreno Gran Robusto’s

Question: Who started L’Atelier Imports with Pete Johnson and what four blends are currently available under the brand?

Email the answer to us at stogiegeeks@gmail.com and we will pick a winner at random after the podcast has been released.