I've run in to some recent problems of my cigars burning out! I know it's not supposed to so I konw I'm doing something wrong. Even some of the nicer cigars I've tried have burned out on me recently. I make sure my humidor is never even close to the danger zone (digital hydrometer reads 70>60 at all times). I've been playing a lot of poker lately where I have to set down the cigar for a few minutes to play heads up or something, but I wouldn't expect it to burn out that quickly just because I am not pulling on it constantly. I read in a post on here that over-ashing may lead effect the burn, and over-ashing is something I may do. Does anyone have any other ideas?
My lighting technique is pretty straight forward. I use a Bic style lighter and make sure it's a good, solid, even burn. Any ideas?

Thanks

Brandon

Cigars will go out if you leave them for a few minutes -- they don't have the stuff that cigarettes have in them to keep 'em burning.

the readings look good but are you sure they are accurate. Remember even digital hygrometers aren't perfect and should be tested (salt test) so you will know for sure. Sounds to me like they may be a little too moist unless you are neglecting them for more then a couple of minutes at a time. Use the hygrometer as a guideline but don't totally rely on it. I find that when my smokes are too moist I too have a problem with them going out as well as being more difficult to light.

How long have you had your humidor and how long has this problem been happening?

A cigar will go out in a few minutes if left unattended. If you are setting it down for more than 3 minutes, that's the problem.

The humidor is my roommates actually. He purchased it last year along with a box of Don Diego Player Club Churchills (which are the best cigars I have tried so I made him buy a box), but he let them ALL go bad after a few months. It was a sad sad time for us and me especially. Because of that I took away his humidor privelages.
This year when we moved back (about 2 months ago), I started it up again. Both of his analog hygrometers are stuck, and I don't know how to fix them so I bought a Diamond Crown Digital Hygrometer (which I read was a good brand). I put it in less than a month ago, so I thought I could trust it to be accurate.
If I get bored this weekend I will try and do a salt test on it though.

I don't think I set the cigar down for more than 3 minutes, but it's possible I'm sure. I smoked one tonight and made sure not to ash until there was a good inch of grey ash on the tip and they cigar never went out. Perhaps I have been over-ashing?

Thanks for the help thus far guys.

That is a good brand so chances are that it is close enough to where it shouldn't matter. I think your problem may be a little bit of neglect and ashing. Meaning......I too get into those poker games and sometimes let my smoke sit too long and have to re-light. I have also found myself trying to knock the ash of too soon. I then start rolling the cigar slightly on the edge to get the scragglers off my smoke. By doing that, sometimes some of the cherry ends up in the ash tray as well.

So the vets on this forum don't turn me in for cigar abuse......I usually only have this ashing problem after a few too many beers and I make sure that it is not one of my premium smokes.

Brandon, that is why I always keep a bundle of Flor de Oliva's on hand like I mentioned in my other post for you. 2 reasons for this......to hand out for the guys that tell you "sure I give one a try" at your card games.....and 2, for those nights where I have had way too much too drink and might as well be smoking any ol "dog rocket" since all my senses are numb.......again, under $2 a stick if bought in bundles and is a good smoke.............enjoy!!!

James

It depends on the cigar as well for burning issues. I have put a cigar down for half an hour, come back and it's still going strong. Moisture is probably a big factor.

I've had a similar problem with the JR Alternatives. Solved by keeping the humidor at 68%, then they burn perfect.

I've had that happen to me a few times recently...

I believe I read on a JR FAQ that if you take a couple of quick puffs before taking your draw, you can prevent early burn out.