So I've been practicing taking long slow draws..

[11is1louder]

I don't know why, but I've always been a fast, kind of aggressive smoker. Smoking this way I was still able to pick up flavors here and there, but none really ever stuck around too long and were not consistent. I think this was due to my fast hard draws.

As of recent I have been practicing taking long slow draws...and wow! What a difference. It is a lot easier for me to distinguish flavors now, and I can taste those flavors from draw to draw, which I really couldn't before. I have to consciously make myself take slow draws and try to keep the cigar from overheating, but it's amazing what a difference it makes. I love being able to sit and really analyze the flavors I get, which I am now able to get on consecutive draws.

I sat down this evening and enjoyed a sort of go-to cigar for me, Perdomo Lot 23, which I am very familiar with, and I was able to taste things I had never tasted before, and I have smoked dozens of these before.

Just wanted to share that I feel like I was able to take my training wheels off today :thumbsup:

 

[Chris]

I've definitely been learning to appreciate smoking slower. I used to smoke like a chimney.

 

[maduro marauder]

I don't know why, but I've always been a fast, kind of aggressive smoker. Smoking this way I was still able to pick up flavors here and there, but none really ever stuck around too long and were not consistent. I think this was due to my fast hard draws.

As of recent I have been practicing taking long slow draws...and wow! What a difference. It is a lot easier for me to distinguish flavors now, and I can taste those flavors from draw to draw, which I really couldn't before. I have to consciously make myself take slow draws and try to keep the cigar from overheating, but it's amazing what a difference it makes. I love being able to sit and really analyze the flavors I get, which I am now able to get on consecutive draws.

I sat down this evening and enjoyed a sort of go-to cigar for me, Perdomo Lot 23, which I am very familiar with, and I was able to taste things I had never tasted before, and I have smoked dozens of these before.

Just wanted to share that I feel like I was able to take my training wheels off today :thumbsup:

Sounds like you have had an "ah-ha" moment. there will be more to come

 

[Chief StrongLeaf]

Great post.
I'll try this for sure next smoke.
I've of course heard of smoking slower, but I thought that just ment longer pauses between drags, not slower drags them selves

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

Slow smoking is the way to go for sure. I have also been trying the retrohale...not going well so far lol

 

[UpInSmoke]

Remember dudes, slow and steady wins the race!

 

[11is1louder]

I have also been trying the retrohale...not going well so far lol

I have also started to retrohale more often now, but it seems like the most prominent flavor note that I pick up with the retrohale is pepper/spice. I can't get anything else through the retrohale normally. I wonder if this is common...

 

[javajunkie]

...Just wanted to share that I feel like I was able to take my training wheels off today :thumbsup:

YUP! pacing with cigar smoking is like learning how to truly taste alcohol, as opposed to just downing it. HUGE worlds of flavor and nuance open to you at this point.

mind you, there is still a time and place for just puffing up a storm. o) but it is nice to have the option.

 

[derwood]

That's awesome. And a great thing to learn. Something I still struggle with as well from time to time. I'll let the cigar rest a bit, take a slow puff, and then think, Whoah!.. where'd those flavors come from?!

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

@11 same here man. All pepper and spice on the retro. But...I am assuming there is a pallet to be developed there as well

 

[Eddie]

I hear you on the slow draws. I even watch reviews of the Cigar that I'm currently smoking at the same time.
Congratulations on your ah ha moment looking forward to mine.

 

[SDShark]

I don't know why, but I've always been a fast, kind of aggressive smoker. Smoking this way I was still able to pick up flavors here and there, but none really ever stuck around too long and were not consistent. I think this was due to my fast hard draws.

As of recent I have been practicing taking long slow draws...and wow! What a difference. It is a lot easier for me to distinguish flavors now, and I can taste those flavors from draw to draw, which I really couldn't before. I have to consciously make myself take slow draws and try to keep the cigar from overheating, but it's amazing what a difference it makes. I love being able to sit and really analyze the flavors I get, which I am now able to get on consecutive draws.

I sat down this evening and enjoyed a sort of go-to cigar for me, Perdomo Lot 23, which I am very familiar with, and I was able to taste things I had never tasted before, and I have smoked dozens of these before.

Just wanted to share that I feel like I was able to take my training wheels off today :thumbsup:

Congratulations, man! I remember when I slowed things down and I definitely enjoyed my cigar experience more. thanks to some advice from a great BOTL, sean.

 

[ciggy]

Drawing slow is what smoking a cigar is all about really. If you like the new found taste you get by smoking slow you should try a pipe too. Experiencing the many flavor profiles of tobacco can be a fun journey...If you let it.

 

[Mediumrarechicken]

How long were your draws and what are they now? I'm at 5-7 seconds where does that place me at, I've been slowing it down from around 2-3 seconds.