Tips For Smoking Outside In The Winter?

[longknocker]

Just Wanted To Know The Inmates Tips On Smoking Outside In The Winter. I Don't Have The Option Of Smoking In My House. ( Yes I'm PW'd after 37 Years Of Marriage.:r) I've Tried "Wetting" My Sticks Beforehand And That Helps To Prevent The Sticks from Cracking & Splitting, But With A Temperature & Humidity Drop From My Cigars Stored @ 65RH & 65* Inside To 37% RH & 50* Inside My Garage, They Still Split & Taste Brittle & Dry. Any Ideas?

Thanks, All!:tu

[TripleF]

Had the same thing happen last weekend Greg while the temps were in the mid 40's.

Don't smoke good ones :ss That's my only tip.

[havanajohn]

Greg, I have had great sucess with 'spritzing' my CC's with distilled water, and smoking them in colder conditions than you describe. As for NC's, is your hygrometer accurate?

[pmwz]

cut a finger of a glove and use it as a cigar warmer.

[kelmac07]

Don't smoke good ones :ss That's my only tip.

I gotta agree with Scott on this one...I have been smoking some "value" sticks out in the frigid cold and saving the others for herfs, Baileys, etc.

[longknocker]

Greg, I have had great sucess with 'spritzing' my CC's with distilled water, and smoking them in colder conditions than you describe. As for NC's, is your hygrometer accurate?

Just Recalibrated Hygrometer, It's Accurate. Thanks For Tips, All! Guess I Need To Wait For Spring To Smoke The Good Ones!

[joeobx]

cut a finger of a glove and use it as a cigar warmer.:r:r:r

I've had hit and miss luck with spritzing.....also picked up a Heater Buddy for the garage.

[chachee52]

During the winter I smoke outside a lot walking around the lakes. I guess I've never been too bothered by the splitting.
One idea I had if you are smoking in the garage, what about getting a little house humidifier and sitting near it while you smoke. Turn it on a little before you go out there that way why you are out there there's a little more moisture in the air.
Just a suggestion, I've never tested it but sounds good in my mind :-)

[longknocker]

During the winter I smoke outside a lot walking around the lakes. I guess I've never been too bothered by the splitting.
One idea I had if you are smoking in the garage, what about getting a little house humidifier and sitting near it while you smoke. Turn it on a little before you go out there that way why you are out there there's a little more moisture in the air.
Just a suggestion, I've never tested it but sounds good in my mind :-)

Sounds Like That Might Work, Todd! Thanks!:tu

[Powers]

i've experienced the same problems in the harsh Florida winters ;)

good time to smoke the Gurkhas!

:ss

[Kreth]

50?! How about we rename this thread to "How do I smoke in t-shirt weather?" :r
Posted via Mobile Device

[longknocker]

i've experienced the same problems in the harsh Florida winters ;)

good time to smoke the Gurkhas!

:ss
Sorry, Michael, But I Can't Go "That Far"!:r:D

[Mr Edmundo]

50?! How about we rename this thread to "How do I smoke in t-shirt weather?" :r
Posted via Mobile Device

:tpd: My thoughts exactly.

[The Poet]

In bitter Joisey weather I smoke smaller or cheaper sticks - or both. One other thing I'd suggest: I've found that maduro wrappers are hardier and less fragile than others, and can withstand more abuse.

[longknocker]

In bitter Joisey weather I smoke smaller or cheaper sticks - or both. One other thing I'd suggest: I've found that maduro wrappers are hardier and less fragile than others, and can withstand more abuse.

I Smoke Mostly Maduro NC's, And They're Still Cracking. Not Unsmokeable, Just Aggravating. Guess The Best Thing Is To Smoke Cheaper Sticks 'til It Warms Up. :tu

[T.G]

Just Wanted To Know The Inmates Tips On Smoking Outside In The Winter. I Don't Have The Option Of Smoking In My House. ( Yes I'm PW'd after 37 Years Of Marriage.:r) I've Tried "Wetting" My Sticks Beforehand And That Helps To Prevent The Sticks from Cracking & Splitting, But With A Temperature & Humidity Drop From My Cigars Stored @ 65RH & 65* Inside To 37% RH & 50* Inside My Garage, They Still Split & Taste Brittle & Dry. Any Ideas?

Thanks, All!:tu


Buy a heater?

[The Poet]

Well, Mobile is a lot wetter than Jersey, so maybe your sticks are damper on the surface due to environmental reason. So if you are truly "mobile", move to Minnesota.

[longknocker]

Buy a heater?

That's "With" The Heater In The Garage, Bro!:r I Think The Cracking Is Related More To Decreased Humidity More Than Anything.:2

[longknocker]

Well, Mobile is a lot wetter than Jersey, so maybe your sticks are damper on the surface due to environmental reason. So if you are truly "mobile", move to Minnesota.

Thanks, But It's "Way" Too Cold Up There!:D

[acruce]

Dress really warm......;)

[Mr Edmundo]

Dress really warm......;)

Layers upon layers. Take care of the extremities. They cool down the fastest. Expect the wrapper to crack. Just part of the deal. Shorter smokes for sure. Smaller ring gauges as well. Pick your moments. If you can sit where the sun is shining, makes a big difference. A white wall behind you will radiate back some heat.
January and February are the most brutal months.

[neoflex]

Just got done smoking a Kristoff Maddie in the garage and had the same problem with the wrapper splitting. When I first started it wasn't too bad out there but than my wife was nice enough to open the garage door for 10 minutes while she got ready to take the dogs for their walk and it went from not so bad to F'in cold. That's about the same time the wrapper took off on me. (Thanks sweetie!:rolleyes:) Ahh well, the smoke had to be smoked as I have been eye balling that stick since I bought right before Christmas. Hoping it warms up a bit next week like they are saying it should as smoking in 50 degree weather will be much more enjoyable than 30. Before tonight it was probably 2 weeks since my last smoke due to this damn weather. If this cold weather keeps up it looks like I'll be digging the Pepin Perlas and LFD Carajos from the back of the humi.

[madurofan]

Don't

[icehog3]

Don't.....

....move back up North from Florida. :bh

[icehog3]

good time to smoke the Gurkhas!

:ss

NO TIME is a good time to smoke a Gurkha. ;)

[Uflbassin]

Well, Florida winters aren't too harsh but I have had the same problem before. Usually now I'll just light up a fire in my grill to keep me warm while I'm smoking. It seems like it helps just by keeping the area a good bit warmer, I typically don't have issues with the wrapper cracking any more. Either that or an outdoor heater may do the trick, not to mention making the whole experience more enjoyable.:2

[Smoking Q]

Lately I've been sitting in my truck, sun roof open, garage door cracked, while ocasionally turning on the car for heat. It's 24 degrees right now and I'm enjoying a J.Fuego Delrium with no problem, I'll use some frebreeze when I'm done

[fsjonsey]

My solution is a bit unorthodox.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u193/fsjonsey/n1422477470_45617_6507.jpg
I own two Corvairs. Both are 1962 sedans. One is an Arizona car that is currently undergoing a full restoration, and the other, the white car pictured above, is a beat up summer driver, with terminal rust issues in every place that counts (lifetime Northeast Ohio car-road salt is evil stuff). The beater has become my winter smoking space. I ran an extension cord in through the window, removed the carpets so they wouldn't get stinky, hooked up a small space heater, and wallah.. instant heated smoking room. I sit in the drivers seat, and placed a sheet of thin plywood over the passenger's seat, which has become the table for my ashtray, reading lamp, and beverage. I open the garage door about half way to vent the smoke, and leave the car's windows cracked to let fresh air in.
The vinyl seats and dash pad dont pick up the smell, and once spring time comes around a quick wipe with a soapy rag takes away any traces of smoke smell that may be lingering. I've been doing this for two years. It's pretty much become my go-to space for getting my college readings done, most recently being Plato's Republic.

[longknocker]

Awesome!:tu

[dccraft]

I just opt for some shorter smokes and save the larger ones for the warmer weather. Life in the garage is not ideal, but it works. The larger smoke I have had some issues with the wrapper but not so much on the robustos.

[paris1129]

My solution is a bit unorthodox.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u193/fsjonsey/n1422477470_45617_6507.jpg
I own two Corvairs. Both are 1962 sedans. One is an Arizona car that is currently undergoing a full restoration, and the other, the white car pictured above, is a beat up summer driver, with terminal rust issues in every place that counts (lifetime Northeast Ohio car-road salt is evil stuff). The beater has become my winter smoking space. I ran an extension cord in through the window, removed the carpets so they wouldn't get stinky, hooked up a small space heater, and wallah.. instant heated smoking room. I sit in the drivers seat, and placed a sheet of thin plywood over the passenger's seat, which has become the table for my ashtray, reading lamp, and beverage. I open the garage door about half way to vent the smoke, and leave the car's windows cracked to let fresh air in.
The vinyl seats and dash pad dont pick up the smell, and once spring time comes around a quick wipe with a soapy rag takes away any traces of smoke smell that may be lingering. I've been doing this for two years. It's pretty much become my go-to space for getting my college readings done, most recently being Plato's Republic.

That is awesome!

[SilverFox]

50?! How about we rename this thread to "How do I smoke in t-shirt weather?" :r
Posted via Mobile Device

As a matter of fact it was 55 and sunny here yesterday and I sat out in front of the house at the picnic table in my t-shirt and smoked a great PL Panatella.

Just try that at what it was last week -13 and windy.

;s

[357]

We do outdoor herfs in October in Metro Detroit when the temp is in the low 50s and I don't remember anyone having issues. Maybe your garage has a real low RH or something.

[longknocker]

We do outdoor herfs in October in Metro Detroit when the temp is in the low 50s and I don't remember anyone having issues. Maybe your garage has a real low RH or something.

Tried Again Yesterday Outside On The Patio @ 50*, 17RH. My House Stays @ 55RH Year Round With My Heat Pump & Special Humidifier & Cigars Are Stored @ 63-65RH, Indoor Temps 72 At The Moment. Nice La Riqueza Wrapper Completely Unraveled. Guess The RH Swings From 65 To 17 Are Too Much!:td

[Salvelinus]

Would pulling the cigar you plan on smoking from the humidor a few hours prior to smoking help?

[Tio Gato]

I don't think moving a cigar from 70 or so degrees to 50 should have any effect on how it smokes. Nor from 70 degrees to the teens. A quick drop in RH should not matter either.
My guess is that the whole cigar is not at the same humidity. It sounds like the lower RH of 65 is probably not accurate through out the entire cigar and the wrapper and the binder maybe too dry. As the filler is moister it will expand with heat.

IMHO it's very important that a cigar is stored for a long period of time in optimum conditions before it is smoked in any environment, extreme or not.
I usually age my cigars for three to five years before I smoke them. At least 6 months is enough for most cigars. If the entire cigar is in balance it should smoke well, unless it's a dog rocket to begin with.

I've smoked cigars with zero humidity in the desert at a 100 degrees, 100 percent humidity in the tropics, and zero humidity at 15 below on Mt. Washington. No problems. It's all about the care. Frequent rotation, lots of care for RH, careful temperature control, and lots of love.:2

As others have mentioned, you may want to stick with a good leathery wrapper from CT on PA. You go out in the cold you put some gloves on heh? Consider a nice maduro wrapper a glove for your cigar.
Wishing you the best of luck.:ss

[longknocker]

I don't think moving a cigar from 70 or so degrees to 50 should have any effect on how it smokes. Nor from 70 degrees to the teens. A quick drop in RH should not matter either.
My guess is that the whole cigar is not at the same humidity. It sounds like the lower RH of 65 is probably not accurate through out the entire cigar and the wrapper and the binder maybe too dry. As the filler is moister it will expand with heat.

IMHO it's very important that a cigar is stored for a long period of time in optimum conditions before it is smoked in any environment, extreme or not.
I usually age my cigars for three to five years before I smoke them. At least 6 months is enough for most cigars. If the entire cigar is in balance it should smoke well, unless it's a dog rocket to begin with.

I've smoked cigars with zero humidity in the desert at a 100 degrees, 100 percent humidity in the tropics, and zero humidity at 15 below on Mt. Washington. No problems. It's all about the care. Frequent rotation, lots of care for RH, careful temperature control, and lots of love.:2

As others have mentioned, you may want to stick with a good leathery wrapper from CT on PA. You go out in the cold you put some gloves on heh? Consider a nice maduro wrapper a glove for your cigar.
Wishing you the best of luck.:ss
Thanks, Jeff! I Did Smoke A Very "Tough" Perdoma Maduro 1 Hr. Ago With Just A Slight Wrapper Unraveling, Much Better Than The Fragile La Riqueza I Had Last Nite. I'm Very Picky About My sticks And Have Rested Most Of These I've Smoked At Least 6 Months. Think I'll Stick To The Maduros 'til The Weather Warms Up!:tu Thanks For All The Tips, Inmates!:)

[longknocker]

Has To Be The Humidity Drop From 55 In The House To 17 Outside. Fired Up One Of My Favorites This Morning Outside On The Patio With The Patio Heater Going. 43* & 58 RH. El Original Claro Lancero Which Has A Very Fragile Conn. Wrapper. Perfect Smoke! No Unraveling or Burn Issues!:banger

[KenyanSandBoa]

50?! How about we rename this thread to "How do I smoke in t-shirt weather?" :r
Posted via Mobile Device

:r I'm in agreement there.

I'm in the same boat here...I had some buddies up to my place recently and we were attempting to smoke on the deck but it was sooo cold (like 16 degrees cold) that it seemed like I was having a hard time staying lit. Can the cold have that affect on a cigar?

[Blueface]

Don't

That OR...............
Move to Florida!!!

[The Postman]

I have been winter smoking, and I mean winter smoking at -25C sometimes for over three years now, and have never had a cigar crack on me. I think one of the posters was right when he mentions uneven humidity in the cigar. All of my cigars are well rested for my humidity levels, and maybe that is what makes the difference.

Good luck in finding a solution brother.

[longknocker]

I have been winter smoking, and I mean winter smoking at -25C sometimes for over three years now, and have never had a cigar crack on me. I think one of the posters was right when he mentions uneven humidity in the cigar. All of my cigars are well rested for my humidity levels, and maybe that is what makes the difference.

Good luck in finding a solution brother.

How Can You Have Uneven RH Levels When Your Cigars Have Rested Together In The Same Humi For At Least 3-6 Months? Digital Hygrometers Are Calibrated Every Month & RH Doesn't Vary over 1-2 Points Over A 6 Month Period. I Still Think The Huge RH Swing In The Mobile Winters Is The Problem. When You Go From 65RH In The Humi To 17 RH Outside, Something Has To Give, And It's Probably The Wrapper. Now That The RH Is Up To The Usual 75-80 In Our Wet Winters, I've Had No Problems With My Sticks.

Thanks For All The Tips, Inmates!:tu

[Deputy]

I smoke in my garage with the door about half up. I invested in a portable propane heater and a fan pointing out of my garage to keep the smoke out. Seems to work pretty well.

[KenyanSandBoa]

I have been winter smoking, and I mean winter smoking at -25C sometimes for over three years now, and have never had a cigar crack on me. I think one of the posters was right when he mentions uneven humidity in the cigar. All of my cigars are well rested for my humidity levels, and maybe that is what makes the difference.

Good luck in finding a solution brother.

I was having a cigar with a buddy of mine this weekend and his cigar split. It was fairly chilly (about 18 degrees), but the weird thing was that we both just bought them and mine didn't split.