Oily Tar residue at cap cut???

OutdoorsSmoke_21191

Never seen this (or tasted…super nasty) oily tar residue oozing from a cigar from late 80’s until present day. Anyone had any experience with this?

Yakster

Yes, that happens occasionally. Some say that this is from the binder fermenting after rolling, some say excess sap in the leaf. Most of the time if you smoke slowly you won't get the tar, if you do, cut past it and smoke on.

silvermouse

Or it could be venturi effect if the construction restricts the smoke as it exits the cigar. Used to happen a lot back in my joint smoking daze.

ShawnOL

You owe it $20

Rdp77

@silvermouse hit it on the head I believe. I’ve only seen it with a punch cut or very small cut like you have there. I’ve also noticed it a lot with BLTC smokes. But smoking slower usually helps prevent it.

CAcigarguy007

It’s always prudent to cut conservatively with regard to the cap, this allows for a recut (or even two if necessary/preference) and to stay below the cap shoulder (to prevent unraveling). I have quite a few blends that I prefer to recut at around the halfway point purely for increased flavor reasons, rather than necessity as I don’t particularly care for buildup/moisture. This also works for excessive tar buildup as well.

Count me in the fermentation camp also, if it’s not done correctly/fully, it’s a likely culprit for burn issues. It’s usually seen in wrappers but under fermentation of filler can also lead to issues.

In this instance, that cut is too small IMO, I’d of taken more off, it needs to breathe (backflow).

IndustMech

Was the tar there before you lit it? It doesn't look like the cigar pictured has been lit.

rsherman24

Black Label cigars. I see it on the Bishops a lot

Bob_Luken

I’ve had it happen before a few times. The last time it happened I noticed some restriction in the draw for some time and then found it at the tip. I speculate that it’s some natural substance clogged up in the plant. Maybe a physically damaged spot that restricts natural flow within the plant but when it gets hot enough, it melts or boils or whatever. I wonder if it happens sometimes inside the cigar creating burn problems and we never see the tar. Think of a cigar that all of a sudden won’t burn on one side and won’t stay lit, and the relight never delivers expected flavors or decent draw. Just wondering if it’s something like this causing trouble inside.

Amos_Umwhat

@Bob_Luken said:

Just wondering if it’s something like this causing trouble inside.

And that's why we need the exacto-man, @danielzreyes to come back and check into these things.

Brokegunner

I saw the thread title and wondered which Black Label you were smoking?

It happened to me about a year ago... walking the dogs and just getting started on a Killer Bee when my tongue hit this blob of tar and I was shocked to see this crap on the end:

I contacted Black Label Works and was told it was my fault for not cutting it properly. Funny thing is I cut all my cigars like that... just barely take off the end and check the draw, clip a little more if needed. The cigar above was drawing fine.

Yakster

My disagree, you were not at fault, Brian.

OutdoorsSmoke_21191

@IndustMech said:
Was the tar there before you lit it? It doesn't look like the cigar pictured has been lit.

It was lit. After about 6-7 draws my tongue grazed the residue and instantly tasted that nasty tar taste.

OutdoorsSmoke_21191

Thanks all for the educational dialogue. Recutting a cigar is a new one for me. I’ve noticed sometimes when I smoke a cigar a little aggressively I get a noticeable tinge taste. Today when this started I recut and voila no more tinge taste. TYVM!!

VegasFrank

This is a black label special, and of course they told you that it's your fault. Thats the Black Label Special #2. I've had it happen four times. Three times with the Bishop's blend and once with that cigar above

Bob_Luken

@VegasFrank said:
This is a black label special, and of course they told you that it's your fault. Thats the Black Label Special #2. I've had it happen four times. Three times with the Bishop's blend and once with that cigar above

And you smoke fast....... Right?

VegasFrank

@Bob_Luken said:

@VegasFrank said:
This is a black label special, and of course they told you that it's your fault. Thats the Black Label Special #2. I've had it happen four times. Three times with the Bishop's blend and once with that cigar above

And you smoke fast....... Right?

Maybe a little, but not Jeremy fast. Either way, I've only experienced it with BLTC cigars.

ShawnOL

I got it with a couple ccom house blends.