Lexicon
Cold draw
The test draw on the cut, unlit cigar.
The cold draw is taken on the cold cigar once the head has been cut. It reveals two things: the draw resistance — neither a straw nor a blockage — and a first hint of the bouquet, from hay through cedar to cocoa. If the cigar draws noticeably too tight, it is rolled too firmly or has been stored too damp — this shows up here before any fire is involved.