I have purged cigars. I have sometimes noticed a difference when doing so. Especially if the stick has been out for a bit. Whether it purges stale smoke, some moisture, (perhaps?) or slightly rearranges the filler in microscopic measurement, I don't know of such stuff. :-)
Something I chuckle about is when someone mentions "flaming/flameless" purges. As if using a lighter to burn the "exhaust" gasses of the purge makes a difference.
A cigar isn't a jet engine with an afterburner increasing its performance. Enlighten me, O Flamey Purgers, what is it about lighting the purge that enhances the purge?
I will give you the second kind of cool in that you find more entertainment in it for your own perverse reasons.

p.s.
"Flamey Purger" sounds like a nickname Peter would enjoy. er......




@Pnoon.



:-)
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I have found a big difference in using the flame as opposed to not. It burns off the nasty gasses including ammonia. That's why you see the 'light show". When I don't use a flame, it tastes exactly the same as if I did nothing.
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It's totally just the cool show it puts on for me, plus the loose pieces of ash that inevitably end up on my lap when I do it. But it really does kind of look like a jet engine now that you mention that.
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Once they exit the cigar, whether they have been ignited or not, it would not change the actual cigar at that point, though, would you agree? Now, as a "room note," of purged gas/burnt purged gas, maybe that is what you are talking about?
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Sure it changes the cigar, back to the way it was before it got all nasty and bitter. That's why we purge, if needed.

For me, it's lighting up the room until it's completely purged and won't light up anymore. Let it rest a minute or two and continue smoking.
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I just like the pretty colors. :-)
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So you don't use the actual flame as anything but entertainment and as a timing/volume indicator that the cigar is fully purged of gasses that will produce the flame.
I am not arguing the fact that purging changes a cigar, just wondering how many think the flame actually has an effect rather than act as an indicator.
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Damn Hippies. :-)
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Could the flame possibly help draw out some of the gasses being expelled? Flames require a fuel source and will search for one. Just a thought, I have no clue. :-)
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Flameless purger here. Flame during the purge would make no difference in the taste compared to a purge w/ a flame.
Plus I like to keep my eyebrows :-)
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I just like fire. Fire is so ........ mesmerizing.

I think I'm having a flashback.
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Read about and bought into the 'flamer' process initially, but found no difference. I've given up the flame.
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This is all brand new to me, I never saw anyone do a flame purge.
I purge my cigar all through the smoke just so it doesn't go lousy on me. I always purge it real well when I set it down.
I never gave it much thought, but I purge until all the smoke is clear, but I don't do it all at once because I don't want to hotbox the cigar. I have a real bad habit of getting a cigar too hot and making it go to sh1t. I ruin a lot by going crazy with the lighter, too.
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I will often use the purge time to actually relight the cigar. It usually doesn't completely come back to life, but it allows me to skip the puffs of stale smoke as I'm relighting.

This assumes the cigar went out and you wish to relight it. I understand not all purging is for unlit cigars.

If the cigar is lit and tasting bitter then I see little point in using a flame to purge.
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http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=47866
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Flameless purger here; don't taste any difference with the torch - just the extra mess.
:-)
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I always get a bit of a "charred" flavor. Am I doing something wrong? :-)

Image
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Note to self:
Don't ever ask Bob for a light.
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I use a flame when I purge, don't really have any reasoning behind it though.
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I flame when I purge, because smoking with me goes basically something like this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XchwE9zVdnw
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