Fire-I tried one of the Drew estates cigars, one of the "naturals" types, about coffe break size...was one of the worst I've ever had! Guess I'll have to go back and try another type...my local tobacconist keeps pushing them as the best for the buck...
For all the roll-your-own, pipe and cigar smokers, check out this site-
www.gatlinburlier.com I visited this place while on vacation and left a pipe smoker (with two A. Fuente opus X! also...what a great smoke). Anyway click on there link about the great tobacco coverup...some interesting data from the surgeon general that is not widely publicized ( and is positive news to certain types of smokers) Their tobacco (pipe and chew) selection is wonderful, my mission for the last few months has been to try everything they have.
On the pipe smoking technique....I find that a few tamps with a tool (or a spent 44 mag case) while smoking keeps her nice and even...rarely have to relight. If you're still having trouble try smoking some half bowls...I found that this helped at first. For more info...visit pipes.org
Smoke On!