Pull of air taken through the unlit cigar after cutting, also called the dry draw. It reveals both the mechanical resistance of the bunch and the raw, unburned flavors of the filler and wrapper.
Why it matters
A cold draw with no resistance means a loose bunch and probably a hot smoke, while one you cannot move means a plug; both are better caught before lighting.
In context
"The cold draw is all cocoa and hay, and the resistance is just about perfect."