Experiment

[Rushman]

Ok guys and gals, time for an experiment. While thankfully its been a long time since I had any beetle issues, I did have some sticks tucked away in the deep freeze that had some beetle damage.

So here is what I did. I tapped the cigars to try to remove as much of the dust as possible. I had my brother in law replace the wrapper with the same Cuban leaf he uses on his cigars at his factory, replace the band, etc.

So, what will the smoking experience be with these. Some are well aged despite spending almost a year in the deep freeze. Sure, the draw might have a bit of left over dust but hopefully a decent smoke.

To clarify, these were packed well in air tight freezer bags and show absolutely no signs of freezer issues.

What's the thought here. Anyone think they will be worth smoking?

Included in the bunch are things like Epi 2's, RyJ belicosos, monte Robusto EL 2006, sancho belicosos, Hoyo palmas extra, bolivar cg's, party Lusi's and cuaba piramides EL 2008.

I'm hoping these are decent smokes.

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[theholmesmob]

I reckon they'll be fine, although I'm no expert by any stretch.

When I think about it, can it be much different to eating a tiny critter in your salad accidentally?

[Rushman]

I reckon they'll be fine, although I'm no expert by any stretch.

When I think about it, can it be much different to eating a tiny critter in your salad accidentally?

Well the critters in this instance are gone. Eggs and larvae might still be there but eggs are always present I guess. Of course now I won't eat a salad without thinking about critters!

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[nikesupremedunk]

Always wondered why you can't smoke cigars with beetle damage? Is it cause the smoke will just seep out of the holes or is it cause it's "just nasty"?

Also, did the beetles damage your cigars while it was in the freezer?

[CaptainQuintero]

Always wondered why you can't smoke cigars with beetle damage? Is it cause the smoke will just seep out of the holes or is it cause it's "just nasty"?

Also, did the beetles damage your cigars while it was in the freezer?

I've always been of the school that you can still smoke beetle-damaged cigars as long as the physical construction is still ok to smoke, ie not like a cheese grater. You smoke cigars all the time with dead bugs and grubs in them.

[Rushman]

Always wondered why you can't smoke cigars with beetle damage? Is it cause the smoke will just seep out of the holes or is it cause it's "just nasty"?

Also, did the beetles damage your cigars while it was in the freezer?

No, I immediately put them through the fridge/freeze cycle once I found the damage to (1) stop further damage and (2) isolate the cigars from other stocks

In these cases, the were a few errant holes - no cheese grater, no obvious feel of underfill after they ate their way through the stick.

I might try one tonight and we shall see

[Rushman]

I've always been of the school that you can still smoke beetle-damaged cigars as long as the physical construction is still ok to smoke, ie not like a cheese grater. You smoke cigars all the time with dead bugs and grubs in them.

YUM

[kuzi16]

i mean... worst case here is you try and fail.

if the cigars were "already gone" in your mind there is nothing to lose. I suspect that there will be draw issues and burn issues. if you are ok with that then you will probably have some level of success.

[Jszeto]

Please give us an update when you try em. I would really like to know what 1 year of deep freeze does to a cigar. Thanks!

[nikesupremedunk]

Hmm another question...

I have some sticks that range from 3-4 to 10+ years. If they haven't hatched by now, can I assume they won't hatch in the future?

Also, does anyone know what year did HSA start freezing their cigars?

I ask this because my storage temp is around 70-75 degrees but in the summer it can creep up to 85+.

[Rushman]

Hmm another question...

I have some sticks that range from 3-4 to 10+ years. If they haven't hatched by now, can I assume they won't hatch in the future?

Also, does anyone know what year did HSA start freezing their cigars?

I ask this because my storage temp is around 70-75 degrees but in the summer it can creep up to 85+.

I don't think that's a safe assumption. If they were frozen properly once and have never been in contact with beetles from other cigars I say the answer is yes they are safe. If not, not safe.

If you have endured heat that high without an outbreak I think your ok.

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[Rushman]

So I smoked the first of the long term frozen new wrapper beetle damaged cigars in this experiment.

Smoked a Por Larranaga Robusto Regional Alemania (2010). I've only smoked one or two of these before.

Notes of wood and a bit of cracker - sometimes sweet but mostly not Very mild through the half point and medium to finish. Wonderful burn, perfect slightly firm draw. This cigar has muted flavors to begin with so not sure if this was the best example to see if shlomo was correct in an above post.

Really enjoyable smoking experience. Wife and I shared it (90% me / 10% her) with some cafe lattes at Ah Cacao Chocolate Cafe in PDC, Mex.

Absolutely nubbed it.

Next up will either be an Epi 2, Siglo VI or a Monte Edmundo.

Here is hoping the rest of this experiment will be as nice. It's like finding money in your laundry!

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[ritan]

Glad to hear its working out.

I don't suppose the PL Robusto went 'pop...pop...crackle' anytime during the smoke, did it?

[Fuzz AI]

Once smoked a cigar with a beetle hole. Had to keep my finger over the hole (near the band) to get a proper draw. Little bugger must have had a field day under the wrapper as the hole was letting in more air than at the foot!

[Paul3]

I don't think that's a safe assumption. If they were frozen properly once and have never been in contact with beetles from other cigars I say the answer is yes they are safe. If not, not safe.

If you have endured heat that high without an outbreak I think your ok.

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I have searched and found much information on the lifecycle of the odious cigar beetle, but have not found information on just how long eggs and/or larvae can remain dormant. Certainly there must be an amount of time that defines just how long these little dudes can remain dormant before simple nutritional requirements require them to hatch or die.

[CanuckSARTech]

...Also, does anyone know what year did HSA start freezing their cigars?

It was sometime mid-2005 or so. But, as with anything Cuba, the roll out was spotty. Anything with a box code from 2007 onwards was/should have been put through the freezing process by them.

However, for my 2 cents, I still go through a freezing process for all my cigars.

[Rushman]

Photos from last nights beetle resurrected PL Robusto Regional Alemania

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[Rushman]

2nd cigar in this experiment is a connie #1 smoking well so far

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