Plume/Mold Poll Update (2019)

[Brian24]

I voted yes. I’ve had some cigars, especially tubos, that will have some dusting type of coating, likely light mold I just wipe off before lighting. 

But ive also seen something different, primarily in non tubos, that looks like oils that have secreted on the outside of the wrapper. Usually after a year or so in the original box in a coolidor. Is this plume, who knows?

[KGM]

21 minutes ago, crking3 said:

Why use the rum and not just a clean cloth? Also how does the rum not affect the wrapper ??


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Wiping it off only removes the mold you can see. It is still there and can continue to grow. Alcohol helps kill it. The alcohol evaporates very quickly. Using a towel moistened with rum does not "wet" the cigar significantly, and I have noticed zero flavor or smoking side effects. Cask strength or higher recommended to kill mold as well as evaporate quicker. Similar to common usage of a 1:1 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water to kill mold, but food grade/safe.

[Derboesekoenig]

2 hours ago, crking3 said:

Why use the rum and not just a clean cloth? Also how does the rum not affect the wrapper ??


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Check out the thread about running your cigar under the tap before smoking. Cigars are more resilient than most people realize

[BuzzArd]

On 1/26/2019 at 8:28 AM, Brian24 said:

I voted yes. I’ve had some cigars, especially tubos, that will have some dusting type of coating, likely light mold I just wipe off before lighting. 

But ive also seen something different, primarily in non tubos, that looks like oils that have secreted on the outside of the wrapper. Usually after a year or so in the original box in a coolidor. Is this plume, who knows?

Sounds like mold to me. 

[Brian24]

Sounds like mold to me. 

Yes. It probably is. But no harm in wiping it off and smoking anyway right?

[BuzzArd]

2 hours ago, Brian24 said:

Yes. It probably is. But no harm in wiping it off and smoking anyway right?

That’s exactly what I do. ??

[BJRPorter]

Prior to the study I would wipe off and smoke. After the study, I do the same, but now I look at the foot too.

[Salomones]

Marc Andre, Germany's best-known humidor builder and cigar expert, also did a study with various laboratory tests. It starts on page 5. it should be easy to google translate.

https://www.mailing-power.de/14105/C_und_G_04_2022_end.pdf

 

It begins with:

,White, also green-yellow efflorescence on the surface of the cigar has already brought many a bead of sweat to the forehead of one or the other connoisseur. It is not uncommon for reports that an entire stock of affected cigars was disposed of – after all, the cigars were moldy and could no longer be smoked. Right - if it really was mold. In fact, this is very rarely the case.'...

[Glass Half Full]

4 hours ago, Salomones said:

Marc Andre, Germany's best-known humidor builder and cigar expert, also did a study with various laboratory tests. It starts on page 5. it should be easy to google translate.

https://www.mailing-power.de/14105/C_und_G_04_2022_end.pdf

 

It begins with:

,White, also green-yellow efflorescence on the surface of the cigar has already brought many a bead of sweat to the forehead of one or the other connoisseur. It is not uncommon for reports that an entire stock of affected cigars was disposed of – after all, the cigars were moldy and could no longer be smoked. Right - if it really was mold. In fact, this is very rarely the case.'...

That was an interesting article.  Thanks!