Expert: James Yee - 2/18/2008

Question
Hello
Just wanted to ask that some of my cigars can be soft when pressed, it springs back to shape, so are they ok or is it to much humidity thats doing this?
Also now and again i get soft spots on the cigars,the whole stick is firm just a little part of it can be soft and mushy, what is causing this?
Last question if you could only chose one box to buy, what would it be: Bolivar Royal Coronas or Ramon Allones Specially Selected. If you can tell me why...

THANK YOU so much for your help

Answer
Hi Mario,

To answer your questions:

1/ If the cigar springs back to shape, then it is perfectly fine.  Well-humidified cigars are firm but “spongy” and will spring back to shape if you squeeze the cigar foot firmly.  Cigars that are over-humidified however, are too soft and mushy and usually do not retain their shape.

2/ Soft spots in a cigar are the result of the cigar having gaps and pockets inside the filler tobacco.  It’s important to remember that premium cigars are handmade and sometimes the filler tobacco can be bunched by a cigar roller in a certain way that folds and ripples in the tobacco leaves can form pockets and gaps in the filler tobacco.  This can create soft spots in a cigar as well as cause a cigar’s draw to be too tight or too loose.  Cigars that are under-filled can also have soft spots which can cause a crooked cigar burn or loose draw.  Even though these soft spots can be a common occurrence with premium cigars, there really isn’t anything you can do to fix it.

3/ If I could only choose one box between Bolivar Royal Coronas or Ramon Allones Specially Selected, I would personally choose the Royal Coronas.  In my experience, Bolivar Royal Coronas age incredibly well and can promote more plume and flavour growth than Ramon Allones Specially Selected.  In recent years, Bolivar cigars such as the Royal Corona, Belicoso Finos and even Bonitas have also been extremely dark (ie: Maduro-quality) and oily which is big bonus.  Ramon Allones Specially Selected pack a lot of initial flavour and strength but really can’t get any better in terms of aging.  Bolivar on the other hand, start out strong and flavourful and becomes even better the more you age them.

Hopes this answers your questions.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I’ll be help.

Regards,
James