Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 3/24/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Bill,
I've done extensive reading on storing my aluminum tubed cigars in my humidor (in the tube, out, open, etc) and found that the advice is pretty much 50/50.  The question is generally whether or not a cigar will dry out.  My question is a bit different.  Is there a chance leaving the cigar in the tube will cause it to retain TOO MUCH humidity.  Does the tube hold in more moisture without allowing it to escape?  Some of my tubed Macanudos seem to be getting some slight mold growth (my humidor is at 69%) after 4 months.  I know it's not bloom because the shape of the growth is round and symmetrical, about the size of a small aspirin.  The color is white but slightly furry (still in early stage development).  I was able to wipe off to salvage but want to avoid further complications.

Thanks for the advice!!!

ANSWER: Greg,

When you received the cigars, they should have been at the proper relative humidity, and if your humidor is also at the proper humidity the cigars should not become too humid - they cannot gain more humidity inside the tubes than they would outside of the tubes.

That being said, I have seen a lot more problems with mold on cigars in tubes than on cellophaned cigars. My feeling is that the cigars were probably packed a little more humid than they should have been and the sealed tube does not allow air to circulate and let them even out. This is a relatively common problem - mold in the tubes - so if you are going to store them for a long period of time I do suggest that you take them out of the tubes first. Keep the tubes so that you will have them in case you want to take the cigars with you to the golf course, restaurant... The tubes are an excellent way to protect them from damage.

Hope this helps.
Bill

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Bill,

Thank you so much for the timely response!  My follow up question is whether or not smoking a cigar that was (minimally) molded and dusted off is harmful. What can happen to you?  I'm talking about slight growth on the wrap (not in the foot) that you easily wipe away w/ a tissue.
Thanks again!

Answer
Greg,

I'm really not an expert on mold, but I have smoked many cigar that had slight mold growth on the wrapper with no side effects. I have also smoked cigars that were really moldy - like moldy through the filler, and while they didn't make me sick they tasted bad. I think you are fine smoking cigars that you wiped off, but again since I am not an expert in that area I don't want to guarantee you that it is safe.

Sorry about such an iffy answer - hope it helps.

Bill