Expert: James Yee - 6/2/2008

Question
What exactly is the "pinch test"?  What am I looking for when I pinch?  How hard (or light) should I be pinching?  I have tried pinching cigars that were weeks at 65%, some that were 75%, and some that were stored at a nice consisent 70%.  I can't seem to tell the difference...

Answer
Hi Greg,

The pinch test (aka "squeeze test") is determine how soft a cigar is from humidification.  It also helps us determine whether or not the humidor's humidity is too high or too low.  When conducting the pinch test, you need to gently squeeze the foot of the cigar with your thumb and index finger and observe how soft the foot is by its reaction.  Cigars that have been stored at high humidity levels (77% or greater) will be extremely soft and mushy and retain much of its squeezed shape after being pinched.  Cigars that have been extensively stored at low humidity levels (63% or less) will be harder, feel almost brittle and have little reaction to your pinch.  In many cases, dry cigars will feel like they will crack at the slightest squeeze.  Cigars stored at the ideal level (70%) will be firm and spongey.  When you gently pinch the foot of a properly humidified cigar, the foot will compress and then instantly spring back to its original shape when you release.

When using the pinch test, it's important that you "gently squeeze" and only squeeze enough to make the tip of the foot slightly compress.  Do not squeeze the foot closed.  The pinch test requires a delicate touch and squeezing too hard can indeed damage the cigars; especially dry cigars that are in a very sensitive state.

Many people prefer to use the pinch test when browsing for cigars at cigar stores.  If the cigar is hard and not responsive to the pinch, it means that the cigar is too dry, possibly too tight and plugged and may be problematic during smoking.  If the cigar is firm and spongey, it is perfect for smoking.  If the cigar is too mushy, the cigar may be underfilled or the humidor's humidity level may be set too high.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James