Cigars/Dusty cigars?
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Question
Hey James. I recently bought a cab of Por Larranaga Petite Coronas. I'm pretty certain they aren't fakes. I have made purchases from the same source several times and have had no reason to doubt. The cigars smelled like Cubans...I don't know if you know what I'm talking about but Cuban cigars have that distinct taste and aroma. Everything looked good. The bands didn't look perfect but aligned nevertheless. However, the cigars seemed to have a light layer of dust or fine dirt on them. I know it's not mold or plume, because it is colorless. Any ideas?
Hi Dave,
If the box of cigars was sealed and maintained properly before you purchased it, it may most likely be plume. If the dirt/dust-like substance is a dark brown/black powder that resembles finely ground black pepper or fine dirt, check your cigars thoroughly for tobacco beetles. A fine dark powder is usually the waste left behind by burrowing tobacco beetles.
If the box was opened for prolonged periods of time in a poorly ventilated environment before it was sold to you, it may be dust and this can easily be removed by just wiping your cigars down with a slightly damp paper towel.
I'm not exactly sure what this substance is without visually examining it so if you're positive that this substance is definitely not mold or plume, you may have to inquire with your source as to what the substance may be.
If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.
Regards,
James
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James Yee
Expertise
My main area of expertise is Cuban cigars but I can also assist you with cigar etiquette, humidor maintenance and troubleshooting. Unsure of a certain cigar brand? Wondering what a certain cigar tastes like? Have any questions about Cuban cigars? Just let me know! I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. (NOTE: My main focus is on premium, hand-rolled cigars and not cheap, machine made, convenience store cigars.) IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE CIGAR OR CIGAR-RELATED APPRAISALS. If you have a vintage cigar item and you want to know if it's worth something, please contact an antique dealer that specializes in "TOBACCIANA".
Experience
I currently have 19 dedicated years of cigar smoking and counting. I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. For 5 years, I studied with Cuban torcedores (rollers), catadores (taste testers) and revisadores (inspectors) on every aspect involving the production of the Cuban cigar and I am currently writing a book that will help beginners understand everything they need to know about cigars and cigar smoking.
Publications
Maple Leaf Gardens: Memories & Dreams 1931-1999 (1999; ISBN: 0920445616)
50 Things Every Guy Should Know How To Do (2006; ISBN: 0452286654)
The [London] Times (October 8, 2009)
Education/Credentials
B.A. University of Toronto
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