Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 12/9/2009

Question
Mr. Finck,

I am a member of a cigar forum and several members have raised questions about cigar wrappers being dyed to make maduros more appealing. Also, it has been raised whether manufacturers introduce additives to the tobacco to make it burn better. Since, you are a manufacturer, I would like for you to please clarify whether this is a common occurrence in the industry.

I am by no means suggesting that you do this, but maybe you can give me an insiders knowledge on such. It is my opinion that adding such chemicals to cigars could damage a manufacturers reputation and would not be worth doing, but I am sure it is possible.

Thank you in advance.  

Answer


Jerry,

There is a process that uses an alcohol based solution to darken tobacco. It is not a true dye, but is a chemical process that darkens the leaf. I belive that there is also a process that uses a dye to turn tobacco black, although I have never seen this particular system.

As far as burn agents go, I've never heard of anyone using them in cigars. They are common in cigarettes, which is why you can light a cigarette and it will burn all the way to the filter even if you don't puff on it. I don't believe anyone uses this chemical in cigars.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Bill