Expert: M J Robbins - 12/31/2009

Question
I have reduced my cigar smoking over the years and I have noticed a white powder like residue on some of My cigars. I have seen this in times past on cigars in some retail humidors. Is this mold, and if so are the cigars ruined? Also what caused this and what can I do to prevent/fix the problem.

Sincerely,

Tim Sherlock

Answer
I just got back in town

This mold is prevalent on cigars.
Remember to change the humidity device every 2 years to keep it fresh and clean-imagine a big moist sponge sitting in your humidor for 2 years.
White stuff can be cleaned off with Rubbing alcohol. Take a clean cloth and dab alcohol on it - wipe the whole cigar and dab the tip. Let it dry on the counter for about 2 hours and return it to the humidor. Hope you changed the device also.
Leave the cigars wrapped in the plastic if they come that way and they are better protected. Keep the cigars in a cool place to keep mold growth down, but even in my Refrigerated humidor where the temperature is 65 degrees it still occurs rarely among the 25,000 cigars.
I noticed that the Boveda device, I swear by, keeps mold growth down and even when left in the garage in a plastic container at high heat the cigars did not develop mold. Get 2 - 69% Boveda and lay them right on top of the cigars to keep them perfect and control mold.

Mike