Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 2/15/2009

Question
Kindly tell me why do i have on some of my cigars a little white stuff on the top of it, but others in the Humidor don't have?

Answer
Cesar,

The white stuff is either mold or is the paste that the cigar maker uses to seal the wrapper at the head of the cigar. If it is mold, it will wipe off easily. If it is the paste it won't come off. There are 2 different types of paste cigar makers use, one that will leave that white residue and one that drys clear. Typically the one that turns white is not used for finishing a cigar, but sometimes on a very heavy/stiff wrapper leaf they will use the white paste to help hold the leaf down.

If it is the white paste, the cigars should be safe to smoke. If it is mold on the surface of the cigars, just wipe it off and they should be ok. If the cigars are moldy in the filler, you shouldn't smoke them. If you're not sure if they are moldy inside, cut the top of one and draw some air through it. if it tastes musty, then the cigars are not worth smoking.

Let me know if you need more help.

Bill