Expert: James Yee - 12/9/2010

Question
Hi James,

Thank you for replying with such detail. I do have a few more questions. I counted 12 cigars effected by this problem. Most of them are cracked or split at the foot, however, I do have one that is cracked throughout most of the cigar. Not too bad that it can't be smoked, but good enough for me to be worried. There are also a few where the wrap is peeling off. Is there a way to repair this? Or could I cut the end off to prevent further splitting? Or should I just smoke them asap?

I am pretty lucky not to have mold started throughout my cigars. Though I had one, but from what I have read and seen, its not a fuzzy substance. Its more or less flat and shiney, so I am going with bloom(plume). I did put it in a bag and sealed it just to make sure.

I appreciate your help.
Cort

Answer
Hi Cort,

Cracked cigars can indeed be repaired.  What you can do is purchase a bottle of Cigar Dr. (or any type of vegetable glue) to repair your cigars.  Cigar Dr. is a clear,  non-toxic liquid that allows tobacco leaves to adhere to each other.  To repair a cracked or unraveling wrapper leaf, simply brush a bit of Cigar Dr. under the torn wrapper leaf and press firmly.  Let the repair dry before smoking the cigar.  Cigar Dr. is available at most cigar stores and tobacconists.  

As an alternative, you can also use pectin to repair damaged cigars.  Like Cigar Dr., pectin is clear, odorless and flavourless so it won't compromise the flavour of your cigars when you smoke them.  (Pectin is more commonly used as a gelling agent in making jams and jellies and can be found in the baking goods section at most supermarkets.)

I hope this helps!  As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James